Camping La Baie

Hire a traditional wooden punt to float down the waterways and tree-shaded canals of the Marais Poitevin Regional Natural Park (20 minutes’ drive), or catch a dressage performance at Haras de la Vendée (45 minutes), where Arabian horses are put through their paces. Brush up on local history with a visit to the medieval jousting and falconry events at sprawling Castle Talmont (40 minutes), once home to Richard the Lionheart. There are self-guided tours of the romantic ruins at Maillezais Abbey (an hour), and the kids can learn more about regional heritage during the dramatic themed shows at Puy du Fou (an hour and 15 minutes). Alternatively, spend your days on the sands – Les Sables-d’Olonne (50 minutes) is a popular choice, You can also hire watersports gear on the beach at L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer (15 minutes by bike), and learn to sail dinghies, paddleboard or kitesurf.