One of the most beautiful south coast beaches on Ile-de-Ré is just 50 metres away when you stay at the Interlude-Sunélia campsite near the village of Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

Part of the Sunélia group of 3*, 4* and 5* campsites across France, Interlude offers a range of cottage-style accommodation on a 7 and a half-hectare site which is open from April until September.

This is a great break for families with a huge range of on-site sports and entertainment activities to choose from, as well as the glorious sands of Bois-Plage where you can chill out or get active with games and watersports.

Hire a sailing boat for an offshore view of this glorious island or rent bikes to explore the 100km of level cycling tracks that wind past marshes and salt pans, pretty villages and lighthouses.

Just a short pedal to the north side of the island brings you to La Flotte with its pretty harbour lined with cafes.

Classified amongst the Most Beautiful Villages in France, it’s also home to a colourful produce market – an atmospheric place to stock up with edible souvenirs.

[+] How to get to Ile de Ré

Meet the local donkeys at Du Coq à l’Ane in the Marais Poitevin

Few children can resist a donkey and the Poitou-Charentes region is home to some of the most enchanting. Stay amongst these shaggy brown ‘Baudet de Poitou’ at Du Coq à l’Ane in Saint-Georges-de-Rex. Situated in the heart of the Marais Poitevin marshland, Du Coq à l’Ane offers various styles of family-friendly accommodation alongside a rare breeds farm and artisan soap workshop.

The cosy gîte sleeps 2-4 people with a double bed on the mezzanine and a sofa bed and kitchenette below. Relax on the terrace or enjoy a barbecue whilst you watch the donkeys - you might even be lucky enough to see a foal. Alternatively, book one of three bright B&B bedrooms, a Mongolian style Yurt for four, or the Canadian adventure tent for five. Yurt and tent both have electricity and heating with shared toilets and showers – family camping with all mod cons.

Watch owner Christelle Cornet make soap from pure donkey milk in the tiny workshop; learn about the seven French breeds of donkey; feed the friendly local goats; and collect the hens’ eggs. You can even go walking with a donkey who will obligingly carry your picnic. An unforgettable way to enjoy France’s ‘Green Venice’.

[+] How to get to the Marais Poitevin