Beaches and the coast are an easy drive away from our Family Friendly gites

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The coast is just an easy hours drive away (and please note that this is a driving time within the speed limits !) There are beaches all along the coast from La Rochelle down to Royan

The islands of Oleron and Re are also popular for their beaches. They take slightly longer to get to particularly in summer as traffic over the bridge - particularly to Ile de Oleron, can be quite heavy. Top tip - go early !

Our favourite beach is just outside Meschers just south of Royan - door to door its one hours drive. Even less when the new road is finished. Its great, particularly at low tide when the rocks create fab rock pools full of tiny fish, shrimp and crabs. Theres also a small headland which when you paddle around you discover an amazing cave complete with blow hole - brilliant for keping the children entertained.

To visit the Ile de Ré requires you to pay a toll over the bridge. This makes it a much more peaceful and slightly less touristy island to visit. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna and boasts more than one wildlife park. The Phare Des Baleines is one of the tallest lighthouses in France (55 meters) and has 250 steps to the top, where you have a great view of the mainland and the islands salt marshes. The island's still produces around 2,000 tons of salt every year. The islands also boasts some fine churches and well preserved fortifications from the Middle Ages.

The peninsula of Fouras, stretches from Yves Bay to the Charente River. It is also historically interesting and has long been a heavily, fortified area. Originally the fortifcations were needed to fight off the Normans and then the British. Nowadays, the only invaders are tourists. There is a great view from the fort, along the coast to La Rochelle and across to the islands. This area also boasts four large beaches and lots of woodland.

Oléron is the largest of the islands. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Romans called the island "Ularius" which it is thought to of developed into Oléron. For a time the island was under British rule, but it was returned to France in the 14th Century and later became a Protestant stronghold. Like most of this part of the coast the island was heavily fortified and the Château Fort is a lasting reminder of this time

Oléron is now linked to the mainland by a road bridge, so you can easily visit the island and enjoy the beaches, the fishing or the forest. There are numerous footpaths in the forest where you can explore or a favourite with children - Le Petit Train Touristique Forestier which will take you along the dunes and the beaches and through the forest.

Chatelaillon de la plage is another popular place for its beaches and probably one of the closest. In summer it has a fun fair atmosphere with lots of activities going on for the children.

Contact Chris and Wendy Blakeman on oo 33 546330902 or email us at wendyblakeman@googlemail.com