Our large family stayed in two of the houses at Les Hiboux, near Chef Boutonne (L'Hibou and Le Noisetier) as the houses could be connected. The facilities available meant that we could spend the two weeks relaxing, rather than driving to other places to entertain the children.

The swimming pool was large enough for everyone to enjoy, with lots of loungers for sunbathing.

The beautiful gardens featured a little stream, fish pond (safely fenced off), two boules strips, trampoline, football pitch, climbing frame, treehouse and space for the children to run around.

There is table tennis in one barn and a games rooom with darts, pool, table football and a range of bats, rackets, croquet, etc. that could be taken outside.

The bike shed held lots of bicycles ranging in size that could be used.

I would highly recommend this venue for a family holiday. The location is beautiful and there is so much here to keep the children entertained. We will definitely be going back.

www.leshiboux.com
Nearest airport La Rochelle - cheap flights through RyanAir.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

This is a lovely holiday cottage with pool and large gardens, suitable for couples and families with children.

Set in the beautiful, quiet Charente countryside but close to nature and wildlife parks, Futuroscope theme park, Puy du Fou, etc. Surrounded by fascinating picturesque villages. Lovely days out to Poitiers, La Rochelle, Angouleme, Cognac, the Marais Poitevin, Confolens.

Good value accommodation combining ancient character and modern comforts at an affordable price.

Villegats, Ruffec, 16700 Charente France.
www.charenteholidaycottage.iowners.net
Tel +44 (0)191 5192257

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

Eurocamp is a fun campsite where they have loads of different things to do. When I go there we always take our bikes and go with some friends so we cycle all round the site and get to know our way around.

You can also hire bikes which makes it easier.

There is a swimming pool with slides and a water fountain! There is a lake there and you can hire a canoe (especailly fun for water fights).

There is also lots of fun stuff to do outside of the site so you can go to some of the lovely beaches around.

It is a family place so everyone enjoys it.

www.eurocamp.co.uk and search for the south Vendee.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

As one of Europe's premier aquariums Aquarium La Rochelle knows it has to impress the visitors who dish out 10 euros at the cashier. The aquarium will not disappoint. Spectacular stuff. You enter through an 'elevator' which simulates a ride deep into the sea. When you emerge you are in a tunnel surrounded by water. From there on in it gets better.

Open 365 days a year.
Situated walking distance from the Old Harbour and the Train Station.
Bassin des Grands Yachts - BP4
17002 La Rochelle
Tel: 33 (0)5 46 34 00 00
W: www.aquarium-larochelle.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

If you're in La Rochelle and need a quick beach trip then Les Minimes is the best option. Take the cosy little harbour boat (bus du mer - 1.70 euros each way) from the Old Harbour (near the La Chaine tower) to the Les Minimes port and the beach is a hundred metres from the quay. It isn't massive but its proximity to La Rochelle makes it attractive. And it is cleaner than the beach on the La Rochelle side.

Les Minimes Port itself is the largest pleasure boat harbour in France with room for 3500 yachts.

10 minutes by harbour boat from the Old Harbour in La Rochelle.

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

You've probably seen it on the telly - every country in Europe has had its version of the adventure game show which takes place on Napoleon's ill-fated oval fort. While you can't visit the fort a refreshing sailing trip can be had from La Rochelle (and Roquefort and Ile d'Oleron). The boat sails past and stops at the quaint Ile d'Aix before heading back to La Rochelle. Takes 2 hours. Great if the weather is hot. Costs 18 euros for adults.

Several companies make the trip. We tried Inter Iles. Departures from just outside the city walls past the little La Chaine tower on the Old Harbour.
www.inter-iles.com

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

La Rochelle offers a mind-blowing number of eating options. The closer to the harbour, the more expensive it gets. For a decent priced quality feed, try Le Madrigal. Wonderful pizza, small, friendly and cheapish. Decent kid's menu, too.

18 rue Bletterie
17000 La Rochelle
Tel: 05 46 41 08 28

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends

We wanted a week in La Rochelle in our own flat and the Comfort Hotel St-Nicolas provided us with a perfect studio for our little family of three. Reasonably priced at 392 euros (245 in off season) and impeccably located in the fantastic and charming St-Nicolas quarter - a stone's throw from everything. The studios are just around the corner from the hotel proper and their facilities (breakfast, free internet, bar) are available to studio guests.

13 rue Sardinerie
17000 La Rochelle
Tel: 05 46 71 55
E: comfort.larochelle@wanadoo.fr
www.comforthotel-larochelle.com/en/accueil.htm

I agreeI disagree

1.  
2. Send to friends