places to visit around la pignade

For more places of interest it’s worth sneaking a peek at the Les Charmettes pages as well, since it’s not far from here.

Royan

Royan is a good-time resort with lovely beaches and a lively atmosphere. It has two casinos, a big marina, five beaches and numerous restaurants. Worth a visit is the ‘Parc des Jardins du Monde’ where your children can ‘ooh and ah’ over bonsais, orchids and all manner of unusual plants.

But the thing I love most about Royan is the blue and white striped tents on the beaches, which make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time - though thankfully without the embarrassment of having to wear the knee-length swimming costumes.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is as pretty as its name and well-equipped for keeping the whole family entertained. There are great shops, lots of restaurants, beaches and a huge aquarium. The tanks in the aquarium have transparent tunnels running through them, so you can see the sealife swimming around you. Wow! There is also a natural history museum, full of an interesting mix of stuffed animals, shells and African masks. A good place to while away a few hours if the sun goes in.

Saintes

Buildings in Saintes are old and lovely. The amphitheatre here dates from around the 1st century and is big, nearly as big as the Coliseum in Rome. It’s the ideal place for your children to re-enact their favourite scenes from ‘Gladiator’, and they’re probably a lot cuter than Russell Crowe.

Phare des Baleines

Cycle and hiking routes rule supreme on the Ile de Ré. There is a fantastic view from the top of the 150 year old lighthouse, Phare des Baleines - which means ‘Lighthouse of the Whales’. Though I’m sure not many whales would be able to manoeuvre themselves up the 250 steps to the top. Back on the ground you could also visit the lovely old harbours and “ânes en culottes”, which translates - honestly - as ‘donkeys in trousers’. Go. See for yourself.

rubber castle

If the idea of studying at Hogwarts with Harry Potter appeals to your children, Marennes could help them indulge this fantasy. It has an 18th century castle, Château de la Gataudiere (which was apparently built by the man who introduced rubber to France), but sadly no magical creatures!

Fort Boyard, Phare de Chassirons, Phare de Cordouran, Mornac sur Seudre...

on your way back home why not visit futuroscope.. one of the leading tourist attractions in france

Thrills, imagination, discovery.. at Futuroscope, choose amongst more than 30 fascinating experiences to amuse yourself while exploring another world. New for 2008, dare to try the all new experiences; the topsy-turvy world of the 'Castle of Giddiness', get up very close to 'Dinosaurs', fly at high speed around the Artic circle with the 'Lapland Express' and live out a world exclusive extraordinary experience 'Animals of the Future'.

distance to beaches

• Ronce-les-Bains (1 mile)
• Plage de le Cèpe (1 mile)
• Plage de l’Embellie (3 miles)
• Plage du Galon D’or (3 miles)
• Pointe Espagnol, Côte Sauvage (4 miles)