Camping Le Merval

La Rochelle is half an hour’s drive from Le Merval and is well worth exploring. Make sure you see the medieval towers guarding the town and pay a visit to the many different ports along the seafront, then stop in at the highly recommended robot and maritime museums. Once you’re at La Rochelle, go that little bit further and head over to Île de Ré for 100 kilometres of cycle paths, salt marshes, villages and a spectacular old lighthouse. Speaking of old things, history buffs should explore the stunning abbeys at Saint Michel en l’Herm and Nieul sur l’Autise… If the kids are tiring of all the nature and history – philistines – there’s plenty to keep them entertained nearby: make your way to Indian Forest adventure park, Natur’Zoo at Mervent, O’Gliss waterpark and Château des Aventurier, all within 40 minutes, or venture further afield with a trip to Le Puy de Fou just over an hour away. If you don’t have the kids trailing behind, you get to enjoy a more grownup adventure – the adventure of going to a load of vineyards… Get your designated driver to bring you to Les Vignobles Mercier, Vignobles Mourat and Château de Rosnay, all within 30 minutes of Le Merval.