Les Roulottes de la Bosselerie

If it’s rural ramblings you’re after, there are plenty of little country lanes around these parts for easy walks or bike rides. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, should flock to the Lac de Grand Lieu 20 minutes' drive away, to visit the wildlife exhibition and look out for the various bird species from the observatory. In the opposite direction it’s 15 minutes or thereabouts to the little clutch of vineyards and wineries around the Maine and Sèvre rivers, for pleasants day of pottering, sipping and purchasing. If you’ve brought bikes, it’s perhaps an even finer idea to cycle over there (it'll take you half an hour or so). For some town time, take a trip to Clisson (around 20 minutes' drive) to stroll through its medieval streets, visit the fortified château and maybe paddle along the river in a canoe or kayak. Or set a course for Nantes, also 20 minutes away, to walk on the ramparts of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and visit the history museum. For something a little calmer, take the 45-minute drive to the coast and the sandy beaches at Les Moutiers-en-Retz and La Bernerie-en-Retz, or head to Pornic to wander round the fishing harbour, see the historic fishing huts and visit the medieval castle.