Villa De La Camaraderie

With restaurants and a weekly market just a stroll away and the sweeping sandy beaches of the Vendée coastline within a very short drive, Villa de la Camaraderie is a delight for multi-generational families or a group of friends with a particular emphasis on child-friendly features in this beautiful holiday home.

Expect homely comforts alongside touches of elegance across this 6-bedroom villa ideal for eight adults in four inviting doubles and up to seven children across the two children’s bedrooms. The lounge is great for a movie night with its Smart TV and extensive DVD library whilst the kitchen is brilliantly equipped for all your family needs, including the all-important Nespresso machine and wine cooler. The playroom is bound to bring hours of fun as children discover toys, dressing-up clothes, a château themed ball pit and chalkboard. Pretty windows open out to the south facing terrace and chimney-style barbecue making leisurely al-fresco dining a joy as little ones play.

Outside, the enclosed garden offers space beneath the trees for games on the grass and a fenced-in swimming pool which can be heated together with an indulgent hot tub just for the grown-ups. You can also make the most of the park next door with its play equipment, pétanque court, ping-pong and room for a kick around.

Wander a few minutes into the heart of the small local village which comes alive with summer festivities, not to mention its weekly market (twice-weekly in the summer) where you can find fresh regional produce including seafood from the Atlantic coast. Pick up your morning croissants from the boulangerie, stop off for a coffee in the village square, shop in the nearby supermarket and dine out in welcoming French bistros.

Of course there’s the glorious sandy beaches so near, just 5 to 10-minutes by car whether you are seeking remote spots for scenic surfing or family-friendly blue-flag beaches with snack bars and a diverse range of watersports. Walk down the seaside promenade in La Tranche-sur-Mer, 13km away, with its ‘Famille Plus’ designation, perhaps followed by sandcastle building, pedalo hire and even a try at paddle boarding, sea-kayaking or kite-surfing.  

The edge of the peaceful Marais Poitevin is close by, perfect for canoeing and kayaking along its waterways, or discover this protected 100,000-hectare nature reserve on foot, bike or by boat. The beauty of Île de Ré also awaits, easily reached by summer boat from La Tranche-sur-Mer, or drive two hours north to experience the wines, châteaux and heritage of the Loire valley.

Then there’s France’s largest tree-top activity centre within half an hour as well as several family attractions including go-karting, water parks and a wealth of adventures for every age.