Hotel Valdys Thalasso & SPA - Les Pins 4*

The Hotel Valdys Thalasso & SPA - Les Pins is 300m from a lovely beach and overlooks the golf course in the family-friendly resort of St Jean de Monts. It has spacious bedrooms all with king size bed and balcony, a gastronomic restaurant and a heated outdoor pool (May-Oct) plus direct access to the water therapy centre with it's seawater pool heated to 32°C, sauna, steam room and gym. Pet accepted 15€/night.

The seaside resort of St Jean de Monts on the popular Vendée coast boasts an 8km long beach of fine sand backed by dunes, pine trees and a lively promenade and is particularly popular with families because the sea here is very calm with an absence of breakers and strong currents. Activities include sand yachting, windsurfing and sailing plus a tree climbing activity centre and, on hot days, the nearby pine forest offers a cool refuge for walking, riding or cycling. In the town centre there is a choice of restaurants, bars, boutiques and small shops as well as a twice weekly market (daily in summer).

For more lively surroundings, head south along the coast to Les Sables d'Olonne, an expanding, very busy resort with lots of shops, restaurants, hotels and high-rise buildings. Other excursions could include the Ile d'Yeu or the Ile de Noirmoutier as well as the fascinating medieval theme park, Puy du Fou which is approximately a 90 minute drive inland and makes an enjoyable day out for all the family.