Les Mas de Saint Hilaire

Good standard of modern accommodation in terraces of whitewashed villas, each with private enclosed yard, comfortable and well equipped although our kitchen lacked an oven. The long sandy beach is less than 10 minutes stroll over the dunes, through the pine trees, and the promenade at St Jean de Monts is within easy drive/cycle.

We went relatively late in the season (first week of September); many of the local amenities within walking distance - such as MarcheU supermarkets, restaurants, bike hire and kids amusements - had closed down for the season during that week and the children's club had finished.

The complex has about 150 villas, each sleeping between 4 and 6 people, all sharing one central pool and a kids' splash pool - which I could imagine might get quite busy in peak season although the waterpark is only a short walk away. Amenities on site are otherwise fairly limited (laundry, bread delivery and ice cream), you can hire essentials such as linen and towels rather than transport your own and arrange cleaning. Secure entry gate and being car-free beyond the carparks make it family friendly.