Hi all, I would really love to get some intel on Île de Ré from anyone who has holidayed there before. I am in the process of booking 8 or so days to France at the start of July with our three kids (4, 7 and 9). This is the first time we will have done a driving holiday, so really welcome any tips or advice from those in the know!!
So far my plan is as follows -
Sat 4th July
Morning Dover - Calais Ferry
Calais - Angers - 5hrs 15 mins - Stop en route for lunch, i've heard services are meant to be fab and have playgrounds and good food?
Stay overnight in Angers
Sun 5th July
Angers - Puy du Fou - 1hrs 10min
Full Day at Puy du Fou theme park - www.puydufou.com
Stay overnight at Puy du Fou
Mon 6th July - Thurs 9th July
Morning at Puy du Fou
Puy du Fou - Île de Ré - 1hr 50 mins
Staying 3 x nights at - Huttopia Chardons Blue *But I have been reading tripadvisor reviews and not sure now about this campsite (apparently quite tired and chalets are small) and wondering if anyone has any better recommendations on family glamping, ideally with a pool and near the beach??
**Also just been looking into either La Rochelle or d'Oléron as a possible first stop instead for a few nights, and then onto Île de Ré, any reccos on the beach that could suit?
Thurs 9th July - Sun 12th July
Check out of Huttopia Chardons Blue - La Phare - 35 mins
Staying 3 x nights at - https://www.lephare-iledere.com/en
Sun 12th July
Depart La Phare - Calais 7hrs 20 mins - stop for lunch and activity somewhere around Le Mans?? *Is this drive too much with small kids, should we overnight on the way back to Calais?
PM Calais - Dover
We could also add a few extra days on to this trip if the above sounds too tight?
Would love any recommendations on places to visit on Re, best beaches, restaurants, things to see with kids etc.
Thank you so so much!