Although we are in a very rural area where it can sometimes feel as though there are more tractors than cars, we are blessed to be just 20 minutes away from some wonderful activities for children. 

The Abbaye de Fontdouce offers tree climbing and zipwire courses for children and adults (children as young as 3 years old can participate) as well as activities on the ground such as laser tag, archery and bubble football. Open from early April to early November (check their website for dates and hours), the site also offers tours of the abbey for those who prefer a walk to treetop adventures. The Activity Park gets very busy during the summer, so be sure to book online, and try to arrive at opening time. You can pack a picnic (there are a small number of tables, but plenty of grassy areas) or purchase snacks on-site. In summer months there is a small food truck. For adults, jazz and classical music concerts are held from May through September.

In the picturesque village of Saint Savinien is the small amusement park on the Ile de la Grenouillette, open from April – September. The park offers two main attractions: miniature boating on a small lake (an adult must accompany a child/children), and an amusement park with rides for small children (carousel, go-karts) and park full of large, inflatable, bouncy structures. As of 2023, a ticket for both the rides and inflatable park is 12.50€. Boat rides start from 4.90€ for children under aged 9 (see website for tariffs).  An unlimited access day pass to the inflatable park (which James LOVED) is 6.50€, which to me is a bargain if you’re looking for a way to amuse (aka fatigue) your child. While there is a café just next to the boats, queues can be long. Feel free to bring a picnic and enjoy it while your child is bouncing around the park, or leave the amusement park and enter the picnic/grassy area of Le Mung. There is also a seasonal food shack , Les Canotiers, if you forget your picnic basket!

Of course, there is plenty more to do; these are just two of our favourites.  Not far from the Abbaye de Fontdouce in Saint-Cesaire, you can journey back to Neolithic times at the Paleosite or fish for your lunch at Pisciculture.  Further afield (1 hour by car) are the Zoo de Palmyre and the Aquarium of La Rochelle.  Enjoy!