VITAMIN SEA

An unassuming town in Loire-Atlantique, between river and ocean, makes the perfect base for a family holiday by the sea, as Sophie Gardner-Roberts reveals

- Sophie Gardner-Roberts

Where the mighty River Loire empties into the even mightier Atlantic Ocean lies a fascinating area caught between Brittany and Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It’s a place where freshwater meets saltwater, where pine trees meet stone megaliths and where the dual Breton and Aquitaine heritage provides visitors to Loire-Atlantique with the best of both historic regions.

At the mouth of the Loire estuary, across the bridge from Saint-Nazaire, is the tranquil little town of Saint-Brevinles Pins. Situated in the old Breton region known as the Pays de Retz, it is a charming seaside resort whose characteristic pine trees protecting the dunes line long, sandy beaches at its sister commune, Saint-Brevin-l’Océan.

Saint-Brevin was my base for the four days I spent in the area, staying at the excellent Sunêlia Le Fief campsite. From simple tent pitches to luxury chalets, the campsite has a huge choice of accommodation and really caters to families with young children looking for a relaxing break. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools with slides, fountains and paddling pools, a shop, a bar (with an excellent selection of spiced and infused rhums, I might add), a very good restaurant, a lovely spa, bike rental, two children’s centers and also outdoor sports pitches. But it’s the attention to details that really make this site special: there’s entertainment every evening, there are car-free zones to ensure safety for youngsters and tranquility for everyone, the spa is separate from the main pool for complete relaxation and the kids’ clubs are organized by age with activities every day for children aged four to 12.