Another ile with appeal
Practical Caravan|November 2024
The lle d'Oléron, on France's spectacular west coast, allows Peter Baber to savour sounds, citadels - and submarines!
Another ile with appeal

THE ILE DE RÉ, lying halfway down the west coast of France, has in recent years become something of a prime destination for caravanners in the know, because it has fine beaches, with proper waves and miles of fabulous sand, not to mention a handful of pretty seaside resorts.

The island does have one snag, however, and that is the cost of getting there. At the time of writing, the toll to cross the bridge with a caravan was at least €16 between June and September (realistically, the only months when the sea is likely to be warm enough for an enjoyable swim), although you can get a seasonal pass if you are stay for a long time.

Exploring further afield

So should you tire of spending time on the island (and for all of its charming scenery, we are essentially talking about a sandbank only a few miles long) and want to explore further afield, even just for the day, you’ll have to shell out €16 every time.

That’s before you’ve begun to consider the cost of parking, museum fees, eating out and so on.

Fortunately, an alternative is available. Just a few miles south of Ile de Ré, on the other side of marvellous La Rochelle and in effect, in the same water system, lies another island, with beaches that are just as spectacular and towns that are equally pretty. And the bridge you need to cross to get there is, for the moment at least, completely free of charge.

Not that you would necessarily want to leave Ile d’Oléron the moment you arrive. Your first impressions as you drive over the bridge might be connected with salt and oysters – both form the basis of significant industries around here. But this soon gives way to pine forests, with the occasional tantalising glimpse of a beach.

Bu hikaye Practical Caravan dergisinin November 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Practical Caravan dergisinin November 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

PRACTICAL CARAVAN DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Uncooperative utilities
Practical Caravan

Uncooperative utilities

Gracious friends didn't mind using Penny with no water or electric for a weekend, but it was puzzling news to Nigel Donnelly

time-read
5 dak  |
November 2024
PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting
Practical Caravan

PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting

Good lighting makes all the difference to any caravan interior, but which type is best for you? Sammy Faircloth looks at options for upgrading

time-read
4 dak  |
November 2024
STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Practical Caravan

STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

A poorly driven car and caravan can do a great deal of damage, especially around vulnerable road users. Here’s how to keep everyone safe

time-read
4 dak  |
November 2024
FORD KUGA
Practical Caravan

FORD KUGA

Ford has upgraded the Kuga SUV with improved hybrid powertrains, high-tech features and a better infotainment system.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 2024
BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)
Practical Caravan

BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)

This fixed-bed layout offers ideal touring for two, says Andrew Jenkinson

time-read
2 dak  |
November 2024
How to buy SECONDHAND
Practical Caravan

How to buy SECONDHAND

There are brilliant used bargains to be had if you know where to look and how to avoid the pitfalls. Here's what you need to know, says former salesman Peter Rosenthal

time-read
10+ dak  |
November 2024
ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520
Practical Caravan

ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520

A sleek new profile graces the exterior of this compact two-berth and inside, there’s an impressive washroom

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024
COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA
Practical Caravan

COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA

The opulent living space in this comfortable four-berth makes the 845 an ideal choice for a seasonal pitch

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024
See the best of France
Practical Caravan

See the best of France

Enjoy a trip to the most beautiful regions of France with a stay at these brilliant campsites

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024
48 HOURS IN...ST MALO
Practical Caravan

48 HOURS IN...ST MALO

Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit

time-read
3 dak  |
November 2024