Today’s holiday challenge is from Katy and her family. They will be travelling from Calais to Aubeterre sur Dronne and want to break up the journey a  by finding a nice B&B or hotel in either Normandy, the Loire valley, Vendée.  They could however  just about make it to La Rochelle and Ile de Ré area in one hit.

The challenge

• Family of 4 with two kids age 7&9
• B&B or hotel
• either with a pool or near to a beach
• Ideally walking distance to a restaurant but could drive
• Budget is 250 Euros per night for the 4 of them (so 125 euros per room)

Two islands dear to my heart : Ile de Ré and Noirmoutier

Ile de Ré is Katy’s preference so I focused this post on this island. It is lovely and we are big fans but is not the cheapest. However, those hotels or B&Bs below should fit the bill.

Vendée is also a great region (this is where I’m from) so a second post tomorrow will list a couple of places, in particular in Noirmoutier, which is just a loveliest island, less busy than Ile de Ré with lots of charm and less expensive.

I did previously gave tips on places in Normandy and in Charentes so didn’t repeat those here.

Hotel Ocean, le Bois-Plage

• From 100 Euros in high season
• Check availability and prices*

I spent a lovely girls weekend in this hotel a few years back and we regularly go there for diner when we are on the island. The owners are lovely and the st up is very family-friendly with a pool, area for your bikes, possibility to have massages, several types of rooms to chose from. It’s in Le Bois Plage one of the best villages to go to the long beaches there. They offer half-board which is a good value and such a practical solution.

Les Bois Flottais, le Bois-Plage

• 19 rooms
• From 115 Euros in high season
• Check availability and prices*

In the same village is this charming small hotel with pool as well. They have family rooms at 210 Euros and also offer treatment in their wellness cabin with steam bath.

La Maison Douce, Saint Martin

• 5 rooms
• From 175 Euros in high season;
• Suite for 4 people is at 310 Euros (a bit more than 250 euros but with the good exchange it only represents an extra 44 pounds)
• Check availability and prices*

Saint Martin is the nicest port in Ile de Ré and the place to congregate at night. Nothing better than walking along and stopping for an ice cream at La Martinière. This hotel is right bang in the village hence why it’s pricier than the other choices but with a suite for 4, it’s a nice choice.  No pool but a jacuzzi.

Le Trésor des dunes, le Bois-Plage

• 4 bedrooms
• From 138 in high season
• http://www.tresordesdunes.com/

This B&B is right next to the beaches at Le Bois Plage. Breakfast is served by the pool and the owner bakes cakes for it so that should make for a great start of the day ! There is a family suite, Obione, for 4 people which is at 171 Euros in very high season.

Le Sénéchal, à Ars en Ré

• 23 rooms and villas to rent as well
• From 129 Euros in high season. Loft (53 sq meters) at 299 Euros
• Check availability and prices*

Ooozes of charm and style at Le Sénéchal, one of the first boutique hotels in Ile de Ré; There is a pool, lovely breakfasts and it’s in Ars de Ré, which is in the middle of the island so you can easily choose to either go to the wide beaches near the top of the island or go back to Le Bois Plage.

L’Hippocampe, La Flotte

• 9 rooms
• From 62 Euros in high season
• Have a room for 4 people at 137 Euros
• Check availability and prices*

A simple hotel in La Flotte with rooms for families and a lovely courtyard where you can have your breakfast. La Flotte is a very relaxed and low-key but charming village, 5 min cycling from St Martin.