THE ATLANTIC COAST HOTELS

THE ATLANTIC COAST – WHY GO?

Known for its miles of powdery sands, France's Atlantic coast is a gem. From the chic island outpost of Ile de Ré (otherwise known as Paris-on-sea) in the north to the surfing beaches of Biarritz, this is a place for ocean-fresh seafood, sand dunes and elegant Belle Epoque villas.

Take to a boogie board when the surf's up, slurp oysters or window-shop in the chic boutiques of pretty Saint-Jean-de-Luz, with its colourful fishing harbour.

La Rochelle’s pretty marina, guarded by stone towers, is one of the best-known views on the Atlantic coast, where one endless sandy vista runs into another. Hop into the saddle on pretty Ile de Ré – there are over 100km of cycle tracks here for you and your rental bike, and plenty of beaches where you can take the plunge. You'll find lots of old villages to call into en route for a cooling beer or citron pressé.

Make a detour to the wine town of Saint-Emilion and some of the big-name vineyards around vibrant Bordeaux  before heading south to upmarket Biarritz, with its casino and elegant Belle Epoque villas.  From here, it's just a short hop to the village of Guéthary, with its surfing beach and pretty houses.

Saint-Jean-de-Luz combines a sheltered sandy bay with a colourful fishing harbour and some great places to eat. Characterful little shops line the main street and it's a mere 20km jaunt to the Spanish border for a day out with a difference.