La Rochelle, Camping Indigo Noirmoutier

We stayed in one of the pre-erected tents with our family and had a fantastic two weeks here. The tents were large, clean and in great condition. If there's only 4 of your I'd recommend the classic wood and canvas tent as the veranda is bigger. They were cleverly pitched in such a way that you could chat to people and your children could make friends, but you didn't feel too overlooked. The beaches on the island were great for children and if you like bike riding on the flat then this is the place for you.

We were initially very excited about going to Indigo Noirmoutier after having looked at their website and paid for a week in advance. On arrival we were very disappointed as we drove through the very cramped site to our pitch. It appeared to us that cars, caravans, tents and trailers had been crammed into every available space, giving us an oppressive feeling, to the extent that we left after 2 nights. Our 2 children were glad to leave the site, which says it all for us. We unsuccessfully tried to get a refund from the reception staff, but have now put our stay down to experience. On the flip side the fixed canvas huttopia tents were well positioned.

I would definitely use this company again - their own tents that you rent with equipment look lovely. The setting is very similar to the North Norfolk Coast here in UK - a plus for some, but for a Norfolk boy like my husband not that exciting. It is also one of the few places in Europe I have been where we are the only English people there - it is very popular with French holiday makers - which I think is a good sign. If you want to experience real France - and love Seafood, this is the place to go. If you're coming through the tunnel, or from Calais, I would advise breaking your journey, we did cheap 2 am crossings and had a night in St Omer going and, as it turned out, 2 nights in Boulogne.