Island in the sun…

Our summer holiday this year was to join the Whittenburry’s for part of their stay at the Interlude Sunelia holiday camp on Ile de Re just off La Rochelle in France. The site was a relatively small arrangement of cabins and free camping with a couple of amenity blocks, and indoor and outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, café and shop and places for the kids to play, a performance stage, petanque (boules) pitches all backing onto the sand dunes the other side of a wonderful large sandy beach. We had a lovely little cabin within shouting distance of the family with a couple of bedrooms (so the boys could have sleep overs), a bathroom and separate toilet and a lounge/dinner that connected to the small but functional kitchen (that even included a half size dishwasher). Outside was a deck where we ate our breakfasts and evening meals.

During the day we explored the area, either staying within walking distance of the cabins at the pool, on the beach (swimming, flying Dave’s kite, rock pooling, and playing French cricket) or walking the sand dunes, or we went out further afield in the car to explore the villages nearby.

The larger of the villages is Sainte Martin de Re, the old town of which is built within the walls of a large star shaped fort and like most villages on the island has its own port. Here is where all the tourist activity is with shops and many different eating and drinking establishments. We came here a few times, to wander around, cycle through, and eat and to watch some music and to wonder at the donkeys dressed in pyjamas.

We also visited La Flotte, Arse en Re and Le Bois Plage en Re while we were there, wandering through the old streets, exploring the wonderful food and craft markets and generally have a good time. One of the highlight visits was to Phare des Beleines where the local Jazz at le Phare was being held in the shadow of the lighthouse.

We had family friendly fun at the markets (food and craft), getting bicycles and riding out to the oyster shack and to see the salt pans and playing on the beaches.

After the family left to drive home, Sue and I went across the bridge to La Rochelle where we had the day to explore the old town with its old port, towers, cathedral and many bars and restaurants.

We enjoyed the warm weather and when we did get a bit of rain we all joined in in a few card games together. All in all it was a very pleasant and enjoyable family holiday, the like of which sue and I rarely partake in these days.