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we are holidaying further south this year near Marennes and Royan on the west coast. I wondered if any of you helpful people out there can help me with any of the following questions:

any beaches that are good for body boarding?

any good family bike rides preferably off road?

any good family walks?

honestly we are not the fit family off the ski yoghurt adverts jusy enjoy the outdoor life. Thanks for any help

Hi.

we spent some time in and around Royan a coupla years ago. There was surf at Les Palmyres and a few other beaches. My eldest son now works in Les sables. He's taken his surfboard with him  so it must be ok.

The trick is to find a west facing slightly shelving and preferably sandy beach. Then there'll be surf enough for your boogie boards.

Have a great trip!

We went to a campsite in Hourtin Plage called Camping Cote Dargent last year and we are going again in 5 weeks time. The coast is superb for bodyboarding, everyday guaranteed waves etc watch out for the rips and the huge shore break that can occur loads of snapped body boards and surfboards last year. The beach at Hourtin Plage is patrolled by the CRS Savateurs and they are quite strict but its for everyones good.

A few times last year the waves were so big that people were injured and the CRS called the helecopters in to land on a helipad at the rear of the beach to remove the injured to Hospital.

Outside the campisite there was direct access to  miles of cycle tracks through the forest.

A day out to Lacanau is in order to watch the World Pro surf Tour great day out even for the wife and kids they loved the party atmosphere.

We've been several times.   There is a cycle track all laong the coast from Royan to la Palmyre and further, which is very good.

A good beach is "Les Combotes" - a few miles South of la Palmyre.   Lifeguards there on duty, good free parking under the pines.

It's a great area - enjoy!