NB. Warning to drivers in France after 1st July 2008: Drivers face on the spot fines (90 Euros or more) if they are caught driving without having a reflective vest  and a luminous road hazard sign in the car. It is also wise for drivers going to France to comply with other driving laws:- Having a complete set of bulbs for the car, a good first aid kit and ensuring that headlights dip to the offside etc.

Camping St Hilaire de Riez: 
St Hilaire de Riez is a charming little place ideally situated for camping at the heart of the C?te de Lumi?re in the Vendee, facing the Atlantic ocean (Bay of Biscay really). It is easily accessible by road, rail and air - there is a TVG station in Nantes as well as the Nantes Atlantique airport on the outskirts of the city. Nantes is only approximately 70K from St Hilaire but it always takes us the thick end of an hour to the coast by car.

The whole area lends itself to the camping lifestyle and there are lots of sites in and around St Hilaire, the outskirts being surrounded by freshwater and saltwater marshes as is a great deal of the Vendee. There are approximately 12 K of good sandy beaches surrounded by the precious dunes, and also a 3K stretch of rocky coastline called the Corniche Vend?enne, and which has been classified as a natural site since the mid 1920's

Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez provides opportunities for walks suitable for all types with small and large walking paths (including the C?te de Lumi?re) that cross the 600 hectare-wide maritime pine domain forest. This forest also includes a horse riding trail. The coastal path initiated by the Vend?e Regional Council allows you to walk along the entire 12 kilometre coastline  from Sion sur l'Oc?an to the Demoiselles and get to the resort's nine supervised beaches (supervised in high season). Cycle tracks also abound in the area.

St Hilaire de Riez has a twice weekly market, starting early and finishing around noon - well worth a visit!