La Rochelle

Not in La Rochelle itself, but on the lovely Ile de Re opposite, accessible by a 3-kilometre bridge. Ideal for a relaxing stay at any time of the year, with the Atlantic on one side and vineyards the other, this superior 3 star hotel and thalssotherapy spa, set in 5 hectares of private protected nature, would be hard to beat.

A veritable haven of tranquility, it offers 107 contemporary, warmly decorated en-suite bedrooms, all with terrace or balcony with views over sea or vineyards, bath or shower, wc, satellite tv, safe and wifi. There is a lounge library, bar, restaurant with ocean-facing terrace and all guests have full access to the Hydromarin centre, with its sea-water swimming-pool heated to 32 degrees, whirlpool baths, underwater jets, geyser, sauna and hammam. Special packages can be booked (please ask for details). Buffet breakfast

Reduction 1 – 12 July and 26 – 31 Aug: £10. Supplement Sea View LS and MS: £25, HS: £40

The hotel has a prestigious setting in the old port at the foot of the famous medieval twin towers straddling the entrance to the harbour, in the heart of the old town.

There are many excellent restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Facilities include a lounge and breakfast room. All 60 rooms have telephone, TV, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities and bathroom with hairdryer. Buffet breakfast

Reduction April and October: £3

Just a short walk from the port, this excellently appointed modern hotel, recently upgraded to 3 star, blends well with the ancient buildings of the old fisherman's quarter, now home to boutiques and traditional market shops.

Facilities include a bar, lounge and comfortable breakfast area. All 79 rooms are air-conditioned and have bath, shower and WC, TV, telephone and hairdryer. The top floor is not served by the lift. Buffet breakfast is included.

Triple room reduction, LS: £6, MS & HS: £11 Supplement June and Sept: £8

Well positioned among the medieval arcades in the heart of old la Rochelle in a building dating from the 16th century

The hotel is just a short walk from both the staion and harbour and ofers a large living-room, bar, breakfast room and small outdoor heated swimming-pool. Rooms are with bath or shower, wc, with hairdryer, personal safe and minibar. Buffet breakfast

Supplement in September: £21