Regions of France

Beachside BEAUTIES The long Atlantic coastline is a worthy alternative to the Mediterranean with vast stretches of sandy beaches and a wonderland of oyster beds on low-lying islands like Ile D’Oleron and Ile de Re. Le Clos Saint-Martin Hotel & Spa, St Martin-de-Re, Ile de Re With its white walls, blue shutters and terracotta tiles, Le Clos Saint-Martin Hotel & Spa oozes classic Île de Ré style. At first sight it’s a quintessential 18th-century French villa. Yet as you draw nearer, the quirky sculptures that pepper themanicured gardens hint at a contemporary haven within. Settle in to your elegant room, where vintage-style furniture is brought firmly up to date withminimal, modern colour schemes. Spend the day swimming in the two outdoor pools, or lounging on the terrace.Treat yourself to an afternoon tea in the lounge, or a beauty treatment in the exclusive Spa by Clarins. As evening falls, have simple, seasonal meals brought to your suite – or stroll into town to sample the famous Île de Ré oysters. La Corniche is a hotel in an extraordinary location. The key landmark in the Pilat-Plage district, the vantage point over the Arcachon basin, backing onto the highest dune in Europe, it is suspended between sea and sky, nestling between sand and pines. It is a mythical place which evokes the golden age and invention of the Côte d’Argent. There are 11 spacious rooms in the main building and 18 cabins inspired by oyster fishermen cabanes (huts) in the adjoining ‘village’. Every room is dazzling white with snow-white linens and white-washed woodwork. Pyla-sur-Mer, Cote D’Argent, Landes 9