Au Bois des Biches

Between pine forest, marshes and the Atlantic, Camping Au Bois des Biches sits in the kind of landscape many British travellers fall for in the Vendée. 

In Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, on the Côte de Lumière just a short cycle ride from long sandy beaches, it is a four-star campsite that feels unspoilt and gently story-like. The reception building at the Accueil des Voyageurs looks like a little storybook cabin, its crooked chimney twisting above the roofline, and the team is used to welcoming families. 

 In the background lies the legend of Sélène, the silver doe said to guard the forest, a quiet presence rather than a mascot. Her companions give the place its playful tone: Lucien the squirrel, Hugo the potion-master toad and Albin the white rabbit watch over their age groups, turning classic kids’ clubs into a light, imaginative world. 

At the heart of the grounds, the La Baie pool complex naturally draws the eye. Several outdoor heated pools make it easy to switch between swimming, family splash-abouts and lazy spells on the sunloungers, while the slides quickly become the children’s and teenagers’ favourite haunt. 

By the entrance to the pool area, La Source offers a more sheltered option: a covered, heated and shallow pool designed with little ones in mind. Gentle bubbling corners and a soft, misty haze, child-friendly slides, a grotto-style cascade and areas where parents can stay right beside the children make it both reassuring and fun. 

For adults in search of a slower pace, the wellness area adds a welcome change of rhythm. Sauna, steam room and hot tub create a small cocoon of relaxation among the pines, ideal after a day on the coast or a trip to one of the region’s attractions. 

Elsewhere on site, daily life reveals itself in the natural meeting points. The Aire de jeux des Farfadets stretches out like a wooden village of cabins, bridges and slides where children dream up forest-fantasy adventures while parents chat nearby on the Place du Vieux Chêne. 

Just opposite, La Taverne brings together restaurant, bar and takeaway under a large, sociable hall. Guests drop in for a late breakfast, a simple lunch after the pool or an unhurried dinner while the children squeeze in a few final games, in a setting that nods to the campsite’s world of legends without ever feeling over the top. 

When it comes to choosing where to stay, there are several ways to experience the pine forest. The Premium pedestrian areas immerse holidaymakers in a calm, leafy setting: no cars in the lanes, spacious mobile homes and large terraces looking out onto the trees, so children can wander safely while parents enjoy the quieter feel. In some of these Premium areas, certain units stand out for their outdoor bathtubs on the terrace, where a warm bath under the evening sky gives the place the feel of a boutique resort in the open air. 

Another area, designed for larger families and holidays with friends, focuses on space and conviviality, with two side-by-side homes and a wide shared sandy space under a big shade sail for long, easy meals together. 

For guests attached to their tent, caravan or campervan, the Freecamp pitches with private facilities offer a modern twist on traditional camping, combining the freedom of life outdoors with the comfort of a private shower, toilet and small kitchen space on the pitch. The Confort TV+ mobile homes, meanwhile, provide an excellent mid-range choice: recent, well-equipped and available in a range of locations, they make it simple to strike the right balance between comfort and budget. 

As evening draws in, the atmosphere across the campsite shifts. Fairy lights and lanterns flicker on, the playground is bathed in a soft glow and children squeeze a little more fun out of the day while parents take their time over a drink. 

A few steps away, the Place du Vieux Chêne, the main entertainment square, comes into its own. The circular stage, tiered seating, tables of La Taverne and lanterns strung overhead form an open-air theatre where shows and concerts follow one another, and everyone can choose between the front row or a quieter vantage point. 

Beyond the pines, Camping Au Bois des Biches sits in the heart of a region that is well worth exploring. Family-friendly beaches, lively ports and cycle paths through the forest are all within easy reach, making it the sort of holiday that ticks all the boxes: nature, comfort and time out for the grown-ups, with plenty for the children too. 

For British holidaymakers looking for somewhere in the Vendée that feels reassuring yet different – and just a little bit special – Camping Au Bois des Biches is an obvious contender. To explore the accommodation options, plan your stay and let your own story begin beneath the pines, head to the official website and start picturing your next French escape on the Côte de Lumière.