Direct Holiday Homes

About the Area

Fun passes are required to access all free facilities on the site, such as pools and entertainments. These can be purchased daily or weekly from the receptions.

Le Bois Dormant has a calm and relaxing atmosphere and is surrounded by tall pine trees and winding roads, making it feel like a small village.

The site is well thought out and nothing is too far away. As a family we wanted ‘peace’ with the ability to link into ‘lively’ whenever we wanted, and that’s exactly what you get as the sister site of Le Bois Dormant, Le Bois Masson, is just minutes away and is as lively as it gets, meaning all age ranges can be entertained for. Then when you’ve had enough you can just stroll back to Le Bois Dormant and sleep soundly. In essence you get the best of all worlds.

The outdoor pool complex offers something for everyone, from a main swimming pool, to waterslides, a toddler splash pool and even a spa bath, and don’t forget you can always pop over to Le Bois Masson and check out the indoor and outdoor pools, slides, gym, sauna and steam room.

The bar and restaurant terrace offers lovely views over the pool offering a good and varied menu which doesn’t break the bank, and if all you want is a quick snack then the on site take away is highly recommended.

While both sites have a wide range of sport activities for all, Le Bois Dormant has an outstanding sports complex, together with a multi-sports pitch where the youngsters can be kept entertained with regular football and basketball tournaments.

For activities the park offers a wide and diverse selection of entertainment throughout the day and evening, from French cooking classes and tennis to live music and cabaret shows.

There are four clubs, for children ranging from 1 year olds up to 14/16 year olds, which meet 3 times a day. These clubs are great for providing the space for children to meet up, do some fun activities and make some new friends of varying different nationalities.

Siblu offer a wide choice of sports and leisure on their sites each with co-ordinators who arrange events for the whole family (1 May - 5 Sept with reduced programme outside these dates). In addition there is also:

Sport & Leisure

Large multi-sports pitch with running track, football and basketball, Satellite TV in bar, Tennis* and table tennis (equipment hire available*), 2 play parks, Video games room* and pool tables*, French bowls, Gym/fitness studio*, Bike hire*.

Food & Drink

Poolside bars, Shop on both sites (Dormant only open May to August), Take away on both sites, Restaurants.

Water Activity on Dormant

Heated paddling pool, Heated outdoor pools (26 April - 13 Sept), 4 lane waterslide and water chute (26 April - 13 Sept), Spa bath (July & Aug only), Wave Rider* & Aquafit (July and Aug).

Water Activity on Masson

Heated paddling pool, Heated outdoor pools (26 April - 13 Sept), 4 lane waterslide and water chute (26 April - 13 Sept), Heated indoor pool, Steam room and sauna*, Snorkelling*.

Children Clubs

1 – 14 years in age – 3 times per day.

* Extra charge

The Region

Matching the south of France in terms of temperatures and hours of sunshine, this area of France benefits from long stretches of safe sandy beaches; ideal for families with growing children. The park is just far enough away from the night life that it remains peaceful yet perfect for those of us with active lively teenagers. I have a 15 year old and she loves nothing better then spending times with her friends at the disco on Masson, shopping in the lanes just off the beach as St Jean De Mont or visiting the nearby attractions.

The coastline is enhanced by the close proximity of pine forests, organized paths for cycling or walking, wonderful areas for picnics and many local towns, providing the possibility of interesting excursions and visits.

Eating out presents only problems of choice as there is a huge selection of restaurants, so something for everyone. Or if you don’t fancy that you can shop when you want and visit the local hypermarkets, open air markets and designer outlets for everything from wine to artwork.

Things to See

Firstly, I would say check out the ‘France 4 Families’ website as this site not only gives you all the information about the entire region but its ratings are based on actual experiences. I would also check our the St Jean De Mont tourist site or the Siblu website (just Goggle it) which tells you all you need to know about the area, events and what’s on.

But some must see places to visit include:

St Jean-de-Mont – approximately 1½ miles away or 10 minutes by bike. The area around St Jean-de-Mont has it all; the beach here is truly superb, stretching for miles, and is excellent for water sports. There is also a fine selection of restaurants many specialising in seafood. Also, well worth a visit is the Saturday morning market in the village where you can indulge in the excellent fresh foods and local produce.

Magnificent Atlantic Coastline - Golden sands, sunny days, sleepy villages and sunflower fields that stretch for miles. The whole area boasts one of the best summer climates and is known for it micro-climate.

Atlantic Toboggan Water Park - approximately 4 miles away; a fun day out for all the family. Opens June - discounted tickets are available from the reception.

If you wish to travel further then we would recommend the Oceanile Water Park which is in Noirmoutier, about a 40 minute car journey.

Also worth a visit is St Gilles-Croix-de-Vie - approximately 10 miles away. This delightful fishing port with quayside cafes, restaurants and shops is great for just about everything.

As to is Les Sables d'Olonne, a lively resort approximately 25 miles away with a excellent beach, zoo, golf course, marina, fort and war museum.

The marshlands of the Marais Poitevin are home to many birds; it was a reclaimed area, and now designated as a National Park.

Then for a real treat visit the Cognac vineyards, which are inland from the Charente Maritime coast, or La Rochelle with its famous twin towers guarding the harbour and the Château de la Roche, which provides a classic example of luxurious living dating from the 15th century.

And finally the must see attraction of Le Puy de Fou château, which provides the backdrop for the spectacular 'son et lumiere' (sound and light show).

By day, there's lots to explore, plus a fabulous 'Grand Parc' a 6,000 seat Roman stadium where you can watch medieval gladiators and exciting Viking shows.

Getting There

The Vendée is a popular area due to its easy access from the UK. It's situated within an easy drive of ports such as St Malo, Roscoff and Cherbourg and is only a 7 hour drive from Calais. You can also fly with Rynair and hire a car.

Its just far enough south to ensure the better weather; this area being famed for its own 'micro-climate'.

At-a-Glance Tick List