There is an excellent car ferry service between Royan and Le Verdon every 10 minutes in Summer but be prepared for queues at peak times in August. Telephone Royan on 05 46 38 35 15 or tourism office at Royan 05 46 22 19 19. Runs Winter also.

DIRECTIONS From Bordeaux ringroad (Rocade) take the exit 7 towards Lacanau on the N215. After about 7 km, turn right onto the D1 towards Castlenau. Continue north for about 60km until you reach Lesparre Medoc. About 12 km after Lesparre you come to a crossroads signposted left on the D102 to Vendays-Montalivet. Turn left here and after 4km, you will arrive at a roundabout in the village of Vendays-Montalivet. If you have arrived via the Royan Pointe-de-Grave ferry, you should head in the direction of Bordeaux on the N215. After c. 25km you will come to a cross road signposted left to Queyrac and right to Vendays-Montalivet on the D102. Take the right hand turn and you will come to Vendays Roundabout.

23 avenue de la Brede, Montalivet. From the roundabout at Vendays, take the third right turning to Montalivet. After about 4 miles you will come to Montalivet roundabout, turn right and then first left into avenue de la Brede and the beachouse is the third house on the right surrounded by a tall blue picket fence.

ARRIVALS Arrival time is between 4 and 6 pm on Saturday. You will be met by Jane. Please call her mobile on 00 33 6 77 46 55 71 1 or 2 hours before your arrival so they know when to expect you (especially if you’re going to be late!).

SECURITY DEPOSIT Your security deposit of £300 will be retuned in full within 2 to 3 weeks assuming there are no breakages and the house has been left in good order. In high season when the house is 1 let to parties of 16 a fee of £150 is charged to cover sheet and towel hire and end of stay cleaning. At other times it is £10 per person.