We took the first lock from La Rochelle at 10.30 and sailed over to St Denis d’Oleron (or should I say Olderon, which is what the kids have nick named it – I think they must have watched star wars a few too many times) and made it easily over the sill. There was plenty of room for us. We got the bikes out and had a quick ride to the local beach for a bit of exercise.
Sunday morning we had a great ride along a cycle path to the lighthouse in sunny warm/hot conditions. Lovely, the whole trip took about 3 hours. My legs ached as I neared the top of the lighthouses 244 steps. Wonderful view from the top

We are definitely further north, the palm trees are few and far between and there are loads of summer bedding plants in baskets, pots and alongside the road. a real noticeable change in vegetation.