The island of Noirmoutier, north-west of La Rochelle, was a monastic settlement in the seventh century; now tourism is its main industry.

The largest, and most easily accessible, of the three Îles d”Hyères, the island of Porquerolles (the name means “lavender port”) is a car-free national park, with wooded cliffs and sandy beaches.

On the small island of Lopud, 45 minutes by ferry from Dubrovnik, this 'charming hotel', run by its owners, the Vilina family, is warmly recommended.

Named after the scrub-like bushes which cover Corsica and gave their name to the French Resistance, this “very well-run hotel” is a collection of buildings by the sea.

On a small private island in the south Adriatic, off the coast of the island of Hvar, this 'splendid' complex ('my favourite place for a weekend break', says a fan) is owned and run by Dagmar Meneghello, journalist and arts patron, with her three adult children, Djenko, Romina and Tarin.

This classic seaside resort was popular with the aristocracy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Connected to the mainland at La Rochelle, by a three-kilometre toll bridge, the Île de Ré has sandy beaches, oyster beds and, out of season, “an air of tranquillity”.

In sumptuous gardens high above the sea, this small luxury hotel has superb views across the Gulf of Valinco.