Arc en ciel Oléron

We have just arrived home after a lovely week in Arc-en-ciel. From the moment we arrived in this little village in the pine trees we felt welcome and at ease - the guests are predominately French so being able to speak French is definitely an advantage but 2 of our party did not and got by ok as some of the staff did speak English. The animateurs are friendly but never over the top (well except when they do their evening show!) It really is a family run village and it is great for families as you can spend time together at times and do your own thing at others. The food is excellent - fresh and for the most part local, a lot of organic produce, fish and seafood. You can also book a picnic if you want to go to the beach or out for the day. Good alternative provided each day for daughter when the main course was more unusual eg seafood - e.g. burger and green beans, cooked ham and carrots and peas. We were full board and expected we might want to go out for dinner one evening but the food was so good that we never did. Our daughter loved the kids club despite only speaking a very little french and it was great that some of the week's activities were for the whole family if you wanted to join in. My husband and I even went to several dance classes in the late afternoon - all included in the stay - something we were not expecting but very much enjoyed. We also rented bikes to explore the island. The pool is heated, 25m long and has a proper deep end - there is aquagym in the morning but other than that it is possible to swim lengths. There is also a paddling pool. There is a bar selling the local pineau de charentes, and a daily cocktail special... At night and in the morning the village was very quiet so we all slept well - the rooms were comfortable and clean with a little balcony. Cars have to stay in the carpark which really helps keep the noise down.