Just got back from my trip to Biscarosse (near Bordeaux). What a superb flight down there. The weather and visibility on Monday was superb, and the French Aviation Services couldn't be more friendly and helpful. La Rochelle is a great place to visit, and being directed above and below the military jets by Cazaux towards Biscarosse along the coast was thrilling.
I stopped at Rennes and Cherbourg on the way back, with landing fees around £2 (at an International Airport) and one overnight parking fee of £8. The weather was awful, but ATC was very helpful, giving me all the weather information I needed.
To cap it all, a stunning flight back across the channel today right through the middle of an anti-cyclone. "Surly bonds" and all that came to mind!
Thanks to everyone on this thread for the advice.
I'd recommend to those that haven't ventured south of Deauville or Le Touquet to get further south. It's not expensive, and France is always a delight.