Camping Paradis Le Pearl

If the kids fancy a change from the water park, head for the seven-kilometre beach at Argelès-sur-Mer, where you can laze in the sand or get active with diving, sailing, waterskiing, kayaking and jetskiing. Backed by the foothills of the Pyrénées-Orientales and Albères massifs, the tiny coves at Porteils and L’Ouille (all 10 minutes) are more remote spots where you can have an undisturbed dip in the sea. Luna Park (five minutes) has summertime thrills rides and amusements for kids, or you can drift down the lazy river at Aqualand Saint Cyprien (10 minutes) and race old cars at Circuit d’Autocross Saint-Martin (15 minutes). For lovers of nature, a visit to the colourful butterflies at Le Tropique du Papillon (five minutes) is a delight. To explore a bit further afield, look to Vermilion Coast treasures such as Collioure (15 minutes) and its waterside castle, and the palm-lined promenade at Banyuls-sur-Mer. Lovely Perpignan (both 20 minutes) surprises with its medieval walls and gothic architecture, while Spain is within easy reach as well if you fancy acquainting yourselves with art galleries and museums dedicated to Surrealist Salvador Dalí in Cadaqués (an hour and 20 minutes) or Figueras (45 minutes).