Domaine Saint Estève

This site is close to two splendid rivers, making it a prime spot for guests who like messing around in boats: those seeking close-up views of the viaduct can take a high-adrenaline tour of the structure by rib (10 minutes' drive), while guests who prefer self-paddled jaunts can hire kayaks for peaceful trips up and down the Tarn (10 minutes).  All that water means there's plenty of geology around here, too. High above the Dourbies, the Chaos of Montpellier-le-Vieux (30 minutes) is a spectacular dolomite field full of strange stone contortions. The Tarn, meanwhile, is home to some mightily gorgeous gorges (30 minutes) – the emerald water, lush green valleys and towering rock faces are really quite the scene.  This part of southern France is Templar country: history fans should make tracks for the town of L’Hospitalet-du-Larzac (30 minutes) to learn about the knights of yore that once called this place home. La Couvertoirade (40 minutes), also of Templar fame, has narrow medieval streets, impressive fortifications and plenty of pilgrim heritage (make sure to check out the church of Saint Christophe and the cemetery while you're here).