Camping Lou Troumpetoun

The five lakes of Esparron, Quinson, Artignosc, Sainte-Croix and Castillon make up the Gorges du Verdon, all providing vastly varied outdoor activities on and around. Whether you fancy soaring above its spectacular landscape with a paragliding flight, birdwatching for black and griffon vultures and other feathery friends, or canoeing the canyons from Quinson lake's watersports centre, there's something to suit all. Visit Esparron-de-Verdon, which lies 15 minutes' drive away on the edge of a beach-fringed lake at the gateway to the lower Verdon gorges. Stroll around the town and explore its 10th-century castle, or for something a little more thrill-inducing hit up the lake for fishing, canoeing, windsurfing, sailing, rowing and boating. Back on land, the highly scenic trails that lie around the lake are prime spots for horseback and mountain biking tours. While you're around here, make sure you manage to squeeze in visits to the region's best-preserved Provençal villages such as Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Riez and Gréoux-les-Bains, all within about 35 minutes' drive, and the cities of Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, Manosque, Draguignan and Brignoles all around 40 kilometres away; while out and about, be sure to sample Provençal foodie favourites such as aubergine caviar, aîoli and the region's tremendously tasty tapenade.