Camping Les 4 Templiers

Adventure is within easy reach here: the Larzac vélorail, hikes, bikes and rambles through Grands Causses Regional Natural Park, and heart-in-mouth moments paragliding and canyoning in Cévennes National Park are all within half an hour’s drive of base. A bit further, the Gorges du Tarn is a must for white-knuckle whitewater rafting and kayaking an hour away. Any guests with lofty ambitions will want to suspend disbelief 25 minutes away at Millau Viaduct – it’s the tallest bridge in the world, and is worth crossing for stunning views of the Tarn river valley. If that inspires thoughts of getting riverside, head to Creissels (35 minutes) for boat trips under the viaduct. From high to low (to high again) – head underground at Grottes des Demoiselles an hour and 15 minutes away, to clamber aboard the first underground open funicular in Europe and take plenty of photos as it pulls through the tunnels to the caves’ main entrance. If that’s somehow not enough scenery, a jaunt to the artificial Lake Salagou will bring colour into the world – do a quick internet search to see – and the Cirque de Navacelles is an absolute must for stunning winding roads and an improbable village built on a rocky outcrop inside a loop of fields (once the path of a mighty river). History buffs should commit to a tour of the five fortified Knights Templar and Hospitaller sites between 10 and 40 minutes from base (start with the closest – the spectacular La Couvertoirade walled village), while foodies can sniff their way to whiffy cheesy tastings in Roquefort, 40 minutes away.