Domaine du Lac de Feyt

For hikes, head over to the lookout point at Busatier rock for a jaw-dropping overview of the gorge-filled terrain, then get onto the multitude of nearby trails (half an hour's drive). Equally good for climbs and sights, and also half an hour off, the towers of Merle are a set of seven 12th- and 13th-century castles in varying states of ruin, surrounded by steep canyons and paths. Should you want to poke round a castle in a better state of repair, sally forth to Château du Sédières, a smart 14th-century affair surrounded by forests and lakes, where fishing, mountain biking, walking and quad biking top off tours of the medieval interiors. It’s the same distance to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, where as the name suggests, the river runs right by and cruises on traditional gabare barges make a great way to explore the waters. Another spot that’s not exactly coy about its main attraction is Gimel-les-Cascades (50 minutes): walk the hill to see the waterfalls, then take a stroll round the stone-built town and castle. Further off, but firm family favourites are visits to the clifftop village and religious sanctuary of Rocamadour, combined with eagle and falcon encounters at nearby Rocher des Aigles and wanders through the monkey-filled Forêt des Singes (an hour and a half).