Camping L'Arize

The little Arize river bordering the site is a hit with the kids, as well as with anglers for its trout fishing opportunities, and a 40-kilometre 'voie verte' route is less than two kilometres away for pedals and ambles through the spectacular countryside that surrounds. Plenty of outdoor sporting opportunities are within a 30-kilometre radius too, including canoeing, canyoning, climbing and caving. For horsey adventures, an equestrian centre is very close (400 metres from the site entrance); take the tiddlers along for pony rides, or embark on one of several forest hikes from there. Another good active option nearby is the smashingly scenic 18-hole golf course, three kilometres away. For fun educational and foodie jaunts, the eco museum in Alzen, eight kilometres away, covers the region's rural and culinary heritage, or a little closer to home five kilometres away, lovely local cheese producer Eric is a welcoming sort and will happily host you for farm tours and lessons in local agriculture, as well as to meet the stars of his operation, the resident goats. Also in La Bastide-de-Sérou, kids (and animal-appreciating adults) can marvel at cute and creepy critters such as iguanas, turtles, crocodiles and snakes at the reptile farm. More swimming and fishing opportunities await over at Mondely Lake, seven kilometres away, where there’s a small pebble beach and picnic tables primed for peaceful family days out; for those unfazed by going some way underground, you can hop on a little boat to float along Europe's longest underground waterway, Labouiche river, 13 kilometres away. Les Forges de Pyrène (25 minutes' drive) in Foix is also well worth a visit; the village-style museum displays crafts from the past. In Foix, pay a visit to Foix Castle (20 minutes). There is an underground river in Labouiche, the Rivière souterraine de Labouiche (15 minutes), and a prehistoric cave at Grotte du Mas d'Azil (20 minutes). Also in the area is the Cave of Niaux (45 minutes) and the Xploria (25 minutes) theme park, which has dinosaur models.