Cabanes et Yourtes de la Vallée de l'Ance

They don’t dress things up in the Auvergne... and no need to anyway in this eye-catching central French province of volcanoes, rivers and forest gorges. So when you pick a spot called Cabanes et Yourtes de la Vallée de l’Ance, you know what you’re going to get: comfy treetop cabins and yurts in a wooded river valley.

This is a site that strives to be in harmony with the natural surroundings, so there’s no electricity or running water in your treetop hideouts. They’re elevated for maximum views and solitude and accessed by walkways: the owners suggest you don’t turn up in your six-inch heels hauling a heavy suitcase...

Modern comforts like lighting and plumbing are a short walk away down at the main house, where there are communal toilets and showers. There’s also a dining area for breakfasts and evening meals booked in advance, a cosy library on the mezzanine to curl up in and games to keep the kids out of mischief.

Outside there’s a little playground with a swing and a slide, table football and a swimming pool open in the summer months. You can also hire electric bikes to explore a pair of forest trails nearby (or walk them if you’re really old-fashioned); after a day’s exertions, head back and steam your tired limbs back to life in the sauna.