Camping Paysan de la Gilberdière

For one of the best views of your surroundings, roam up to the Rock of Oëtre (15 minutes’ drive) and look out across the gorgeous greenery in an area known as Normandy’s answer to Switzerland. You could also wander or cycle straight from the farm along hiking and mountain bike paths through the countryside. To get out on the water, point your compass towards the canoe rentals at Pont d'Ouilly (10 minutes) or Clécy (15 minutes); the latter commune also has a single-track summer sledging facility with views over a vast viaduct. Or perhaps you’d prefer days on the coast? If so, set off for Ouistreham (an hour) – Sword beach is famed as a location of the D-day landings. Historically minded types will want to stop off enroute at Caen's 11th-century château and its multimedia museum dedicated to the history of World War II, the Cold War and the 1944 Battle of Normandy.