Camping Le Camarguais

The seven-kilometre beach in Palavas-les-Flots is no doubt its key attraction, but before you get settled on the sand start with a trip to the top of the Phare de la Méditerranée for a panoramic view over the sea, lakes and the mountains beyond. A stroll around town, taking in the colourful canalside houses, the neo-Romanesque church and Levant Park, is a good idea too. For urban wanders on a grander scale, head to central Montpellier (20 minutes’ drive) to explore its elegant streets and squares and visit its museums, zoo and aquarium, or travel a little further to Nîmes (40 minutes) for a whole heap of Roman architecture. Seafront Sète (35 minutes) is another good choice for walks by the Canal du Midi and visits to its art galleries. Something rather more rural? Set off to the salt marshes and lagoons around Le Grau-du-Roi (30 minutes), go kayaking around Le Pont du Diable (40 minutes) or head out for hikes around Canyon du Diable (50 minutes). Stop by in Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (45 minutes) to see one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and find out why it won this status.