Village Vacances Les Abricotiers

A juicy stay is a near certainty hereabouts, as there’s absolutely loads to do within half an hour’s drive of base. Zoologists of all ages are particularly well served with a reptile zoo, butterfly farm, petting zoo, eagle park and horse riding tours within 15 minutes, but there’s plenty for everyone else too. Active types can test out their sense of adventure at Canyoning Park – it’s in a waterpark, so it’s a safe spot for first timers – or test their mettle with high-wire explores at Paradise Aventure, both 10 minutes away. Adding water to the mix is easy at Aqualand waterpark, also 10 minutes from base. History buffs can start just five minutes from the site with a tour of a local glass factory where traditional methods of manufacture are on display. The Maternité Suisse, a museum dedicated to the Catalan and Spanish refugee crisis of 1939, is 10 minutes away. For local history on a grander scale, tour the nearby towns and cities: try Collioure (15 minutes) for its castle and forts, or venture the 20 minutes to Perpignan to poke around museums and explore the city’s stunning 13th-century palace and gardens, once home to the kings of Majorca.