Mont'Ôz Arbres

If you’re planning a walk through the Gorges de la Fou (half an hour away), it’s probably best that you go early on in your hols: the pathway here wends its way through what’s said to be the narrowest gorge in the world, so leave it too late in your break and all the tasty local food may lead to it being rather more of a squeeze... Plenty more options are around the area for burning off a few more croissant related calories: walks and mountain bike rides in the forest and nature reserve perhaps, or a history-tinged hike starting with the medieval ramparts of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste and heading on to the Vauban fortification Fort Lagarde (a steep climb but one that’s rewarded with some super views). The site is very close to the Spanish border, so slip across to Molló Parc (25 minutes), a family-friendly adventure park with high ropes courses and animals to meet. Stay on the French side and thermal baths await at the spa town of Amélie-les-Bains (40 minutes).