Camping des Berges du Gers

Like much of the Ger valley, these lands are ripe for hiking and biking, and you don't have far to go to try either out, as three trails are accessible directly from the site. This is also a land of châteaux – Saint Blancard, Bellegarde, Monlaur-Bernet, Ponsan Soubiran and Mauvezin are all recommended – and of old ornate abbeys, including Flaran, Sylvanès Abbey and Sorèze. If you don't mind travelling further, the most visited pilgrimage shrine in the Christian world, Lourdes, is just under 100 kilometres from Masseube. (And 15 minutes from there? Sink into a session at the recreational spa of the Jardin des Bains.) If you're feeling cultural, amble along to one of the festivals of the area, like the Festival Country Music in Mirande, Tempo Latino in Vic-Fezensac and jazz concerts in Marciac, and for sporty sorts, there's a top range of stuff to pick from including canoeng and kayaking in Mirande, tre climbing and paintball in Pavie, quad biking in Auch and parachute jumping in Castelnau Magnoac. Department capital Auch is 24 kilometres from Masseube: pick up a guide at the town tourist office to take the red or green route around this pretty city's fab old buildings.