Domaine de la Dragonnière

The seaside resort of Vias is a place of fine sandy beaches and Mediterranean Sea views, well worth at least a few sandy days (Farinette beach is the one most popular with families). The town's also home to Europark Vias Plage, the biggest permanent amusement park in the south of France. A short drive from Vias is another popular seaside town in Cap d'Agde, a family-friendly resort at the foot of an ancient volcano. Take a trip here for over 14 kilometres of beach, a waterpark, an aquarium, an acclaimed golf course and the Museum of Ephèbe, recommended even on seaside days for its artefacts from Greek, Roman and medieval times. Also a must is the fab Canal du Midi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site made up of a 240-kilometre network of navigable waterways linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean. Hike or hack along its banks, pedal the Tour de France route or take a boat out onto the water; all are easy to access close by Spectacular Montpellier, with its 14th-century cathedral, famed Antigone district, Place de la Comédie and many events and festivals, is just under an hour away.