Camping Sol y Mar

Argelès-sur-Mer (five minutes’ drive) is a seaside resort with beaches lapped by the Mediterranean Sea. When you’re not surrendering yourself to the sun at Marende beach, a 20-minute walk from the park, wander along the waterfront promenade lining the town before making a beeline for the Catalan-style centre and peering at the panoramas from the 14th-century Notre-Dame del Prat Church’s bell tower. Rather be away from urban areas? Toddle along the trails of Valmy Park (10 minutes' drive), perhaps towards the 19th-century castle and the birds in the Aigles de Valmy aviary. To witness winged creatures in their natural habitat, swoop over to the Mas Larrieu Natural Reserve and spot herons and bee-eaters instead (10 minutes). If the beach is where you want to be, there are several more sandy stretches to saunter along other than the main bit by the town. Try Plage du Racou (10 minutes) and Ouille (15 minutes) a little further away for slightly quieter chunks of coastline. More of a dry-land adventurer than a Vitamin Sea seeker? Take on the trails in the Canyoning Park or, if you’re more into mechanically induced thrills, rush down the rides at local amusement centre Luna Park (five minutes).