Camping Forcalquier

This is such a pretty part of France, with architectural heritage going back centuries, old villages and traditional markets, fragrant lavender fields and hillside towns all to explore. Local town Forcalquier was a rich capital of the Haute Provence in medieval times: these days, make your way here on a Monday for the busy market in the main square of Place du Bourguet, followed by a fully flavoured French coffee in one of the square's cafés. From Place Jeanne d'Arc, climb the cobbled path to the chapel above town for excellent views of the Provençal landscape below. Speaking of which... anyone interested in snapping pics or inhaling scents of the famed Provençal lavender fields should add Simiane-la-Rotonde to their holiday itinerary too: this beaut hillside town 40 minutes' drive from Camping Forcalquier is surrounded by fields of the stuff, and is well worth a visit for its handsome old buildings as well. You can get smashing views from the 16th-century covered market in town, and from the spectacular 12th-centrury rotunda at Simiane-la-Rotonde's top. Garden fans should head for Mane, a few kilometres from the site, for the Jardins du château de Sauvan around an 18th-century manor house, and the Jardins du prieuré de Salagon, with public park and museum. Also highly recommended by the team is the village of Sigonce, 10 minutes' drive away, with its old buildings, squares filled with flowers, and access to peaceful walks in its scenic surrounds.