Le Hameau du Prat

Admire the mighty Pont d’Arc (45 minutes’ drive), a natural bridge spanning the River Ardèche, and marvel at the limestone formations deep underground in the Grotte de la Madeleine (an hour and five minutes). For more subterranean adventures, tour the Grotte de la Salamandre (55 minutes) to see eons-old stalactites before taking to the skies on hot-air balloon trips over the dramatic Ardèche Gorge. Step back in time among replica prehistoric cave drawings of lions, bears and mammoths at Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche (50 minutes), where you can also watch the spectacular 4D ANIMAL light show. To see wildlife for real, pay a visit to the rare Auroch cattle herd at Parc Animalier des Gorges de l’Ardèche (40 minutes). If the family’s demanding more high-octane escapades, test their mettle on the high ropes at Accrobranche Indy Parc (45 minutes), or the challenging via ferrata climbing course at Accrobranche Adventure Camp (25 minutes). Too hardcore for you? Visit some of France’s prettiest villages, including medieval Balazuc and Vogüé (both half an hour), set deep in the rugged Ardèche Gorge.