Camping La Sole

Canoeing and fishing on the Dordogne should be an early point of call with a stay here; after that, make it your mission to delve into ancient French history, natural attractions and family days within easy reach. It's about seven kilometres from Le Sole's local town of Puybrun to the spectacular Gouffre de Padirac, the famed chasm slashed over 100 metres down into rock. Descend by stairlift to take a boat along the underground rivers, then get out to wander the mammoth cathedral cave, over 90 metres high. Within 20 kilometres of Puybrun is another spectacular and mighty popular old place in the clifftop village of Rocamadour, this one dating back to the ninth century. There's also the Château de Castelnau at Prudhomat, sitting splendidly atop a hill overlooking the Dordogne Valley less than 20 kilometres away: you'll see it well before you get to it. For kids, Le Rocher des Aigles birds of prey, parrot and falconry display centre is 19 kilometres from Camping Le Sole, and they should also like a splash at the waterpark Quercyland, about 25 kilometres away at Souillac.