Les Jardins de Chiron

Sauve (five minutes' drive) is a must-see village of traditional houses and winding medieval streets. This scenic spot is located in the shadow of the Mer des Rochers ("Sea of Rocks"), a spectacular rock formation that can be explored via a circular path that handily runs through the village centre. Further afield, step aboard the Cévennes steam train at Anduze (20 minutes), or stick around and make your way through the botanical garden: 1000 types of bamboo are on display here. Too much of a good thing? If so, make tracks for Montpellier's sandy beaches (50 minutes) or the splendid marshy vistas of the Camargue Natural Park (50 minutes). Historical sights including a Roman amphitheatre are over in nearby Nîmes (45 minutes), while the ancient Pont du Gard is just shy of an hour's drive away. Châteaux aren't in short supply around these parts either: head to Tornac (20 minutes), Villevieille (25 minutes) or Portes (one hour) if you fancy a go at being lord or lady of the manor.