Camping Prévert Bellegarde

If you're driving, or better still, someone else is driving you a tempting wine route links the local vineyards and wineries from Lembeye in the west to Saint-Mont (30 minutes), Château de Pouey to the east (45 minutes) and up to Aignan, an hour’s drive north; even if you’re not sampling and just steering, the views are five star stuff. Lake and mountain vistas, plus activities from swimming to standup paddleboarding and simply ambling round the shores are on offer at Lac d’Aignan, an hour away. For a different perspective, zipwire through the treetops in the nearby Parc Acrobatique Forestier d’Aignan. Napoleon picked Pau (half an hour) as his top holiday destination, and you'll see why after wandering this striking city of palm-lined boulevards backed by Pyrenean peaks. Wander the mile-long boulevard taking in the views while stopping off at the Château de Pau and the fine art museum with works by Degas and Rubens, then finish up in the cool riverside spot of Parc Beaumont. Equally atmospheric but far busier, Lourdes is under an hour away: despite the crowds, the Sanctuary, with its crypts and vast underground basilica is an unmissable sight. Escape the bustle and beetle over to the Pic du Jer just outside town: hike up this 3,000-foot beauty or take the funicular railway; either way, the views are divine.