Le Hameau des Étoiles

Gers is one of France's most important agricultural regions, and although much of the landscape is rolling farmland, there are plenty of châteaux and forests to keep things varied. The nearest big town is Auch (25 minutes' drive), a handsome medieval town with half-timbered houses and a cathedral. Royally good times can be had, for example, at the Château de Sérillac (10 minutes' drive), the Château of the Armagnac Counts (20 minutes) or the Château de Gramont (25 minutes). There's a certain buzz about this last place, in no small part thanks to the fact that it's also home to a honey museum. Saint-Clar Animal Park (20 minutes) is home to beasts of burden that wouldn't be out of place on the farms that dot the Gers landscape, but guests here will also spot more exotic species, including kangaroos. Stick around in Saint-Clar if you need to let off a bit of steam: there's a leisure centre here for swimming, slides and outdoor games. For further kid-pleasing times, head to Happy Forest Adventure Park (50 minutes).