Les Roulottes du Bazois

Straddling the Loire in stately fashion, Nevers (45 minutes) makes a nifty choice for families with differing interests. The château, the shrine of St. Bernadette and the museum of fine art and porcelain should satisfy all sorts for history and culture, while the skate and BMX park in town, and the treetops adventure zone just outside it will give the kids something to shout about. An hour away, Parc Le PAL aims to please everyone too with a selection of heart-in-mouth, stomach-in-boots thrill rides, as well as a menagerie of beasts rare, cute and dangerous in the zoo next door. For walks with a dash of ancient history, head over to the ancient site of Bibracte (45 minutes), once capital of the Gauls: learn about Celtic civilisation and its last stand against Rome, try your hand at excavating and hike up Mont Beuvray for cracking views across the Morvan Regional Natural Park. There’s an equestrian centre in Châtillon-en-Bazois if you want to savour the local surrounds from the saddle, and if you’re more of a speed freak, the racetrack at Magny-Cours (45 minutes) beckons with a packed programme of rallies and shows and a go-kart track for those who want a go themselves.