Camping Cap du Roc

Port-la-Nouvelle is a top spot in the Aude department for its 10 or so kilometres of sandy beach, regular family beach activities, and three ports, two of which are prettily scenic to hang around on spring and summer days. Mooch along to the fishing (not pleasure boat) port between about half eight and half nine every morning for the freshest catches from the fish market. If you're up for a bit more action, kitesurfing can be sorted a few kilometres away and land yachting within five. There's also a selection of marked trails just away from the Port-la-Nouvelle sands, running along the Canal de la Robine through the protected region of the Ile de Sainte-Lucie. More walks, as well as cycling and horse riding, are at the Narbonnaise en Méditerranée Regional Natural Park (three kilometres), which stretches for over 80,000 hectares over the Aude coastline. Or wander around the Sigean Nature Reserve (12 kilometres) to see several thousand roaming African animals (from your safe seat in car or bus), before getting up close with safer sorts like chimpanzees and tortoises. City and château days are at Narbonne (25 kilometres), Perpignan (40 kilometres) and the Cathar castles, including Château de Quéribus and Château de Termes, 35 and 40 kilometres away.