Margherita Camping and Resort

A mere scenic stroll away from where you sleep, the on-site wellness centre is a treat for body and soul: steam out the stress in the Finnish sauna and the Turkish bath, try bathing in coloured lights and an 'emotional shower' recreating the mists of the rain forest. Margherita, Queen of Savoy liked this spot so much she moved her palace here; it's five minutes' drive away at the foot of the Ranzola hill, all bell towers and domes in its forested setting. A 45-minute drive away is Fort Bard (Forte di Bard), mountaintop stronghold of the Savoy dynasty, all stern on the cliffs like something from a Bond film. The hills and valleys of the Val d'Aosta region are teeming with wildlife and you can see some of the best of it while walking the trails of Mt Avic Wildlife Park (50 minutes): kayak along the river, spotting ibex, marmots and golden eagles. For more structured thrills on branch and stream, Champoluc Adventure Park (an hour and a half) is on hand with treetop walks, zipwires and rafting. Aosta (an hour and 15 minutes) is a tempting day trip too, a city of tasty eats and Roman ruins with a cable car to whisk you from the centre up to the peaks behind.