Camping Paradis l'Europe

Lac de Chambon, five minutes' drive away, is a fine spot for outdoor dips, as well as getting out onto the water via waterskiing, pedalboating, canoeing and kayaking. More restfully, several beaches are on the lake's shore – these are the biggest stretches of sand in the Centre region if you're still seeking a quiet spot. Also within easy reach are guided tours with medieval shows at Château de Murol (five minutes' drive), the Cornadore caves (also five minutes), and outdoor adventures mountain biking, hiking or quad biking; the Murol tourist office on Rue de Jassaguet can point you in the right direction. But this is of course volcano land. There's plenty to pick from for days of crater exploring: get up to the summit of Puy de Dôme (20 minutes) by cog railway or Puy de Sancy (35 minutes) by cable car, or spend a day – or two – learning about the lot at the splendid Vulcania volcanic park 40 minutes away. Volcano Lemptégy, where you can get right to the volcano core by foot or via a mini train, is within 45 minutes.