Lodge des Grands Chênes

New to these parts? Venture into Vesoul (10 minutes' drive) and call in at the tourist office for tips on seasonal activities and festivals. Staple sights in town include its old centre, lake and vélorail, a self-pedalled adventure that takes guests on jolly jaunts through the neighbouring countryside. In the summer months, Ludolac water park (10 minutes) is also likely to make a splash with the kids. On top of that, you can make a break for more urban explores in Besançon (45 minutes), a city well worth travelling to for its enormous citadel and views of the river Doubs alone. There's also a free museum here with a kooky mix of clocks, watches and classical paintings, but the city's best-known timepiece, the astronomical clock, is housed in the cathedral. Day trips slightly further afield include Belfort (an hour), home to a famous lion statue by Bartholdi (y'know, the guy who did New York’s Statue of Liberty). Close to the German and Swiss borders, meanwhile, is Mulhouse (an hour and 20 minutes), where top attractions like the Cité de l’Automobile and Cité du Train museums are likely to get transport fans going.