Camping Domaine de La Palme

Once able to prise oneself from the beaches hereabouts, start inland excursions with a stop in La Palme to wander about its historic medieval centre (about five minutes’ drive), then venture further afield with trips to the city of Perpignan and the town of Narbonne, both of which are 30 minutes away. Head to the latter for Roman remains, a museum of archaeology (housed in a particularly spectacular building) and the Palais des Archevêques, and opt for the former for museums, the Palace of the Kings of Majorca and the riverside area of Têt. Guests can also drive just 10 minutes beyond Perpignan to reach the Spanish border. Carcassonne (55 minutes) is a must too for wandering the UNESCO-listed medieval citadel, visiting castles and châteaux, getting an education at the museum of inquisition, and tantalising taste buds on a chocolate and wine walking tour. Thoughts of wine get juices flowing? The site’s a little over half an hour from a handful of winery tours and tastings. Travel back to the past with visits to the nearby Cathar castles (within an hour) and Fontfroide Abbey (35 minutes), or opt for some present-day, kid-friendly activity at the nearby waterpark (15 minutes) and Sigean African Reserve (20 minutes).