Les Cabanes d'Hestia

Setting out on foot is pleasingly easy at this South of France spot: hiking paths and mountain bike trails lead through the forest down towards the village or out on circular jaunts. About five minutes' drive away, meanwhile, Lac de la Raviège has a whole host of nautical activities to try out: waterskiing, boating, paddleboarding and more are on the cards along these shimmering shores, or you could simply lounge on the beach for a couple of hours… Saint-Pons-de-Thomières (20 minutes) should also be seen for its prehistory museum, while over in Labastide-Rouairoux (35 minutes) there's an intriguing textile centre and ancient neolithic site to explore. While you're down this way, the cool caves at Grotte de la Devèze (30 minutes) deserve a look-in for their delicate geological formations that look like spun glass. There's no denying that Les Cabanes d'Hestia is a remote spot (it's part of the appeal of the place, after all), but larger towns like Castres (an hour) and Narbonne (an hour and 15 minutes) can also be reached if you miss wandering through city streets.