Camping Gallois Au Petit Bois

Weave your way through the countryside to Felletin (40 minutes' drive) and Aubusson (40 minutes), two rather fetching villages that share a rich history of tapestry-making. After seeking crafty inspiration in its independent textile centres (or picking up a piece of your own), carry on your (window-shopping) spree in Guéret (20 minutes), where the lively Thursday and Saturday markets come with ample opportunities to fill up stomachs and empty out wallets. If traipsing around trying cheeses isn't to the taste of your little ones, perhaps Montluçon (40 minutes) could be the answer: with half a dozen castles scattered about, an escape room and a bowling alley – plus a pop music museum where parents can show just how with it they really are (or aren't) – there's quite a bit in this mid-sized town to keep tots entertained. In this part of France you're never too far from a scenic stroll. Stand-out spots in the local area include Glénic (15 minutes), Ajain (10 minutes), Sainte-Feyre (30 minutes) and La Chapelle-Taillefert (30 minutes), which all have clearly waymarked and well-maintained trails.