Domaine du Verdon

This is outdoorsy land, with the on- and off-water activities of the Verdon river and its gorges accessible either from the site or close by in the stunning surroundings of the Verdon Natural Regional Park. Paragliding, hot air ballooning, horse riding, and birdwatching for vultures are also easily had nearby: the tourist office at the gorge gateway town of Esparron-de-Verdon can give you pointers on where to go and what to see. All five lakes of the gorges are reachable for day trips, the closest Lac du Quinson, Lac d'Esparron and Lac de St Laurent all 25 to 30 minutes' drive away. Further afield there's Lac de Sainte-Croix, a reservoir just under an hour from the site, and Lac de Castillon (an hour and 15 minutes away), another artificial lake in spectacular surrounds. Provençal villages – and their accompanying cuisine – should be on your holiday checklist too: try Riez, less than three kilometres from the site, Gréoux-les-Bains, within 20 minutes, and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, within 25.