Domaine L'Écrin du Lac

The site is so close to the Alps of the Écrins National Park, it should come as no surprise that this is a particularly scenic part of France. With that in mind, start your hols off the right way with an aerial tour – head to the aerodrome in Tallard (about half an hour away) for hot air balloon rides, skydiving trips and chartering gliders, or nab a helicopter tour closer to home base. Once you’re well acquainted with the Hautes-Alpes from the air, it’s time to explore down on terra firma. Head into Chorges first to wander the medieval ramparts and Roman road, then widen the area of travel to Gap, the highest department capital in France. In Gap, make your way to the 19th-century cathedral to see the spectacular organ, poke around the archaeology and art history museum, and bring your camera to Place Jean Marcellin to take some snaps. Those with a taste for history can continue their wanderings with stops at Domaine de Charance (the former summer residence of the bishops of Gap, now home to the National Alpine Botanical Conservancy) and the 12th-century Boscodon Abbey, while anyone seeking lighter, less educational fare should point their feet towards Parc Animalier Serre-Ponçon zoo or try out paintball and karting in Rochebrune.