Camping Les Craoues

This is spectacularly scenic land, with outdoor activities of all sorts easily available within biking, hiking or driving distance. The mighty mountain passes of the Pyrenees can be crossed from here too – they're reachable by car, but you'll feel much more virtuous if you do them by foot or bike… High mountains, lakes, waterfalls, forests and cliffs all make up the nearby Pyrénées National Park, for long days of sightseeing, nature spotting, walking and cycling. If you're taking to the area on your own two feet, the most popular trail of the park is from Gabas to the mountain peak at Pic du Midi d'Ossau; be sure to source a plentiful supply of Gabas cheese in town for your hiking picnic. A few minutes' drive or about 25 minutes by bike will take you to the Château de Mauvezin, a medieval fortress built between the 11th and 14th centuries. There are eye-watering views of the Pic du Midi and the Pyrenees from here, along with keep houses 37 metres high.