Les Rives du Lac du Laouzas

Many an hour can be spent happily messing about in/on/by the water here. Wander along the lake shore for a few minutes to get to a supervised swimming area and a watersports centre that’ll rent you all the kit you need for sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Those in need of a bit of help to get them started can sign up for coaching or courses here too. Other outdoorsy options include staying by the lake to fish for perch, pike, trout and carp, or taking a 20-minute drive to the hiking trails around Monts de Lacaune, the via ferrata climbing routes at La Salvetat-sur-Agout or a riding centre where you can sign up for pony treks or forest rides. A little further away at around an hour’s drive are the Bishops Palace in Castres (designed by the Palace of Versailles’ architect) and the famed cheese caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon.