Camping Gorges du Verdon

You won't find yourself thronged by crowds with a trip to the pretty town of Castellane just under 10 kilometres away: this high-up town upstream of the Gorges du Verdon and 724 metres above sea level is the least populated commune in all of France. Go to have a potter around its scenic surrounds or (and) use the town as a base for mountain and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence hikes, using the GR 4 route passing through the town on its way from Royan to Grasse. If it's watery adventures you seek, river swimming is next to the site and you can tackle canoeing, whitewater rafting and canyoning at the Gorges du Verdon from Castellane. Swimming, waterskiing, windsurfing and canoeing are all available at Lac de Castillon, about 35 minutes away. Or just take to car, bike or feet to soak up the scenery and sights of this lovely land, from lavender fields to mountain passes, and ancient buildings to deep blue waters. Paragliding is available nearby too – you'll def want to have your camera at the ready – and if you fancy some spotting of celebs, the swish seaside town of Saint-Tropez is a couple of hours to the south.