Le Mas du Padre

It’s not difficult to unwind in Sète (15 minutes’ drive), where activity options include sea fishing trips from the harbour, paddles in the Med or a cocktail alongside the canals – and for history fans, several museums. Days out hiking or mountain biking are spectacular in Massif de la Gardiole (20 minutes), so simply pick a trail and get going. When you're in the mood for a gentler stroll, one place to do so is around the scenic Jardin Antique Méditerranéen (five minutes) in Balaruc-les-Bains or with a visit to the Ferme Zoo Bouzigues (10 minutes), where the farmer has opened the doors for guests to meet or feed the animals. Bouzigues (10 minutes), Loupian (15 minutes) and Mèze (15 minutes) are all small port towns on the way around the Etang de Thau, with places such as a Roman villa, a museum and more beaches to explore. If it’s the big city you’re after though, set your sights on Montpellier (35 minutes), where there’s an impressive cathedral and the 17th-century Arc de Triomphe, as well as places that will continue the kids’ entertainment, from the Planet Ocean World aquarium to the Montpellier Zoological Park.