If you’re one of those (sensible) types who fancies a peaceful rural retreat but still wants to be within easy ambling distance of restaurants, shops and the like, sort yourself a stay at Vienne's Camping Le Grand Pré.

The peace and quiet part of the equation comes to you courtesy of the setting, between ancient cliffs and the Gartempe river; meanwhile, a 10-minute stroll from the site is the little village of Saint-Pierre-de-Maillé, home to a restaurant, café and grocery store plus the obligatory bakery.

Should you require further urban amenities, there are more restaurants (along with some scenic woods and river views) in Angles-sur-l’Anglin, 10 minutes away by car. A bit further afield, it's around 20 minutes' drive to historic wanderings through the medieval streets of Chauvigny or warm-water wallowing at the famed thermal baths in La Roche-Posay. Or get ready to g0 climbing: Le Grand Pré is 10 minutes' drive from the famed rock climbing site of La Guignotrie.

Facilities on site are kept to a minimum to maintain the peaceful vibe, but there's plenty of space for the small sorts to run about, and various useful amenities to make life easy: bike hire, canoe hire, a barbecue area and a small shop