Nestled on the undulating southern slopes of bucolic Gascony – a land famed for it’s douceur de vivre – Camping La Vie en Rose exhibits the fabled ‘sweetness of life’, and then some. Stretching across seven breathtaking acres of tranquil, wildflower meadow, fringed by enchanting oak woodlands, the views from this beautiful Haute-Garrone glamping site are breathtaking, with the peaks of the Pyrenees towering tantalisingly on the horizon.
After being met with the warmest of welcomes from hosts Emma and Jamie Fulton, the lucky glampers are shown one of five spacious bell tents. Well, we call them tents but that doesn't really do justice to the scale and style of these canvas palaces. Sat atop timber decking with shaggy rugs throughout, each bell boasts a lounge plus two separate bedroom tents including a deluxe ‘superking’ room that's ideal for parents. Outside, a fully-equipped campsite kitchen has the answer to all your culinary needs, while the über-luxurious timber washing lodge is the very definition of hi-spec, with hot power showers, marble wash basins, organic soaps and fluffy towels.
With an assortment of outdoor entertainment (a heated pool with a splash area for kids, pétanque, slides and swings), a well-stocked games room (books, pool table, ping pong), and lots of other thoughtful touches (cots, high chairs, breakfast delivered fresh to your tent), it’s clear that Camping La Vie en Rose is a site run by people who know the ingredients you need for a fuss-free family holiday. With all the comforts of a boutique hotel at a snippet of the cost, this is the ideal break for families looking to really get away from it all.
And when it's time to venture forth, this pocket of southwestern France has a wealth of scenic and historical eye candy to sample. Head to the beach at Lac de la Gimone for a refreshing summer swim, or take your little lords and ladies to the fortified city of Carcassonne – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hosts jousting, troubadours and medieval fairs. And of course, there's the Pyrénées calling all weekend Wigginses to test their cycling stamina on the Col du Tourmalet Col d’Aspin.
Named after the signature tune of France’s national songstress, Edith Piaf, a stay at Camping La Vie en Rose really is a ‘Life in Rosy Hues’. Swinging lazily in the hammock, admiring this secluded patch of Pyrenean paradise, we reckon France's iconic diva would approve.
Head up the mountains for a spot of wild swimming. Day trips to Les Laquettes, Lac de Mondeley and Lacs de Bastan are a popular option. There’s car parking available and the latter boasts a café and beach. France's fourth largest city Toulouse is around an hour away. There's plenty of museums and exhibitions to see including the fine art collection at the Musée des Augustins (0033 561 22 21 82), while a visit to the Cité de l'Espace (0033 567 22 23 24) – the national space centre – is out of this world. A gentle river cruise along the city's Canal du Midi is a fantastically peaceful way to round of your day trip. Why not treat yourself to a day of pampering restorative Pyrenean baths at the Balnéa (0033 891 70 19 19) spa.
The great thing about glamping in France is the food! A continental breakfast of fresh fruit, breads, pain au chocolat and croissants is delivered to your tent each morning, as well as complimentary welcome gifts upon arrival. The surrounding farms and markets boast a wealth of fantastic local produce and Emma will happily point you towards the finest regional charcuterie, meats and cheeses – the goats’ cheese, Cheverie in Escanecrabe, is a must. Restaurant-wise, Auberge Champêtre (0033 561 88 22 71)in the village of Escanecrabe is excellent. Ten minutes away in Aurignac, Hôtel St. Laurans (0033 561 90 49 55) brasserie and garden restaurant serves up refined dishes in sophisticated surroundings. Their wine list is also pretty extensive.