This is a shortlist of the many sites we visited, and which I felt were really worth going back to.

Mèze, Herault 34

https://www.camping-beaurivage.fr/en

This one’s all about location. On the shores of the Bassin de Thau, looking out over the oyster and mussel beds, and backed by the vineyards of Picpoul de Pinet; it’s a short walk to the town beach and harbour. There’s a supermarket, bakery, cash machine, car wash and filling station a short wander away. Not to miss are the nearby takeaway seafood stalls, who will make up a platter to order. There’s another site in Loupian, which is also great.

Beaulieu s/ Dordogne, Corrèze 19

https://europe.huttopia.com/en/site/beaulieu-sur-dordogne

On our first visit here a passing camper, in a broad Preston accent, observed: “You’re alright now, you’re in paradise!” He was absolutely correct, and we returned many times, often to meet family staying in one of the chalets. Woodland setting next to the Dordogne River, a chilly paddle on foot or in canoe, as it comes down from the mountains, a short walk from a medieval town with good bakeries and restaurants.

Gwithian, Hayle, Cornwall

gwithianfarm.co.uk

Back in the UK, this is special: a pub and bus stop at the gate; a short walk from the top of the site leads to the dunes, Gwithian Towans, and a view of St Ives and Godrevy Lighthouse. The one Virginia Woolf wrote about. A place to while away the hours.

Millau

https://europe.huttopia.com/en/site/millau/

A recent visit, during the French May public holiday. Despite this, the place was quiet. From the site, which is at the confluence of the Tarn and Dourbie rivers, a short stroll takes you to the Graufesenque meadows, where you can see the two rivers merge; and get a view of Norman Foster’s Millau Viaduct. Truly the eighth wonder of the world. Walk a bit further and you come to a huge Roman pottery factory. And wheeling overhead are hang-gliders and parapenters, using the same thermal updrafts as the Griffon Vultures that nest on the cliff.