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The remote village of Castellane is tucked away among the rugged hills of Provence, surrounded by the wildest and emptiest scenery in France. Castellane is the gateway to the breathtaking Gorge du Verdons, France's answer to the Grand Canyon. Drive around the top of the canyon for a succession of jaw-dropping views or take a whitewater rafting trip along the river, organized by the small and friendly rafting company in the main square (the water is at its wildest in spring). The picturesque village is overlooked by a colossal, craggy outcrop of rock with a chapel on top; there are steps up to the top from the village square. Two very good traditional French hotels in the main square double as the best restaurants in town. To get to Castellane from the coast, take the main road north from Nice. The drive is straight out of a James Bond film: a seemingly endless succession of winding rock tunnels, cliff-hugging roads and beautiful valleys - amazing to find such an empty and unspoilt wilderness so close to the Cote d'Azur.

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This beautiful, tranquil village is set at the mouth of l'Herault. A couple of years ago my husband and I, together with our three children and two friends, went camping at Vias Plage.

Whilst driving around exploring the area and taking the children karting, just off the D612, we decided to try to find the sea.

Continuing down the narrow country lane we passed through this wonderful village with restaurants and bars just literally feet from the river.

As we arrived at the point where the river met the sea, the quai continued out into the Mediterranean, at the end of which proudly stood a small lighthouse. All along the quai were places amongst the rocks where the children could fish for crabs or, more adventurously, use a fishing pole for larger prey.

As we rested there, the sun began to set, giving that wonderful golden glow that is unique to the south of France. The lights in the village along the opposite bank of the river began to twinkle in the twilight, making the spot a veritable fairyland.

This is one of the nicest holiday places we have ever visited throughout our family lifetime, and one day we would love to return.

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