Nonetheless, that the Midi-Pyrénées is often dubbed “Toulouse and the Midi-Pyrénéan Desert” is something of a misnomer – a reference not to the heat but to the relative absence of activity in these parts compared to the bustling city an hour's drive away. There’s a definite rural feel, a landscape that is home to more farms than any other region in France. And it’s this quiet rusticity, this peaceful countryside charm and pastoral joie de vivre vibe that Country Camping is very much a part of.
In springtime, catch the last of the colourful blossoms as they’re replaced by cherries dangling appetisingly from the trees. In autumn, it’s the peaches, like soft, velvety fists, ripe for the picking. Whenever you come, the shady trees that enclose the 20 grassy pitches provide a natural, green feel that’s in keeping with the pastoral French surroundings. The best spots are actually those with the slightly lower hedges, the gaps revealing views across the neighbouring field and partially wooded valley.
Those looking for a little more luxury can try one of the three, fully furnished safari tents onsite or the wooden bijou chalet. Yet the real comfort of this campsite is the easygoing atmosphere it affords. A small outdoor swimming pool sloshes around under the energy of younger campers, overlooked by the chilled-out bar terrace where quieter kids are setting about a nerve racking game of giant outdoor jenga. After that try the neighbouring stretch of woodland, somewhere to build dens and search for dragons and gruffalos – though the ones around here are French speaking, so kids may have to brush up on their vocab before any unexpected encounters.
In all it’s these simple pleasures that make Country Camping such a great campsite, independently of the pleasant attractions nearby. It’s an easy cycle to the old military village of Saint Ybars, while a drive to the spectacular natural park Pyrénées Ariégeoises provides an endless list of outdoor activities to try. But while these exploratory day-trips reveal the place to be anything but a desert there’s something just as charming about a lazy afternoon back at base, frolicking in the pool and enjoying the ever present necessity of the sun.
The region has a host of interesting cities, towns and villages to visit, lively and beautiful Toulouse (1hr drive) and historic Foix (50mins drive) overlooked by an ancient castle (0033 5 34 09 83 83) are amongst them. Closer at hand the nearby fortress villages such as Saint Ybars (10mins away) and Carla-Bayle (25mins away) are also worth a visit. Take the family White-water canoeing on the Garonne, challenge yourself to climb the areal walkways of Sequoya adventure park (0033 5 61 68 51 51) or try horse riding through the local countryside. For the best of it head to Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises (0033 5 61 02 71 69) a half hours drive away and the most scenic spot for outdoor pursuits and wildlife watching.
