There’s always something a little magical about camping in forests. They’re dark, mysterious places full of unseen dangers, lurking beasts, and the constant fear of getting lost. Even on the sunniest of days a dimly lit forest interior can feel like a very quiet, twilit world, where even the birds seem to keep away. Luckily, perhaps, the site at La Forêt du Morvan isn’t quite in the heart of the forest and has cleared plenty of space for its 25 pitches to let the sunshine and birds in. But there’s no question that it’s the forest that makes Morvan special: almost half a million acres of prime French countryside that was officially made a Parc Régional in 1970, and is now something of a playground for the not-so-rich and not-so-famous. Hills, lakes, and forests are the main attractions, best explored using a combination of shoes, pedals, and oars (or an outboard, if you’re lazy). Just make sure you take a map.
As for the site, there are two main camping areas on the south-facing slopes; one above and one below the main buildings. Most of the pitches have expansive views down across the valley. The others lay along the egde of the forest and have a little more shade. Tents are available to rent, if you haven’t brought your own, while one particularly handy feature is the availability, for hire, of private bathrooms, which is a great idea for families.You can keep your clobber in there and you don’t have to cart it around every time the kids need a scrub-down. It’s not cheap, but well worth it if you’re here for a week.