If you love to take a sunshine holiday that offers relaxing by the pool or on the beach and a whole lot more besides, then the Gard just might be your perfect destination for the summer. It’s our featured region of France this month and has culture, excitement and activities to keep all ages happy. I first discovered the Gard when driving through France from Toulon to Normandy. It’s officially a part of Languedoc-Roussillon but also lies next to Provence, and I was enchanted by the palm trees and pink-washed buildings so evocative of the Mediterranean.

In the elegant town of Uzès, the colours break out into a stunning display as you wander narrow medieval streets and come across squares with stalls selling luscious tomatoes or local crafts. In Nimes you can discover the amazing aqueduct of the Pont du Gard and the Roman arena – and even catch a bull fight.

In the north, the Gard takes in part of the Cévennes National Park. Here, winding roads climb upward through a majestic display of rocks and sky in the subtlest, ever-changing shades until, with awe and wonder, you reach what feels like the roof of the world. Deep, dramatic gorges provide a canoeing and kayaking playground and this is fantastic country for cycling, climbing and horse riding.