places to visit around le lac des rêves

marvellous montpellier

This lively, self-contained city has considerately put all its main attractions in walking distance, which makes it so much easier if you have children. Everyone seems to agree that the Place du Comedie is the place to see and be seen. The fabulous Grand Opera theatre is here and it's the ideal location for some alfresco coffee-drinking, whilst your children tuck into ice-cream and are entertained by the street performers - they particularly seem to like the mime artists.
Another place to visit is the Jardin des Plantes. It's the oldest botanical gardens in France and some of the plants here are apparently the great great great offshoots of the originals that were planted in 1563!

fish with chic

The lively port town of Sète made a name for itself by producing pickled fish originally, well everyone has to start somewhere. The best places to eat are on the quayside, there's a great view of the Italian-style houses and some of the fastest sailboats in the world.

distance to beaches

• Carnon (3 miles)
• La Grande Motte (8 miles)
• Palavas les Flots (5 miles)
• Petit & Grand Travers (5 miles)