Reputed to be the gates of Hell (but probably exaggerated), this cave complex is spectacular and is partly explored by gondola. This is one cool scene, but it’s even cooler underground, so take a woolly. Arrive early to avoid the queues.

The River Dordogne, cutting its way through the Gramat Causse, created fascinating galleries displaying countless stalagmites and stalactites. The underground caves stretch for a mile and feature sparkling underground lakes. Dress up warm, and if you’ve never seen a stalagmite, you might.

A National Historical Monument, the hanging gardens at Marqueyssac offer over 6 kilometres of shaded paths lined by more than 150,000 elegantly shaped boxwoods. Hang in there and you’ll find it calming and beautiful in equal measure.