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AFTER weaving past medieval villages, fields and endless vineyards, we arrive at St Avit Loisirs in the Dordogne.

A rural idyll in south-west France, it’s the beautiful green setting and abundance of facilities which make this one of Eurocamp’s best-selling parks.

The welcome is warm, with staff escorting all new arrivals to their accommodation. Our chatty rep gives us helpful hints on how to use the air-con, tips on the best day trips and the opening times of the on-site shops along the way.

Situated on the side of a hill, the spacious accommodation is dotted among the trees affording not only a degree of privacy, but also shade from the sun.

Our base for the week, a threebedroom Esprit holiday home, has a generous decking with sunbeds, table, chairs, parasol and barbecue. It’s ideal for al fresco dining and evening drinks.

Pitching up at the end of the season, we enjoy nine perfect days of sunshine and make full use of the amazing swimming pool complex.

Built on a naturally occurring bowl formed by the hills, it includes a river, six pools, a variety of slides and splashy play area. We thought we might miss being near the seaside or a river, but not a bit with these facilities.

When we aren’t having fun at the pool, we are taking part in one of the many activities available.

These include cycling, crazy golf, archery, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, basketball and archery, or for those lazy days, fishing on the resort’s own manmade lake.

Within the park’s rustic stone buildings there’s also a mini supermarket selling fresh baguettes and croissants, as well as a restaurant with bar and takeaway situated on a terrace overlooking the pool area.

Entertainment is provid-