Slicing its way through the Black Mountains, the Gorges d'Héric is beautiful and hugely striking. In summer, water trickles from rock pool to rock pool, some of which are the size and depth of swimming pools. In winter, the rains turn the trickle into roaring waterfalls.

In summer, the waterfalls disappear to leave gorgeous rock pools that are perfect for swimming in. Remember that due to the steep incline of the surrounding gorge walls - the sun tends to disappear quickly in the afternoons, even in high summer. So get here early. There is a big car park at the bottom of the gorges (just beyond the village of Mons-la-Trivalle) and a snack shop that sells sweets, ice cream, sandwiches and drinks.

From mid-June, the water here is warm enough to swim in, and is always extremely clear and clean, having arrived fresh from the mountains above. With so many rock pools on offer, you're likely to find one of your very own if you walk far enough up the gorge. Some of the pools are as deep as 8 feet (2.5m), and always incredibly refreshing.

A road allows you to walk all the way up the gorge - to a café at the top (about 5 km from the car park).