Direction Decisions, Lapalisse
Zagan the motorhome is again braced under thunderous black skies, tonight we all hope they will only bring rain to the municipal Camping de la Route Bleue in Lapalisse (N46.24274, E3.63883).
From one of the viewpoints in Charroux, we could clearly see the decision we needed to make. Head south towards the volcanoes of Puy de Dome which we had climbed before, or east towards the mountains of the Alps.
South or East?
A quick check of the weather forecast made the decision for us, the temperature was due to rise to around 30°C. As Charlie is most comfortable around 22°C, south was not for us at the moment. We scoured the apps and aires books and found a municipal campsite that we could stay in until this wave of weather broke and the temperatures cooled.
We made a detour via a Lidl to stock up for a few days, and as I got stuck in the queue at the checkout Charlie and Jay baked in Zagan in the shadelessness of the Lidl car park. This only served to confirm that we were making the right decision. Half an hour further along the road, Zagan’s windscreen was filled with Le Chateau de La Palice, looking protectively over the town of Lapalisse.
What a welcome!
We tried to pull into the campsite, but the reception was shut until 5pm. Finding shade, we waited. Jay was dispatched back to town to get some cash out as the site doesn’t take cards and we were part of a queue of four by the time the guardiene arrived to check us in. The campsite itself was empty, which is not surprising as there is also a free aire in the town. Normally we’d be in the aire, but we needed shade and to get Charlie out of Zagan in the heat of the day. The total price for three nights in the campsite was €35.85 (without electricity), a small price to pay for a cool pooch and happy pooch parents.
Charlie enjoying the last of the cool blancmange Rosie made for him – Thanks Rosie
Taking it in turns, we’ve explored the town, both either walking or out on separate runs. It’s just a couple of minute’s walk from the campsite through some lovely gardens.
The main thing that struck Jay was the prices of property in the estate agents’ windows. You could pick up a small place around here for €29,000 or somewhere bigger for €39,000! Sure they would probably need rebuilding or some serious work doing, but its a nice price for a bolt hole with good free road links to the Mediterranean, Alps or beyond. What struck me was the sheer number of chocolate and cake shops – good job I don’t take money out with me when I go for a run!
Each day the campsite has emptied, the guardiene going home for lunch around noon til 5pm and we have the place to ourselves. Zagan has been washed and his insides cleaned – sadly that was all we could think of to do. What would you do if you had a campsite to yourself?
The weather finally broke last night. The skies above us darkened (or as we say in Nottingham “it’s a bit black over Bill’s Mothers”) and rumbles of thunder got louder and longer. Charlie had retreated under Zagan for some cool, but now was staying there out of fear. As the wind picked up a gravy bone was deployed to tempt him out, luckily food always wins with Charlie, he and Jay climbed into Zagan as the first big splots hit us.
Looking through the windscreen the river in front of us was raging far more than it should with just a little bit of rain, then we found out why. The rain was now hail. Cherry-sized chunks of ice crashed down onto Zagan, we shouted to each other over the din as we closed windows and skylights. Concerned looks were exchanged as the noise from the rear skylights sounded as if there were going to break at any moment, as Charlie went and hid in his bed.
After five nervous minutes the hail turned to torrential rain. Another five minutes and the paths on the campsite were puddles filled with melting ice balls, Zagan was coated in bits of tree and it was all over. I went out to grab some of the hail before it all disappeared and to check Zagan for damage. While we can’t get on his roof, he seems to have come through unscathed even if we are both a little more wary of storm clouds now.
Tomorrow we head off from here, our plan is yet to be decided but the forecast is for cooler days with more rain and hopefully no more thunder.
Ju x
Why did you stop vlogging?
We haven’t done anything particularly interesting lately – it’s mainly been looking after Charlie. When we get good WiFi we do have a couple of videos to upload, but I wouldn’t get too excited.
Hi both we have escaped worse of t’weather here so far and clouds over I’lson are few. It’s even a clear view t’Bills mams house. Glad to see Charlie is coping with weather. Great pictures as ever. We have the books out and your recent Tour is giving us ideas for forthcoming Franch trip in t’van !
Ay up me duck! (I never say that, but Dad does). Looking like 10 days of rain down here unless we get to the Med. Cooling off though, so better for the furry one. Just gearing up for today’s massive drive (40 mins, all in one go), so I’ll head off and check the lockers are all shut! Cheers, Jay
We are 11 days into our 9 week tour. We were also planning to head towards Croatia, but we will probably go no further south than northern Italy. That’s at the moment, as we keep changing our minds! That’s the beauty of a Motorhome. Currently in Turckheim, Alsace, enjoying the sunshine, beer and wine! Heading into Switzerland tomorrow, so will be giving the plastic a bit of a caning for a few days. Hopefully on to the Italian lakes. Enjoy your Charlie time. Paul, Ann and Milly the Springer.
Cracking! Stock up before Switzerland and stay on a few mountain passes to keep the credit card from imploding. Have a great time guys, cheers, Jay
Hi both of you,we are no longer motorhome virgins? We have been in France now for 2 weeks and loving it. We started of in Jumieges and from there we have travelled to Bayeux and St Mont Michel s and are now at St’ George’s de Didonne moving onto Cognac. We are having a brilliant time and wish we had done it sooner. Thank you both again for giving us the confidence. thanks
Brilliant, good for you and you’re more than welcome! Cheers, Jay
Beware – €39,000 to buy, €390,000 to renovate! Well, maybe not quite that much but definitely approaching bottomless pit territory with something that size.
Ah, yes… There are smaller places which have already been done but you’re quite right, big bucks and a lot of patience/acceptance of risk needed on the larger places! We’re sticking to the van for now.