Ah, la belle France, who could resist its temptations? The Normandy beaches, the charming little Breton fishing ports, and those dreamy posh places in the south.
But what about the middle? As you clock up those autoroute miles, are you never tempted to turn off at one of the brown signs you pass, advertising things you can see at the next exit? I was, last summer. I had always intended to visit the Auvergne region, famous for its volcanic scenery, on the way down further south for work.
Duration
Three nights (part of a longer tour)
When
Summer 2022
Why?
Taking a detour to discover some of the hidden gems in the Auvergne
But when, having just reached the area's northern perimeter, I saw just such a sign for somewhere called Montluçon, I couldn't resist making a quick detour. I was promised a historic medieval centre, just like Carcassonne, only apparently with far fewer tourists.
Medieval Montluçon
First impressions were good. I had just stopped in a tree-lined street, trying to work out where to park my 7.37m-long Bailey Autograph, when a local man suddenly zoomed to a halt on his moped and directed me to a spot he said would be a much nicer place to pause.
He wasn't wrong: Parc St Jean, with its neat lawns and Japanese-style bridge, would be the perfect place to stop for a picnic. From there, it is only a 15-minute walk to the town centre.
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Practical Motorhome.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2023 edition of Practical Motorhome.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
2015-present ELDDIS ENCORE
Each issue, Gentleman Jack focuses on a great secondhand motorhome. He then reveals which is the best of the bunch, what to pay and which problems to look out for
BEAT THE BLACK STREAK!
Grimebuster John Sootheran dons rubber gloves and grabs his cleaning kit to take on arch-enemy The Black Streak, pitting jumbo sponge against ingrained grunge!
HOW GREEN IS YOUR MOTORHOME?
Listening to the arguments about climate change, it can sometimes feel we're simply doomed - but in reality, even though motorhomes are not the biggest culprit. we can all do our bit to cut carbon emissions.
TIMELESS TURKEY
Returning to a warm welcome in Turkey, Marcus, Kim and the children enjoy exploring ancient ruins in glorious landscapes
BURGUNDY & BEYOND
Over a long, hot summer, Sonia Wignall journeys through fields of sunflowers, alpine meadows and snowy peaks, then on to Germany
I WANT TO RIDE MY BICYCLE!
And where better to enjoy getting back in the saddle than idyllic Ile de Ré, off France's west coast? Elaine Ormerod reports
JUST WHITE
With its easy access from the mainland and everything from palaces to gastronomy, the Lyons find the Isle of Wight to be a touring delight
BLACK GOLD
Janette Sykes finds Georgian gems, an ancient forest and much more in the Midlands' Black Country
PERFECT PEMBROKESHIRE
After the long winter, Colin and Elaine Burdett find a springtime break in Wales the ideal tonic
21 WAYS TO BE A BETTER MOTORHOMER
Old hand at motorhoming or new to our fantastic pastime, you can't deny there's a lot to learn. From campsite etiquette to knowing what kit to take abroad, there's always something new to discover. With this in mind, our special report brings together 21 ways to improve your touring and become an even better motorhomer than before!