Route to St Pourcain sur Sioule
We drove 144 miles north from Comps to the aire at Malzieu Ville (N 44.85515 E 3.33346). We took the N 106 which is a very twisty and exciting road through the mountains. Too exciting perhaps….the French HGV’s thunder along what is a pretty narrow two lane road for most of its length. La Malzieu Ville is a delightful town just off the A 75 and a good night halt.
Aire at La Malzieu Ville.
The free aire has water and drainage and is close to a very good walk along a river.
Behind the Aire
There is a pretty medieval town about 2 minutes walk away…very handy for the morning baguette and blueberry pie.
The next morning we set off on another short hop (123 miles) to the aire at St Pourcain sur Sioule. ( N 46.31370 E 3.161120 ).
Aire at St Pourcain sur Sioule
This aire is nicely situated in front of the River Sioule but was very busy. Poor Nia was driving and as she prepared to reverse in to a narrowish space a large Frenchman with an impressive beard, out of which clouds of smoke were billowing, popped out of a motorhome and started to issue instructions, backed up with much pointing and arm waving. After a while it became clear that the smoke was coming from a pipe, almost hidden within the beard. We christened him the ancient Mariner.
The aire must have been short of entertainment that day and several other helpers, of various nationalities, appeared and added their advice (in assorted languages) and gesticulations. Some just stood and watched. Nia was probably the only one there with an HGV licence. Mavis was soon parked; the temptation to drive over any toes was avoided.
Rain was threatening and we set off to walk around the town, and find a cafe for a glass of vin blanc each.
On the Sioule
Rambling about Europe with the Kray Twins (Colin and Penny).
Travels with Mavis 
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