Day 150 to 153 - 29th to 1st April - Brassioux, Central France

Point of departure: Sisteron

Point of arrival : Brassioux, Deols, central France

Accommodation: with Michel and Isabelle Lissac.

Km travelled today: 662km Cum: 27 072km (gravel 0km cum 4 649km)

Countries so far: 13/16

Where to next? Paris

No of photos: 74 (cum 6 893)

After we bade farewell to Alain, Christine and William (their son) we set off for Brassioux near Chateau Roux, to visit our son in law Lance's grandparents Michel and Isabelle Lissac.

After a night stop in Issoire - having taken the scenic route via Nyons, Bollenex, Aubenas, through the Col de la Chavade (magnificent mountain pass at 1 228m) and le Puy-en-Velay we arrived in Brassioux to a very warm and loving welcome.

On Wednesday we took the opportunity of opening up the rooftop tent to air it (hadn't been used since Wadi Halfa) and whilst John and Michel stayed at home talking the hind leg off a donkey, Isabelle and Marina went into Chateau Roux to do what women do best… shopping and quite successfully too!

Marina is often referred to as the family's Duracell bunny (non-stop activity and lots of energy) but we think she has finally her match in Isabelle, who even in her late 70's gave Marina a good run for her money. What a little dynamo!

Thursday we were treated to a magnificent meal at the local restaurant and thereafter a visit to one of France's legendary castles (apparently there are over 400 castles in France). Chateau de Valencay built in 1540 on the ruins of a 12th century medieval castle. The castle was bought by Napoleon's foreign minister Charles Talleyrand in 1803 so that he could entertain foreign guests. After Talleyrand's death in 1838 the castle remained in the hands of his heirs until 1979. Today it belongs to the village council of Valencay.

Our thanks to Michel and Isabelle for making us so welcome - it was really nice for us to finally meet you as well as Marc, new members of our extended family. We had a wonderful time with you and look forward to seeing you again in the near future… after all with family in France, there is a whole new reason to make frequent visits.