>>CONTENTS

Issue highlight

Cover story

Great Escapes Loire rallyp22 Nigel and Helen Donnelly join 40 ralliers as they cross the Channel for our latest Reader Rally. The 14-day trip reveals that the Loire Valley is much more than a wine-producing region. Follow the action as the party discovers the region’s culture and history, pairs up for some on-site dancing, enjoys a sing-song or two, and still finds the time for a winery tour.

News

10 Noticeboard Stop here first for touring tips, deals, news and views, plus our crossword puzzle 13 Letters Your news and views from the sites, as well as posts from our Forum 16 Caravan bore A 10-year warranty isn’t better than a six-year one, says The Bore 18 My van blew over! Mike Clarkson recalls being trapped in his upturned tourer after a freak wind storm

Cover story

My car av an ble w ove r! p18

Travel

Cover story

Great Escapes Loire rally p22 Nigel and Helen Donnelly join 40 ralliers on our latest Reader Rally, to the Loire 28 Where we stayed Boating and fishing are among the activities at the lakeside site Les Bois du Bardelet

Where we stayed

Disc ove r Neptun Cas tle on the Baltic co as t p30

30 Getaway Andrew and May Clark discover the allure of the beautiful Baltic coast as they journey from the Netherlands to Poland 36 Crossing the Channel Planning your first European trip? Follow our guide to troublefree, pleasurable touring 39 Your postcards Our readers write to us about trips to Luxembourg and Germany 41 Site reviews Your views on great touring

39 Your postcards

41 Site reviews sites in Spain and France

6 | JANUARY 2012 | www.practicalcaravan.com