Last night we slept so well next to the Loire that this morning it was hard to get our snouts off the pillow. Not because we were sleepy, but purely for pleasure. That hidden corner between trees and silence smelled of peace... and damp mud, which also has its doggy charm. But while I was stretching my back and supervising imaginary ducks, daddy Edu was in "serious human mode", solving important things that can't be sniffed or bitten. Things of dads.

The sky dawned mouse-belly grey but no sign of rain, so we set off calmly. Direction: Langeais. Yes, another town with a castle, because France seems to have cultivated them like mushrooms centuries ago and hasn't stopped since.

To get in we crossed a beautiful suspension bridge, the Langeais Bridge (Pont suspendu de Langeais for the locals). It's long, elegant and looks like it's from a film where there's always fog and a mysterious carriage. I didn't see any carriages, but I did see cars that were passing too fast for my liking.

We parked almost on the castle's doorstep, the kind with pointed towers and an air of "I live in the 15th century but I'm well-preserved". And although the initial intention was to take a photo of me with the bridge, in the end the official session was with me and the castle in the background. Much more regal, if you ask me.

We strolled through the town, which was quiet, and went around the castle just enough for daddy to take photos and me to leave my educated aroma. Then we walked to near the bridge to take a photo of it as it deserves: with a pose of medieval influencer and protagonist dog (although without a dog this time, because the boss lost his mind).

We went back to the car and crossed the bridge again, this time heading south and then east. Our bellies were growling - mine more than daddy's, obviously - so we looked for a picnic area. Parking, table, lawn and a Tupperware container in the camper. Everything was going well until the sky said "now it's time" and it started to rain. With enthusiasm. And of course, all our plans... poof! In the bin. Although to be honest: we didn't have any. It's nice when things go wrong like that.

Human solution: hit the road. Two hours driving in drizzling rain until we reached the motorhome area of Loché-sur-Indrois. But only in passing, because we had to load clean water and empty the grey water and that could be done for free there. I supervised from the door with a professional look. Daddy Edu, as always, making the most of every place: one to fill up, another to sleep, another for photos... he's like a bloodhound of opportunities, but in human version.

Then we continued for a few minutes to Villeloin-Coulangé, where the good area really is. The water here is paid for, but as we had already sorted it out before, we arrived light and without spending a single coin. Here the land and the tranquility are free and sufficient. The place is impeccable: soft lawn, wide space, and three motorhomes including ours, parked in a circle as if we were about to invoke the spirit of the siesta.

The rain was still falling with the rhythm of a sad drip, so we retreated into the camper without remorse. No long walks, no new towns, no extra castles. Just the murmur of the rain, a calm daddy and a well-rolled-up dog. We're staying here to sleep, even though the Loire can't be seen anymore. As long as there's a roof, a blanket and dinner, the rest is props.