This tour has had a common thread running throughout. It’s been woven together with lakeside stopovers. Interlaced with a colourful array of locations. Pieced together like appliqué to create a timeless tapestry of sights and memories.
So it’s no surprise that Beastie’s pitch at our two nighter at Campeggio Plein Soleil is just 50 metres from? . . . Lago di Viverone. It’s small by comparison, but none the less, still beautiful.
The chill from our late afternoon walk reminds us it will soon be time to pack away the shorts and t-shirts. Coupled with the fact that we have the walk virtually to ourselves, there are other reminders too . . 
The string of small villages, Piverone, Viverone and Roppolo, run parallel to and overlook the lake. Our chance to unwind. Give Scoot his final run-out. Nothing particular in mind – other than to have a nose around.
The streets are quiet and deserted. The ancient scenes around every corner give reason for the dwindling populations. Locally produced wine and kiwi not likely to encourage 21stC youngsters to hang around.
The plain exteriors of the buildings lend themselves to a bit of paintwork. Many use pumpkins as a means to add decoration.
The run down exterior of the local church belies its well preserved and elaborate interior. But for how much longer?
In Roppolo a lucky find sees us Scoot up to check out its Castello. We’re the only visitors. Get treated to a ‘1-on-1’ guided tour. Valentina fills us in on the French wealthy owner, who passed by one day and decided to buy the place – as you do. He’s been renovating it ever since. Keeps many of his own personal treasures here. Occupies the place for three months each year with his Chinese wife.
It’s steeped in history – well it is old! Even Napoleon stayed for a couple of weeks. We spend a delightful ninety minutes as Valentina tells us everything of importance.
The view from the terrace is stunning, although it seems something more interesting is going on below . . .
Further down we visit the wine cellar. It seems some of the newer wines are on sale. We stock up ‘our cellar
‘ with Eurospin wines costing no more than three euros. Valentina shows no sign of amazement on hearing this. Simply informs us that any wine bought for less than eight euros is good for cooking only . . .