Refinements for 2024 make this compact French motorhome more practical
FOR those that don’t recognise the brand, Florium is part of the Rapido Group. Its vehicles are made alongside their not-quite-identical twins from sister marque, Fleurette, in a factory in the Marais Poitevin area of the Loire, rather than at the group’s larger Mayenne plant further east.
The Baxter’s sister models in the Fleurette range are called Migrateur and this 65 LJG layout is available in both versions. Simply pick whether you want a more modern interior (light wood tones with contrasting matt black fittings for the Baxter), or something a little more traditional with the Migrateur’s warmer wood with chrome fittings.
Though classed as compact by its maker (thanks to a 2.23m width), this is the biggest model in the Baxter range – but, at 6.59m long, it’s still far from huge. Inside, you get a cosy – that’s estate agent speak for small! – L-shaped lounge opposite the habitation door. However, there’s also a small fold-down seat right by the entrance – perfect as an extra pew, or even as a footrest for the closest cab seat. It operates easily – simply pull it up to fix it in place, then pull the two catches to unlock the button and lower it again.
The fixed table slides for access, or to allow four to dine, and although the half-dinette offers belts for four to travel, the 65 LJG is only a three-berth. The lounge can convert to a single bed running across the width of the ’van, but realistically this model is ideally suited to a couple with just the occasional need of an extra bed for a grandchild.
The washroom and kitchen are central. For the cook, the two-burner hob is mounted on top of the work surface, maximising the storage below. It has a glass lid that folds up against the wall when in use; this is a good idea as it doesn’t block the ventilation and daylight available from the window. The adjacent circular sink is a good size and, as it is recessed, its cover is flush with the worktop, creating a useful amount of preparation space for the chef. The fridge is more than big enough, too, offering 145 litres of cooling and freezing space. Storage includes two eye-level lockers and three particularly generous drawers, plus a larger cupboard above the fridge.
The washroom, too, manages to make the best use of the limited space available. The shower area is large, with one central drain hole in the tray. The toilet is set onto a small plinth and there’s a door to shut off this area when showering, so the clean-up afterwards should be a dodd
