16 June 2026

 The last day of our trip began with a final champagne stock at our favourite Crucifix Père et Fils outside Épernay, where we were remembered from our last visit by the wife, who helped carry our boxes to the car.

I love seeing the unpretentious interiors of these small producers who sell from their homes -

A last pit stop was made at a large Leclerc on the outskirts of Épernay, where I took a moment to be impressed by the sheer variety of fresh produce in France. 

The fact for example, that here in the meat area of the supermarket, was this vast sub-section devoted solely to things that fly!

And here just a fraction of the fridge space dedicated to butters from different regions -

Armed with supplies, we had only the home stretch now - with dropped temperatures and cloudy skies -

Reaching home, there was some watering therapy -

and dinner outside with Leclerc provisions of fresh baguette, cheeses, charcuterie, patés, and wine from the Vézelay abbey on our route. A simple feast.