It's grim down South

Raining. Thunder. The market at Ste Cécile was a damp affair but fortunately we got there before the deluge and were well ensconced under the awning at the Bar when the heavens opened. Much banter at the veg stall about Rugby... This is a photo of the official freebie choc given with coffee!

First new season's walnuts were procured






There was an anxious moment as the van from Brake Brothers (France) drew up and man unloaded ice steaming boxes in front of us. Surely not frozen frogs! Fortunately he trundled them across the road to some hidden restaurant and the honour of the Bar de l'Union remains intact.

As we await the Big Match, here is another image of sunny Champagne. Just discovered more info about Vertus... Merci Wiki

Vertus is located in the Côte de Blancs subregion of Champagne. It is one of the highest rated Premier Cru villages of Champagne.With 500 hectares of vines, Vertus is the second largest village in Champagne, and the largest in the Marnedepartment. Vertus is the home of one of the major Champagne houses: Duval-Leroy is established in the village since 1859.