Rainy Days and ...

Some times a rainy day comes at an opportune moment. After four great days of biking it was time for a break. So we welcomed the time to tour Epernay. But first we headed back to Ay (our Champagne hostess told us that it is pronounced ah-yeah) for round two of patisserie heaven. 

Too many to choose from...

Fruity for Kim and Chocolate surprise for me. The last one looks like a repeat from the other day.

On to Epernay as the rain subsided and the sun started to shine through. Lovely for a stroll. 

This is the most notable street in town, lined with Champagne houses - some familiar and others new - but all magnificent. 

This palace behind the construction fence is not your typical American winery. Hard to believe that this building was constructed just to produce a wine with bubbles.

Another cathedral to Champagne creations. 

And of course the patron saint himself. Not sure how good the likeness is, but very "monk-like" in appearance (the one on the pedestal). 

Moet & Chandon owns the Dom Perigon brand and abbey where he lived. 

We have seen a few of these tandem electric vehicles around town. Our first encounter was in Amboise in 2016.

The interior is sparse and rear seat barely functional. However for getting around town in clear weather (no side window glass) it is ideal. 

Our first stop was the visitor center where everything "Champagne" was on display. 

How did this ancient bike sneak in. Does not look like a fun ride but the French had to start somewhere. We will stick with our Treks.

Champagne corks are the thing to buy and keep. There are even chocolate corks in foil wrap for the connoisseur. I'll take my chocolate "neat".

The Saturday market was winding down but still worth a stroll around the stalls.

Flowers in every color.

The fish counter is always worth a look. Besides the weird looking sea creatures, there was the traditional. Mussels are a personal favorite. 

Seasonal fair but a bit early for Halloween. 

Lapin (with all the innards) will not go over well with our bunny loving grand kids. 

Coffee time is sneaking up on us, but not until we secured the daily pastry. 

Voila - a coffee bar was close at hand. 

What better find than a chocolate store. The samples were so good we had to make a purchase. 70% dark chocolate fit the bill. 

This mural says it all: culture for viticulture, elevage for breeding, les caves for aging, and plaisir for the ultimate pleasure.  

This sign a few doors down is a great landmark for finding our way home. The champagne houses are tucked into every nook along the way.  

Our evening repast. 

Under the chocolate was the surprise - meringue (one of the essential food groups). 

Better than (*^*(!