Apparently it is in the Gothic Flamboyant style, and has its name from the many sculpted heads carved into its facade.

We had thought of a "confluence" also, but a coincidence of cyclists has a real appeal.

Dang it! Now I'm hungry!

"Maison des Tetes"... == "head shop"? Given that it (apparently, if I'm interpreting the sign correctly) dates from the 16th century, probably not.

But now I'm curious as to what a "House of Heads" is, exactly. A sculpture museum specializing in busts?

Saucisson makes an excellent consolation prize for missing out on the rotisserie chicken. And it travels better, too.

Or how about a "confluence"? Or a "coincidence", since such meetings are rarely planned or even anticipated (except in the abstract)?

Oooooohhhhh! Raclette! Gimme gimme gimmegimmegimme...

Oooohh-we like that one.

I'd call it a "commonality." How many other activities can juniors, seniors and graduate students share in common other than bike touring.

Thanks Gregory!

While I don't share your appreciation for pastries, chocolate, ice cream and big 10-jammer breakfasts, I just wanted to check in to say I do like how you've made those things a recurring theme throughout your journal. Keep it up the fine authorship.

There’s quite a bit written about pollarding and why it’s so extensively used in France, probably more so than anywhere else. I found an interesting note though that the tradition may be coming to a close due to climate change. Various larger cities (Geneva, Paris, Strasbourg, Lyon) have started encouraging an end to it in an effort to produce more foliage growth and shade. Geneva’s goal, according to this reference, is to increase its shade cover by 9% by 2030.

Further research revealed that the butter goes at the end to give a shiny finish

I failed. I think it starts with heating the cream (but not to boiling), then melting in the chocolate. I think the butter is a trick question but dunno

Was the objection aesthetic or something else?