Umbrellas, Umbrellas!

Our friend Roger drove us 80 kilometers east from St. Dizier to Troyes, for lunch and to catch a train to Paris. Just short of Troyes, we stopped in Piney to visit Dess, makers of highest quality umbrellas, parasols, etc., at their small factory and showroom. This is the sight that greeted us as we entered.  Roger had an umbrella repaired, and bought one as a gift. We were tempted, but nothing seemed practical in our situation here. The owner gave us a brief tour, and we also wandered  on our own among the many work stations, with well over a dozen sewing machines from as many manufacturers. Altogether fascinating. 

After an excellent meal at an attractive brasserie, a speedy  train brought us back home to Paris by 4:30 pm.