The sun shone uninhibited and the heat increased with the perspiring crowd. Disregarding the heat, the afternoon was ideal for les vendanges du Château Charonne. Every year, Jacques Melac hosts a festival from his wine bar bistrot Melac on rue Léon Frot.  They use ladders to reach the vines growing above the awning, pluck the grapes, and place them in the barrels for the children who create a thick purple mess with their rinsed feet. Melac also serves food at the festival. Though I would have preferred the cheese plate with my uncharacteristically full glass of wine, I decided to try the saucisse aligot,  a traditional dish from Aveyron Bozouls, where Melac and the grape vines originate. The mashed potatoes were fabulous but I could not finish the sausage which was composed of uncomfortably unambiguous bits of grey and pinkish matter.
The band played French 50s and 60s, pausing only to recognize the entrance of Michou—as though people dont notice when a man wearing an electric blue suit and matching sunglasses rolls into town. At 15h I began my hour long walk home.

Mayor of the 11th district?  Michou, Melac (owner of the establishment and a fine mustache)