Days 19 & 20. Epernay and Reims

 

Our journey through France continued with a 2 night stop in Epernay. Probably not the dream destination for a tea totaller as Epernay and the nearest city Reims are at the heart of champagne producing country and everything is about champagne.

Martin entered the spirt of things though with a champagne sauce on his chicken, whilst Lesley was left to taste the different types of champagne. There were far more brands than the local Asda at home stocks.

After the drive, we enjoyed a chill out afternoon on the campsite ,again next to a river and then a meal out locally, not though at one of the 4 Michelin star restaurants as they were all closed on Tuesday evenings . 

Wednesday started with Martin collecting fresh pastries for breakfast then we set off to walk into Epernay and then catch the train to Reims.

Having convinced Martin that he’d be interested in the science of its production we nearly went on a tour at one of the champagne houses on Champagne Avenue in Epernay, a 1 km avenue full of beautiful buildings home of lots of different champagne producers. However, as the starting price of 80 euros for a tour for two we both agreed that Lesley should carry on with her independent testing of the champagnes and buy a bottle to bring home of her favourite one and Martin could no doubt find a you-tube video of how to make the stuff.

Reims had the usual ginormous gothic cathedral, this time with more modern beautiful stained-glass windows and a lovely cool interior which we took refuge in for a while from the sun. Lots of interesting history, this cathedral was the one that the French kings were all crowned in when France had a monarchy. 

Joan of Arc also made an appearance and more recently the treaty ending WW2 was signed here.

We were grateful on returning to the campsite that our motorhome was now in the shade so we could enjoy sitting out and catching up on all things that need internet.

Tomorrow off to just outside of Bruges in Belgium.