Let’s see, where were we? Oh yes, three Aperol spritz’s later…We are now moving on toward champagne country.

(You can click on most images to enlarge.)

We then visited the city of Troyes, that is known for its’ amazingly intact colorful medieval timber frame buildings. You feel like you are walking through history - like King Charles is coming by any minute. It’s surreal.

troyes

check out how close these buildings are!!

We left a big whitten tip for our wonderful waitress | RAOK

From the van - can you see what’s starting to bloom in the countryside?

We were then on to Reims. We stayed in the magical Chateau de Sacy, located in the outskirts of the city and smack dab in the middle of the vineyards. When I say magical, I mean it.

Chateau de Sacy

room with a view

roomies

From the vineyard wonderland that was our hotel, we ventured out to nearby Reims, the largest city in the champagne region. Here we saw the wonders of the gorgeous gothic Notre Dame de Reims, and heard the story of its’ bombing in WWI. This was where french kings were crowned for 1000 years, and where Germany surrendered in 1945.

More fabulous food at Les Crayeres and champagne adventures at the Pommery champagne house.

The Chagall windows

joan of arc chapel

This intricate work was originally done by hand in the 13th century.

When the cathedral was bombed in 1914, the lead roof melted and oozed through the mouths of the original gargoyles.

In the museum next door, original relics are stored. Some were damaged by time and some were damaged in the bombing. All were replaced with reproductions.

Domaine Les Crayeres

Lunch @ the jardin de

les crayeres

And now we walked hundreds of steps down into the chalk caves under the champagne house. There are amazing art installations in the empty areas of the dark cellars, hundreds of feet under the property.

Madame Pommery took over the champagne making when she was widowed in 1858.

There’s a long winding hallway with smaller arched caves like this off to the sides. It was fascinating.

Special vintages under lock and key, to be studied in the future. The signs tell the year and how many bottles were saved.

And more tasting….

We next visited Epernay, the champagne capital of the world, and “Champagne Avenue” with all the famous champagne houses. Another cellar visit and more tasting!

But first a visit to Hautvillers, the resting place of Dom Perignon, the monk who was a pioneer in champagne and sparkling wine.

The Abbey where Dom Perignon

is buried

Epernay Main Street

this champagne house is

now the city hall

Our last night in Sacy

the next day we left for paris

Cafe Au Lait in Paris

We’ll wind up tomorrow in the Loire Valley to see the chateaus built by the kings, and we’ll see what I packed!