A black Mercedes pulls up to the door of Residence Villa Daubenton. It’s our ride to Reims, compliments of Veuve Clicquot and Charton-Hobbs. The rolling countryside and fields of grain hide the scars of World War I battlefields as we drive east of Paris. This land has a history of changing hands – first France, then Germany, now France.
We are soon in the Champagne Region which is all about the grapes: pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay. France’s strict controls only allow these grapes to be used for the production of Champagne.
Reims is in the heart of Champagne. Its gothic Notre Dame cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site. Built in the 12th Century, it became the setting for the coronation of the Kings of France up to the 19th Century. Reims and its cathedral suffered through more than 300 bombings during the Great War.
After lighting a candle for our loved ones, Monica and I leave the church and stroll to the city centre, a hub of shops, restaurants, cafés and Champagne retailers. We’re overdue for a rest and lunch. It’s very warm and an open-air restaurant attracts us. We celebrate our first day in Reims appropriately with a glass of Champagne and a delicious meal of tournedos de boeuf with deux poivre sauce and braised endive. It never takes us long to find foodie heaven.
We are soon in the Champagne Region which is all about the grapes: pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay. France’s strict controls only allow these grapes to be used for the production of Champagne.
Reims is in the heart of Champagne. Its gothic Notre Dame cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage site. Built in the 12th Century, it became the setting for the coronation of the Kings of France up to the 19th Century. Reims and its cathedral suffered through more than 300 bombings during the Great War.
After lighting a candle for our loved ones, Monica and I leave the church and stroll to the city centre, a hub of shops, restaurants, cafés and Champagne retailers. We’re overdue for a rest and lunch. It’s very warm and an open-air restaurant attracts us. We celebrate our first day in Reims appropriately with a glass of Champagne and a delicious meal of tournedos de boeuf with deux poivre sauce and braised endive. It never takes us long to find foodie heaven.
Glad you already managed a glass of champagne....hope it was Veuve!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi J & M.
ReplyDeleteThe inside, of the Cathedral, must very beautiful. Very thoughtful, to have lighted a candle.
I expect, our G.F. once stood, on this land, many years ago. Must be, a nice feeling, to see where, he once stood.
The meal sounds delicious. Thanks for the above info. Looking forward to the next posting.
Take care,
Verna