Well today was our lucky day. We were the only ones who had booked to go on a day tour to this area and so we had our own private car and chauffeur – who told Michael his name was Razor. But I did not hear that and so cannot confirm this to be a fact.

We headed off just before 8am to Reims which was almost 150 Km away.

Now before I go much further I will explain how Michael and I learnt to say this famous town’s name correctly. (This is the second comment I am unable to verify as true as well I’m afraid).

PRONUNCIATION TIP 1
Think of how English people ( as opposed to Aussies) say
France ———> FRARNCE
Well Reims is pronounced using the same pattern ——-> RARNCE.

I know it doesn’t look correct but you’ll have to trust me.

Anyway, this town has a very interesting past. It is very very old, having existed 80 years before Christ. Unfortunately much of the town was destroyed in WW1 and even though the church was bombed heavily, the church essentially survived. Well enough for some clever builders to restore it to its glory. It is HUGE. Apparently bigger than the Notre Dame in Paris.

This is the church where many of the kings of France were crowned. And more recently, where Germany surrendered at the end of WW2 by signing an agreement on 7 May 1945, 69 years ago (minus 5 days).

After an hour of exploring the church, Razor drove us to the G. H. Mumm cellars for a wine tour and tasting.

PRONUNCIATION TIP 2
Mumm ——-> MOOM

We learnt a lot about the process of making champagne and walked underground through the cellars. We were told there were 25 Km of tunnels in the cellar we were visiting. We now know what NV is and what vintage means, plus loads more. You can quiz us on it when we get home if you are interested.

Two of the photos shown above show the museum part of the tour and not the wine tasting part. I think I was too busy during the latter phase of the tour, ensuring I got my fair share of the Cordon Rouge. It was yummy.

Razor then drove us to the centre of Reims (RARNCE) so we could have lunch. No pictures taken at this time either as I was very hungry and have recently found myself severely handicapped by my braces. Anything firmer than baby food is a challenge, and then of course I need to spend time cleaning the braces to remove any detritus. Michael was finished at least half an hour before I was, and I did not even clean my plate.

Our next stop was the Lighthouse of Verzenay which is a very modern museum about the history of making champagne in this district. This was interesting, even more so because there was at least 60 20-year old university students on an excursion they did not want to be on, all of them were dressed in a funny hat or outfit. Oh to be young!

Here is a photo of Razor pointing out something interesting about Verzenay to Michael. Nothing I can verify as the truth by the way.

The next stop was the small village of Hautvilliers, made famous by Dom Perignon, who is now buried there.

PRONUNCIATION TIP 3
Hautvilliers ———> OH-VEE-AIR

Our trip back to Paris was through some different country side and we stopped at a point that showed a beautiful view of the Marne Valley.

When we returned to our apartment, it was agreed Michael would organise dinner for us at home. We had eaten out last night and at lunch. He consulted with the Indian man from the fruit shop below our apartment and came home very proud of himself.

I think an early night is in order after that. We are off to Bordeaux tomorrow on an Air France flight and head to Bergerac on Monday morning on the train.

Will keep you posted.