I had previously booked our tickets (and seats) so when the train arrived on we went. Of course we were upstairs which meant dragging out suitcases up the stairs.
It was a quick 45 minute journey, at times getting up to 320 kilometres per hour although unless you looked out the window and saw cars being left behind you had no idea it was going so fast.
On arrival into Reims we walked to our B&B. It was too early to check in unfortunately so instead dropped our bags and heading into the city centre for coffee and a bite to eat.
We had planned to do a walking tour of Reims but the rain put that idea to bed!
Late morning Ann and Patrick arrived from New York. We met them at the B&B.
We wander to a wine bar I had previously researched, but unfortunately they were full so we headed down the road until we found another place for lunch.
It was absolutely pouring so instead of walking to Mumm a taxi was called. Our original booking was at 4.30pm but thankfully they managed to get us in nearly an hour earlier.
Mumm was founded back in 1827 and in 2015 was ranked 4th globally based on the number of bottles they sold. We are taken around their cellars on a conducted tour. It was fascinating to learn the history of Mumm.
At the conclusion of the tour it was time for the champagne tasting. Delicious!
For dinner we headed off to a place in the city centre.
Friday 16 September we enjoyed a relaxing breakfast downstairs. We were the only guests in this 4 room B&B which was lovely!
At 10am we went on the walking tour around Reims, which was interesting to learn the history of the place. Ending at the Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral).
Notre-Dame de Reims is a Roman Catholic Cathedral in the middle of town, which was built in the 13th to 15th century to replace an earlier church that was destroyed by a fire in 1221.
Lunch and a spot of shopping was had before having a short break at the B&B.
Mid-afternoon we walked off to Veuve Clicquot.
Veuve Clicquot was founded back in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot. His wife (Veuve Clicquot) took over when she was 27 years ago after he passed away. At the time she was the first business woman in the early 1800s to run an international business.
At the completion of the tour it was time for some tasting and reviewing of their merchandise. Anna wanted to buy a table and chairs but they wouldn't ship to the USA, such a shame. As expected we all loved the champagne.
Ann and Patrick had organised a dinner in a Chateau on the outskirts of Reims. Mum, Dad, Anna and I walked back into town and to the wine bar that I had previously researched. Great food and drinks! The owners were entertaining and very helpful.
Saturday 17 September I woke to rain, fingers crossed it doesn't last long. We all have breakfast together downstairs.
As our first champagne house booking wasn’t until 11.45am we had some downtime before having to walk there.
Thankfully the rain had stopped when we head out to Taittinger.
Taittinger was founded back in 1734.
Like the other two champagne houses we have visited we have the tour then its champagne tasting time (this time it’s 3 glasses). They were all absolutely delicious and Mum’s favourite (so far).
Our next booking wasn’t until 3pm at Pommery however on arrival we were able to get in at 2.15pm. The main entrance / hall is HUGE!
Pommery was founded in 1858 with the primary business being wool trading. It became the first champagne house to commercialise a brut champagne in 1874.
2 glasses of bubbles was our tasting…we decided to slow up a bit!!
First stop on leaving Pommery was getting something to eat! Back at the B&B we had a couple of hours R&R.
I had booked dinner for tonight at Le Cyptro which was delicious!
Sunday 18 September (my birthday) it was an earlier start than previous mornings. Breakfast was enjoyed before Martin, Mandy and the children arrived from London.
We walked to the train station to go to Epernay. The line to buy tickets was super long! In the end I sent Mum and Dad to the platform. We finally managed to purchase tickets as a group before having to run to the train!
On arrival it was a quick walk to Mercier for our booking.
Mercier was founded in 1858. They store their champagne in the 18km long cellar tunnels located 30m underground. We got on rail carts for part of the tour to get around the tunnels. Very interesting.
Post the tour it’s all about the champagne tasting.
We wandered back down Avenue de Champagne to the town area. There weren’t too many options for lunch (places were either closed or full). Thankfully Paul (French café / restaurant) worked out.
Our last champagne house was Moet and Chandon. Established back in 1743. Today they produce approximately 28,000,000 bottles of champagne. Fun fact, Dom Perignon (another brand of champagne) is produced by Moet and Chandon.
On arrival we were greeted by a LARGE number of Ferraris. Mum loved them.
Post the tour it’s champagne tasting and wandering around the shop.
Pre-dinner drinks are enjoyed outside on one of the main streets in the city centre. A lovely warm evening. We definitely aren’t the only ones out and about on a Sunday night!
It had taken a number of emails and phone calls (a few weeks ago) to find a restaurant for tonight. Not surprisingly a number of places aren’t open on a Sunday night.
Monday 19 September Anna is up and out super early to return to New York! We thankfully don’t need to rush. It’s a slow casual walk to the train station before taking the train back to Paris.
We manage to get ourselves to Mum and Dad’s hotel without too many issues before wandering the streets nearby. A lunch location is confirmed. Mum and I decide a glass of bubbles is required.
I leave Mum and Dad early afternoon to head to Eurostar. I’m off to London for a week.
Au Revoir France, you have been amazing!!
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