A day of two days

We got up early this morning to catch a train to Reims, capital of the Champagne district. It's about 200 km from Paris, so by TGV it's a 45 minute very fast ride. These puppies really fly.

The city of Reims is pretty nice. It's old, and has a spectacular cathedral with a gorgeous rose window and a chapel with Marc Chagall stained glass windows. Funny, Chagall painted the ceiling at the opera too. Busy guy.

Before seeing the cathedral, we went to the Taittinger champagne cellars (caves, actually) for a tour. Apparently, when the Romans were in the area they had great need to the gypsum that's abundant under the surface there. They dug hundreds of holes, starting with a small square hole until they found what they wanted, then widening out in a square pyramid shape until they were about 50 feet below the ground. Centuries later, after the Romans had returned to Rome, the monks at the monestery above discovered the caves and built connecting tunnels and used them to store their primordial champagne. The caves are deep enough to keep a constant temperature, and the chalky walls (you can carve your name in them with a fingernail) absorb moisture and let air seep down from the surface. Very cool looking. Then of course we tasted the champagne. I like champagne.

After lunch we walked back to town, toured the cathedral, which as been there since the 13th century (and parts of it sure look it) and where every king from the 13th century to the Revolution was coronated. It's a very beautiful building. Then to Mumm's for a more modern kind of champagne tour and tasting :)

By that time, we needed to go to the train, and the second day of today began with an outbreak of let's say "drama." By the time we got back to Paris we were in no mood to go out to dinner and so I availed myself of all the treats the the Rue Cler market around the corner has to offer, including pate', rotisserie chicken and potatoes, cheese, baguette and fresh veggies. Tough life, I know.

Here's some pictures from the past few days:

More Paris and Reims