Champagne and Joan of Arc

Still dreaming of France, and the birthplace of bubbly, Reims!

Our morning began with a tour of the oldest champagne house in the world, Ruinart. Our knowledgeable guide educated us on the origins of this most delicious elixir, from the happy accident of the perfect location and humidity of the chalk caves, or crayeres, to the wonderful vintages (and non-vintages) still made with the same uncompromising quality 

After a glorious lunch at a charming spot recommended by our driver

we resumed our tour of Reims with a visit to the caves of Veuve Cliquot

                                                       
                                                     steeped in history and flavor

followed by a sampling Madame Cliquot's wondrous Grande Dame

and a quick trip to the cathedral at Reims

   

               

                                                  finishing with a visit with Jeanne d'Arc

before heading back to Paris

                                                
                                                                      for a last look

and libation

then to the station in the morning

and the train to Cannes for week 2!