Champagne Region

I toured the Champagne Region of France today.  A mini-van picked me up at my apartment and we took an hour-and-a-half (demi-heure) drive to Reims (pronounced Raun).

Door to the courtyard of my building (you put in an access code on a keypad to open it)

We visited a magnificent cathedral in Reims, very similar to Nôtre Dame.  

Then, we drove into Ay stopped to look at a scenic view of the region.  We tasted some grapes used to make champagne right off the vine.   

Then we visited a small, family-owned winery called P.M. Roger & Fils (sons), where we got a tour and had two tastings...one champagne without sugar and the same one with sugar.  

After that, Celina took us to Épernay and we had lunch at a restaurant that serves dishes made with wine.  We had an outstanding coq au vin.  

Then, we went on to Moët et Chandon (where they make Dom Perignon), and toured their massive cellars, and ended with a tasting.  

Then we went to the village where Dom Perignon lived, visited his burial site. 

We stopped for some more beautiful points of view of the Region, and came back to Paris.  

The weather was gorgeous, I met some wonderful people, and it was just a great day.  I hope to spend some time with our tour guide, Celina, as she was one cool chick.  

For the full gallery of pictures with more in-depth explanations, click here for my Champagne Album.