REIMS, NOT ALL BUBBLES

It's Bastille Day and Reims is pretty much shut. A big concert and fireworks last night but 'tres ferme' today. 

A very patriotic Hotel de Ville

This unfortunately includes the Champagne caves which we had hoped to visit. They are the larger labels and we head south tomorrow and will pass through Epernay and hope to visit some smaller ones and get a tour of their caves.

"Let me in!"

The Notre-Dame Cathedral here is stunning. Built in the 12th century and 80% destroyed in the first world war it has been 'restorated' and has been the Christian coronation cathedral for 25 of France's early Kings. The French equivalent of Westminster Cathedral.

The western facade and uncompleted spires

On the church front there's another Basilica in town, in an area called St Timothee! The 'Basilique Saint-Remi de Reims' is a Romanesque-Gothic abbey church built in the eleventh century. They were having a small service when we visited which made the church come alive with singing and organ accompaniment.

That's my boy!

A fortuitous Christian name.

A small but moving service inside.

As close as we're likely to get

An aperitif last night

  Escargot in bacon and cream sauce,

just about completes my french food experience!

Frogs legs only to go!