Cathedrals of France

My Apartment (middle window, top floor)

The classic Parisian scene of the Seine

I arrived in Paris courtesy of the TGV from Lille, arriving at Gare de Nord. Found my apartment and it was good to completely unpack my suitcase. Found lots of little cafes and bars around and participated in a couple of 'happy hours' - and then an early night! On the way home I popped into the restaurant below my apartment and had a stunning meal including pate de fois gras for an entree.

Notre Dame

Gargoyle from Notre Dame

The next morning I wandered around Notre Dame Cathedral and followed the Seine for a bit before returning home. Its nice to not have a serious agenda of sights that I must see, and to be able to just poke around.


Reims Cathedral

Today was a long day where I took the TGV to Reims. After spending some time in Reims Cathedral I was trying to imagine how magnificent it would have been when the french kings were crowned there - apparently entering the Cathedral on horse back. Joan of Arc led Charles VII to be crowned king there in 1429. I think it is a more magnificent cathedral than Notre Dame in Paris.

Scenes of Reims Cathedral

From the sublime to the ridiculous... I then walked to Pommery Champagne House to go on a guided tour and then a tasting of a lovely 1999 Vintage Pommery Champagne - beats the Minchinbury any day!! For scientific purposes it is always important to replicate experiments, so I went to G H Mumm Champagne House after lunch. Another tour - another tasting! Not as good as the Pommery, but not bad.

Hurtling back through the french countryside in the TGV got me back in time for tea - maybe an early night is needed, for more things to do tomorrow.

Cheers from Pommery's!