I had a neighbor in Chicago who was from Reims. I never heard of it before. It is pronounced in a way totally foreign to me and I still can't say it. Like without the R or the M. Anyway my friend Etienne is not a big fan of Reims but invited us to come and stay with his family. It turns out to be the capital of the Champagne Reigon and very beautiful.

Day 2-4 Reims




We were so happy to have GPS in our car, but to our dismay it was in French and we couldn't figure it out. It still helped a bit better than a map because when we went the wrong way we could see the arrow start to go in the wrong direction! ; The tollbooths there take credit cards, what a concept; 10 euros in tolls later we found ourselves entering Champagne.





The Notre Dame Cathedral of Reims is the first thing you see as you enter Reims. It is a massive and beauiful structure which is famous for where all the Kings of France were crowned. The famous smiling angel of Reims.





Etienne with his big, fake looking key welcomes us into his home; His lovely mother had the table set and waiting for us for dinner! ;The view from their kitchen into the garden; Our lovely guest room that Etienne's sister was kind enough to give up for the weekend.



Details of the Notre Dame Cathedral of Reims





Chocolate on my plate is always a touch I can appreciate; We had butter lettuce with homemade dressing, pate with bread cut in the shape of a heart, pomegranate.... that was just the appetizer; A Lovely dinner with a lovely family



Michelle and I pose for another self portrait in front of the cathedral; My husband and Etienne point out the most perfect spot for a photo opportunity; Michelle, BJ and Etienne at the Les Faux de Verzy (thousand year old twisted beeches)



The group is tired ; Another wonderful home cooked meal. Pomme Frites, salad and Beef (Boef as they call it) tenderloin; You can't get better hospitality than this!










The Verzenay Lighthouse at the Vine Museum; My hubby and I; Grapes ready for the picking; Beautiful Vineyards go on for miles and miles! This area was so amazing I wanted to just stay there forever.


This was such a fantastic weekend... we had the most gracious hosts and amazing food. I hope to return to Reims soon... I am still thinking about that Quiche Etienne's mom made.

For more photos of Reims please click http://www.shawnaseto.com/gallery/1952205/1/105261681

If anyone has photos of the Champagne region feel free to add them to this thread. I would love to see them.

Weird....I only see text...not even the little boxes with red "X's" ....nothing nadda ....was really hoping to see from fantastic euro country side....

w00t

It's *all* about the food.

Originally Posted by Art Scott Weird....I only see text...not even the little boxes with red "X's" ....nothing nadda ....was really hoping to see from fantastic euro country side....

There was a glitch involving the FF browser but it has been fixed and you should be able to see all the photos now : )
Enjoy!

Enjoyed the pics ... THANKS for sharing

Originally Posted by Andy w00t It's *all* about the food.

Your telling me!!! I asked his mother if I could move in and live with them forever

Originally Posted by smhs.images We were so happy to have GPS in our car, but to our dismay it was in French and we couldn't figure it out.

What's wrong with french

Originally Posted by smhs.images Your telling me!!! I asked his mother if I could move in and live with them forever [IMG]images/icons/lickout.gif[/IMG]

Well, come back & have a tartiflette in Savoie

Originally Posted by AntoineD What's wrong with french Well, come back & have a tartiflette in Savoie

I wish I could speak french... its on my list of things to do!
And yes I will be back...and whatever that is I am sure it's good!

Originally Posted by smhs.images I wish I could speak french... its on my list of things to do! And yes I will be back...and whatever that is I am sure it's good!

keep me posted, then ;)