A train trip to Reims

 

Day 6 – October 6 – Paris – Gard, L’Est – Reims, High Speed Train, New Apartment, Exploring

Weather – Sunny, cool to warm 7-19c

How are we only up to day 6? It seems as though we have been here for at least 2 weeks. I think we’ve packed enough in for 3 weeks! Today we are off to Reims, the home of Champagne. I wonder what we might get up to there? I was pretty excited because we were travelling on a high speed train – I love train rides – and this one gets up over 250kmph. Our train departed at 10:28, so we were up early to pack, clean up and get going. I used up most of the food stores – went down to our favourite Boulangerie to order (In perfect French of course) a couple of warm croissants, and then we were off to the train station. I think we got ripped off by the taxi driver €32 for about 1.5km – however it was a maxi taxi – but give the uber’s were quoting €15… oh well. 

At the station I decided to try the McDonald’s as Lucy was hungry – and the options weren’t great. I just got a burger – a big mac that came with tomato and Bacon. I can report, that it was just as underwhelming in Paris as it is in Melbourne… The train itself was very busy – and there were no spare seats – with our bags it was hard to get on and off, but we managed in the end. I did have a moment where the ticket inspector was asking some sort of question which I could tell was about bags – apparently we had to move them. But there was no English involved so I was completely lost. Eventually a fellow passenger told me that she was telling me to move my bags to the centre of the carriage… Got there eventually. We had a family square – so four seats around a table – and the spare seat was taken. The seats were comfortable enough, and the leg room was good. 

The ride itself was a breeze – we were outside of Paris and into the countryside in 25mins. And then into Reims in less than 50mins – that’s a 150km trip in less than 1 hour! By the time we got into Reims, the sun was shining and it was glorious day. We had access to the apartment to drop off our bags, and then we could fully check in at 1pm. By the time I got the bags up the stairs and into the apartment it was 11:50 – so we had a little time to kill before they place was cleaned and ready. Off to Rue du Mars where the market (Halles) is located, we found a nice place - le Marche, which had a surprising amount of local and artisan beer – Look I know I’m in champagne, but it would be rude to not at least sample a beer or two… We went with the Menu du Jour – which is basically a surprise. 

It was barbeque ribs, with salad and potato, then a mille feuille with cream and apple – all washed down with a local beer – not exactly sure what I ordered there. Anyway, we finished up around check in time, so we decided to head back. The apartment is lovely and has a very open feel, even though it's quite small. At least the bedroom door closes, so Lucy can go to bed before us for a change. There's also an outdoor space.

The view from our room

Katie was not feeling well -  bit of a sinus thing, so it was decided that a rest would be a good idea. Lucy and I went off to explore the city in the glorious sunshine.

Our walk led us past plazas with seats set up where you could sit in the sun and have a drink, cool fountains, amazing buildings, and of course, to the city centre where we found the Reims Cathedral. I took Lucy through being the good catholic that I am – I think this might be the first time I’ve been to church for a while (Don’t tell nanna). Of course, I still knew the drill. We purchased some candles and said a pray for mum (You never know), and generally were blown away by the sheen scale and beauty of the Church. The Cathedral was the location for the coronation of many Kings over its 800yr history.

After our little religious experience, Lucy and I went off to further explore the town. Somehow we ended up getting ice-cream and an apple tarte tatin… Lucy is such a good negotiator. Anyway, back home, Katie was still not 100% and pretty tired, so we decided to eat at home. I went back out to pick up some food, and I picked up an bottle of champagne – recommended by the gentleman in the shop. A Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs Brut, Grand Cru – at €27 it was a steal – a stunning wine, 100% Chardonnay – I was getting green apples, but in a good way.

I also managed to get totally confused in the supermarket, apparently you need to weight the produce and get a little sticker before you bring it to the counter. “désolé, je ne comprends pas”… I think the que behind me seemed a little annoyed. I managed to get out of there eventually which my food, although, perhaps not with my dignity. Overall, Reims seems like a beautiful city – more exploring to follow tomorrow.