Our first day in Reims (pronounced "rance", like France without the "F"). Since we were in the heart of the champagne area we decided to start off with a visit to a champagne producer (yes, this was first thing on a Sunday morning!). We decided to tour Taittinger which was founded in 1734 and is one of the larger producers. We were given a tour of the underground limestone caves where the champagne is stored for aging and then enjoyed a tasting of this wonderful product.
Afterward we visited the cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, where the kings of France were crowned. In 2011, the city of Reims celebrated the cathedral's 800th anniversary. The front of the church is being restored and is covered in scaffolding. The style is flamboyant gothic.
Here is a postcard showing what it should look like.
There are some great gargoyles.
And lots of weird heads and critters.
Inside ...
... there are gorgeous stained glass windows.
(This one is partially hidden by scaffolding.)
This one was paid for by the region's champagne producers.
A close-up of part of the center window shows that the scenes are of the champagne making process.
This angel by one of the doors has become the symbol for Reims.
And this motif near another door shows what will happen to sinners.
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