Champagne & Northern France - Discover France: Experience the Best of France - page 315

PARIS TO ÉPERNAY CHAMPAGNE TASTER
This trip provides a perfect introduction to the Champagne region. From (1) Paris ,
it's an easy trip by train or car to (2) Reims , home to some of the world's biggest
bubbly producers. Spend the first day tasting your way around Mumm, Taittinger
and the other big-name Champagne houses. Lunch in art-deco surroundings at
Brasserie le Boulingrin before tackling the 250 steps of the city's spectacular
cathedral tower. Indulge in a spot of wine and Champagne shopping, before break-
ing for afternoon tea (actually champagne and pink biscuits) at Waïda. Overnight in
the home of a former Champagne merchant at the Grand Hôtel des Templiers.
On day two, catch a train on to (3) Épernay and its wealth of subterranean cel-
lars, where 200-million-plus bottles of Champers are being aged, just waiting to be
popped open for some sparkling occasion. Take your pick of the city's champagne
houses before enjoying a leisurely lunch at La Cave à Champagne, an afternoon's
shopping and sightseeing, and an evening at Le Clos Raymi.
Spend day three on a leisurely bike ride or a guided tour of some of the region's
smaller vineyards.
ÉPERNAY TO COLMAR ARCHITECTURE
This trip takes in some of northeast France's top architectural sights. Train is the
easiest option between the cities, but you'll have to rely on buses or hiring a car
along the Route des Vins d'Alsace. From (1) Épernay head to (2) Metz , one of
France's most-attractive provincial cities. Visit its elegant cathedral and latest mod-
ern landmark, the Centre Pompidou-Metz.
Next, move on to (3) Nancy . Its splendid 18th-century buildings are best seen
around Unesco-listed place Stanislas.
Then head to stately (4) Strasbourg , the official home of the EU parliament. It's
a suitably grand city, with elements from nearly all of the key periods of French ar-
chitecture. Step back into the Middle Ages around Grande Île and Petite France,
admire the Renaissance at the Palais Rohan, experience 19th-century splendour
on the place de la République and marvel at the bold modern statement of the
Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain.