Day 8 REIMS 13.08.2022

On the second day in Reims, ... oh, we forgot something! So, when we wanted to stock up on materials at the tourist information yesterday, there was a little surprise?! Free Champagne! After all, we are in Champagne, the wine-growing region that is the only one allowed to use this name for its products (Germany can only label it as sparkling wine). There will also be some special features in the production that are only allowed here. Anyway, we tried two glasses and started chatting with the lady behind the counter. She knows a little German (learned it in school for two years) and I know a little French (learned it in school for three years), and it turned out that her brother is the head winemaker. He determines when the grape juices are bottled and how they are treated. We have a bottle with us that has been suffering in the hot car since then. The Champagne should rest for a week in a cool place after transportation to fully develop its taste. Our idea to enjoy it on our anniversary is now ruined. But maybe there is a replacement?!

So on the second day, we walked around Reims and explored the city further using the two walking plans (Art Deco, Historic Buildings). Champagne also played an important role here, as many old villas and town palaces represent various organizations of Champagne winemakers, both in the past and today. Always very significant and correspondingly represented! But originally it was all thanks to the Romans, as they made the city the center because the so-called 'Remmer' surrendered quickly and without resistance, occupying Gallica. Greetings from Asterix and Obelix, it was not like that here! Accordingly, many Roman remnants can still be found here. But also other little surprises, like a piano in the backyard garden of a former inn. Or modernly designed fountains that are spread throughout Reims and actually have water!

So on average, we walk about 11,000 steps every day and feel exhausted in these temperatures. Resting and having a cold drink are a must. However, paying €8.80 for a beer is quite steep! Not a red light bar, but the brasserie 'Gauloise'.

Looks like I also paid for the cathedral lighting. But let's stay in the right order: While exploring the city, we found a church that offers a mix of lighting, singing, and history once a week. The language was only in French, but the atmosphere quickly captivated us. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay until the end of the performance because in the evening, the facade of the largest church in Reims was transformed into a movie screen using laser light. Here, the feelings of a French king before his appointment and his thoughts were depicted artistically, supported by appropriate music. We are familiar with some similar approaches from Berlin-City-Lights, but Reims was at least one level better in every respect. You can check it out on YouTube using the keyword 'Regalia' (about 15 minutes). By the way, that was the first evening that we didn't end until very late.