Marcus Travel Journal
Grand Est
The Grand Est Region was formed under the 2014 reorganization of Regions replacing the previous Regions of Alsace, Champagne-Arde nne and Lorraine. Grand Est borders on Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland.
Photo: Abbaye St Remi, Reims
Reims
It was a relatively short drive to go to Reims which holds a special place in France's history as being the traditional site of the coronation of the kings of France. We spent the day in Reims touring the Cathedral and the Abbaye of St. Remi. Both are stunning from an achitectural perspecftive. It is about a twenty-minute walk from the cathedral to the Abbaye and I highly recommend you take both in. The Abbaye had noble patrons and the architecture is stunning. Easy parking in the historic centre in underground parking lots.
Epernay
A fifteen minute drive from Avenay-Val-d'Or, where will be staying, is the town of Epernay, the champagne capital of the Region. Here, there is the Avenue de Champagne, which runs for one kilometre. The town is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here are found big name champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët and Mercier. I noticed the larger buildings, the town felt big. I went in one morning to get a sim card for my phone. I am giving on on the e-sims which are internet access only. Yes almost everyone uses WhatsApp but I had trouble with mine (Holafly)and the help line wasn't helpful, and actually there are times when you do have to talk to people! I got my phone functioning and I planned to return and see more of the town but that just never came to be.
Troyes
An hour away is Troyes, it was the capital of the previous Champagne Region and is noted for its half-timbered mansions and its cathedral. The town was pleasant to walk about, again parking no issue. Lots of half-timbered homes. We used it as a stop on our way Lyon.
Avenay-Val-d'Or
Our town was Avenay-Val-d'Or, a two hour drive from Paris, in the Marme Department. We had a cozy house that sat on a stream and we would relax on the patio and listen to the water go over a small waterfall, or open the big gates and admire the vineyards. The town was a short walk from our house. The Church of Saint-Tresain dates back to the 11th century. It has the organs and paintings from the Benedictine Abvbey of Breuil and is open for tours on a request basis. Did not know where to get that, so I just admired the building from the outside.
Our House
Our house had a large patio deck along a stream and it made the stay pleasant.
Photo: Fontaine-sur-Ay, mytravellinglens.comn
Fontaine-sur-Ay
This was the most pleasant town in the area. I came here a couple of time to take in the scene. Not a town with any commercial activities. Just an old bridge, a beautiful church, some mills and beautiful scenery.
Hautvillers known for its wrought iron signs, Oh, also the tomb of Dom Perion
Hautvillers
Not far from our house was the town of Hautvillers, known for its wrought iron signs, and of course, the abbey, the final resting place of Dom Pérignon, the monk who introducted the champagne method. This was the only small village where tourists were evident. I was there on a Sunday morning. A pleasant walk up the streets, admiring the signs. But by 10:30 or so the crowds started to take shape,. Still manageable and it is a pleasant town to explore.
Mareuil-sur-Ay
Just down the road from our house is the town of Mareuil-sur-Ay. On my first walk about I enjoyed walking along the river. On my second visit I walk through the old centre of town with its many champagne houses. Many are active today, but I enjoyed see the signs of the place of the past., This is a town of little scenes and ambiance rather than a town of monuments or commercial activity.
