Reims

[jo]

For the first time in 5 trips, I am going to actually go on a day trip out of Paris. Just booked tickets on the TGV to Reims for Friday, October 1st at a great price ~ 12 euros per person going 2nd class and 16 euros per person coming back on first class ~ 112 euros total or 4 people!

We'd like to visit 2 champagne houses, see the cathedral and have a nice lunch. Any suggestions?

Jo

[Shoesy]

Good for you, Jo!

Every time I see the word "Reims", I remember how surprised I was to learn how the French pronounce it.

[sistereurope]

I REALLY wanted to go to Veuve Cliquot when we went to Reims, but they were closed. So we ended up spending more time in Epernay...sorry Jo, I have no recommendations, but I'm happy that you'll get to have some VC for me!! ;D

My French friends decided that a good test of French pronunciation is to "Je mange une tres bonne crepe a Reims"...it is not easy!

[jo]

Sis, I'm French and I don't think I'm pronouncing Reims correctly either! Gonna have to practice in the next few months so I don't sound too stupid!

I've already e-mailed Veuve Cliquot since I read that their tours fill up really fast, hope we get in!

[travelluver]

Skip Veuve - I'm in the business and it's way too commercial. Try Henriot and Pommery.

[GitteK]

MUST go to Moët & Chandon in Épernay !! Fabulous caves, millions of bottles. Super elegant establishment.

[jo]

Thanks guys. Gitte, we won't get to Eparnay, we are just going for the day and between a visit to a champagne house, the cathedral, walking the town and having lunch, we won't have time for much else. But there's always a next time!

Traveller, I appreciate the suggestion, but the friends we are going with want to go to Veuve Cliquot because it is well known in Canada. I know Pommery is popular too, but doesn't quite have the cachet that VC has here. I would have liked to go to Ruinart myself, but the majority ruled, lol!

Jo

[MaisonMetz]

Jo -

Reims is a great day trip from Paris, easy to do and much quicker now with the TGV than it used to be. We've been there on day trips three or four times and have also stayed in Reims twice, so I do have restaurant recommendations for you.

Here are three. The first two are more casual than the third. We've enjoyed them all and have been to each of them twice. You can get a good feel for how they look from their respective web sites. (We've also been to Les Crayères, once when Gerard Boyer was there and once when his successor was there, but not recently.)

(1) If you'd like a traditional brasserie with an Art Deco interior, you might try the Brasserie Le Boulingrin at 48, rue de Mars, Ph: 03 26 40 96 22. The website shows location and menus: www.boulingrin.fr

(2) A centrally located café, also of the Art Deco period with a wonderful stained-glass ceiling in one room and a charming proprietor is the Café du Palais, 14, place Myron Herrick, Ph: 03 26 47 52 54. www.cafedupalais.fr

(3) A bit more formal with excellent fare and not far from the train station is Le Foch, a one-star Michelin restaurant that is a super spot for a comfortable, relaxing lunch, 37, blvd Foch, Ph: 03 26 47 48 22. www.lefoch.com

There is so much to see and do in Reims, but the main cathedral where French kings have historically been crowned is definitely a "do not miss" attraction with glorious stained glass windows.

I chuckled when I read the comments regarding the pronunciation of Reims. I used to ask residents that question when we first started going, but found that not even all residents pronounce it the same way. From what I've heard over time, I think a fairly good approach is to pronounce it as if you are conjugating the verb "rincer," as in "je rince, tu rinces, il/elle rince."

At any rate, have a wonderful day trip to Reims!

Jo

[GitteK]

Leave it to MaisonMetz to come up with an abundance of priceless info ! You rock, MM !!

[jo]

Thanks, Jo, I'll make a note of all of those and see where we are at lunchtime and what we're in the mood for. Yummies!

Jo

[MaisonMetz]

Jo -

If you're thinking about going to Le Foch, I'd definitely recommend an advance reservation.

Thanks, Gitte! Sorry I've been away from the forum for so long.

Jo

[jo]

The Cafe de Palais menu seems to be calling my name, lol! Love the stained glass ceiling.

Jo