Reims

We didn't spend long in Reims, only a full day before heading down to Chateauroux . It was however beautiful weather in the day we were there, and we decided to walk from our pretty airbnb to the Old City in Reims - It was only about a twenty minute walk.

The center piece was of course the great Cathedral. It was where the French kings were once crowned and as such, was suitably glorious. Brad especially enjoyed this as apparently he recognized it from jumping off its rooftop in the new game of  'Assassins Creed' - He assured us the view from the top was excellent.

The side of the cathedral was also one of my favorite parts, although every angle was stunning, I loved the detail on these side doors. 

Although you can't see it very well, the gargoyles here were each fashioned after an animal - I spotted a horse, an eagle and even a crocodile.

On July 17th, 1429, Joan of Arc saw Charles VII crowned King of France within the Cathedral of Reims. Due to this, and her achievement here, there is a statue of her in sight of the cathedral itself in the front square. She popped up in many of the towns we visited in fact and I thought it was very cool how much of an impact she has clearly had all over France. She always was my favourite character in history.

We then hopped back in time further, going to visit La Porte de Mars which was an ancient Roman gate. This triumphal arch was used as the city gate until the 1500s. Legend says it was built in honor of Augustus as thanks for bringing roads to the city of Reims. Although it was well weathered by time, there were still depictions clearly visible on some parts, including Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome.

I enjoyed looking up directly underneath the arches which were well preserved and interestingly patterned. 

Brad who was the designated cameraman of the trip continuously took photos of us when we weren't looking - most of them captured us halfway through talking and looked hideous. The others were amusingly paparazzi-like.  

Harvey looking like a boss.

The lovely outdoor area from our airbnb. The big clock didn't work though so we had fun spinning it pointlessly. 

We finished off our evening with bubbly and an antipasto platter.

Our meal was including but not limited to salami, prosciutto, salad, bread and many types of cheeses. It was a lovely feast and an awesome way to end our little visit to the Champagne region. 

We planned to be up early the next day for our five-hour drive to Chateauroux and decided to stop in Troyes on the way down for a break and also to explore the town as Lonely Planet said it was very pretty.