Travel isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. And sometimes, no matter how much planning goes into making the perfect itinerary – things go sideways.

We had our previous run-in with the crew at the train station – and so we arrived early only to be met with a note in French saying they were helping someone else. We decided to be patient, however that ended up biting us later. They said we were too late for wheelchair assistance.

While the others sorted this out, I decided that the train company themselves might be willing to help us track down someone to help operate the lift. It turned into a bigger headache – the train car wasn’t accessible, cell phone malfunction when we needed it the most, you name it – it probably happened.

We missed our train. However, we were able to get onto a later train. We crossed our fingers that our first winery would help us move our tour/tasting – but worst case scenario we would just do the tasting portion.

Jon called ahead and they said we could squeeze into their 11:30 English-speaking tour. So we were really excited

Once we got to Reims, we needed to get a cab to Tattinger. It was a bit too far to walk – we got there and they said the tour was too full. We were really annoyed (because we had rushed all the way there!), but we were able to get our tasting. This winery is a fun one – because they are affiliated with Domaine Carneros in Napa, CA. (One of our wine club memberships).

The wine was great – and Jon was able to sweet talk one of the servers into pouring us their sparkling rose too. We next went to Pommery – and made it in right before a big storm.

We were able to do the cave tour here – and let’s just say it was unique. They had an art exhibit in their cellars – and an audio tour you needed to use your phone for. It would have been fine, but you had to download their app – and Wi-Fi was slow. We ended up not listening to the tour – that part may have been good, but I can’t say one way or another personally.

Because we had a small lunch we were looking for something small – like ice cream or gelato. We ended up getting a donut and champagne – which was pretty random and fun!

After our snack – we made our way to the promised land – Veuve Clicquot. This was one of the wineries I was most eager to visit – because I love champagne and they have some of the best (that I can afford at least!).

We had a great host who took us on our tour that show cased the cellars, but also the history of the winery. The company had been run for many years by a woman – and she had created some really great inventions/techniques that helped make production easier and the product better. All of you champagne lovers, we owe Madam Clicquot (the widow) a thank you!

On our way back to the train station we made a pit stop at the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims. It was beautiful and had some really amazing stained glass and an impressive nave. This was where the French kings were crowned – Reims was known as the “Coronation City.”

We made it back to Paris and had to pack because the next morning we were to depart for Lyon/Avignon!

Up Next:
-Train ride to Lyon
-Place des Terreaux
-Bartholdi Fountain
-Gallo-Roman Amphiteatre
-Drive to Avignon