•    Bob and Tania took a few days to explore as much of the region as they could.  They were reading a novel at the time based on the region (fairly accurate) during the WWII German occupation (A Farewell to France by Noel Barber).  It certainly heightened their trip and appreciation for the area and it's fine people.  Everyday the wonderful family at N. Potié would hold in their personal refrigerators the evening's selection of Champagne for them to enjoy after a hard day on the road.

•   Jocelyne Potié gave them a private tour of their extensive chalk cellar.  It was also harvest time for other field produce.  Bob is watching a local barge traversing the canal that ran along the Marne River (built just for this type of transportation).  These barges are completely self sustaining and appear to be run by couples or families.  The lock just outside their window at the LaTouraine Champenois Inn made for some fun viewing in the evening while enjoying their N. Potié Champagne!

•    Flowers were everywhere!  The formal sculpted gardens of Oger (which had won a competition in Europe) to the small entry fountain at Laurent Perrier, the smell, colors, and explosions of flowers were almost to difficult to bear at times.

Flowers and more flowers!  "Never drink Water!"  Bob walking another garden in Oger.

Even the vineyards had rows of wildflowers or roses to give them an extra "spark".

•  Here are some of the sights they viewed while traveling throughout the area.  The memorial was located in Rheims.  The "accountant" as Bob called him was checking his books at a local bar/restaurant where they had lunch.  You just ordered the house special (because that was all there was).  They did, and then they looked on the board (written in French of course) but "yes" it was tongue they were enjoying for lunch!

•  They visited the Forêt de Verzy where the trees grow all twisted and gnarled right out of the ground and have been studied for years but no-one knows why.  Click on HERE for a larger view of the tree (and Bob).  An old wine press.  And the most amazing thing of all; the HUGE mound of crushed grapes that grew daily outside of Mareuil Sur-Ay (which they somehow passed every single day ).

• The Cathedral at Rheims is a beautiful example of pure Gothic Architecture although the bell towers were never completed.  Another look at the N. Potié cellar.  The Champagne de Castellane tower in Épernay.