Charming city Reims anchors the northern end of France’s Champagne region. Reims was established in 80 B.C. as Durocorteron (“round fortress”) for the Remi tribe. Throughout history, French kings were crowned in its cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims.
Domaine Pommery
This is worth a visit if only to view the eclectic art collection displayed throughout its 12 miles of limestone and chalk cellars. Pommery was founded in 1858 by Alexandre Louis Pommery. After his death, his widow, Louise Pommery, built the winery into one of the most significant Champagne brands. The half hour tour is […]
G.H. Mumm
This tour was informative and included a Champagne equipment museum. The company was established by Peter Arnold Mumm in 1761 in Cologne. In 1827, his three sons, Jacobus, Gottlieb and Phillip, established the Champagne house in Reims, France. In 1852, Georges Hermann de Mumm, son of one of the founders, built new cellars and facilities […]
‘Tis the Season en France: Moules Frites
Just try ordering something besides mussels. I did and was denied. So an enormous, flavorful pot of moules it was and a side of frites that was almost as good as the five servings I had all over Belgium. When in France, just get the special. I was wrong to think I wanted anything […]
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nancy
This fine art museum has a comprehensive collection of 14th -21st Century European art, including works by Delacroix, Rodin, Monet and Picasso. The Daum crystal collection downstairs showcases 100 years of local glasswork. The museum opened in 1793 and is located in one of the four 18th Century pavilions on Place Stanislas.
Adam Le St Epvre
A visit to France is not complete without macarons. This pâtissier/chocolatier offered other delectables, but to be honest, I ran in and zeroed in on the macaron selection so quickly that I didn’t get a good look at the other items. We sampled bergamote, chocolate, caramel, pistache and chocolate-menthe and were not disappointed. 3, Place […]
Café du Commerce, Nancy, France
Why I loved this restaurant: Home of the nicest, friendliest, most smiley waiter in France. The Salade Pere Eguin was the best salad I’ve had since living in Europe. It could have been the warm goat cheese wrapped in toasted puff pastry that made it a stand-out, or maybe it was the spicy mustard dressing. […]
Nancy, France
If you’re seeking opulence, rococo fountains and gilded wrought-iron gates, visit Nancy, a city of about 100,000 in France’s Lorraine region. Nancy was first inhabited as early as 800 B.C. It was part of the Duchy of Lorraine until 1766, when its duke, Stansilaw Leszczyski (also deposed king of Poland), died and Nancy became […]