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Overview:
Join RTT for an unforgettable excursion to the Champagne Region of France!
The unique combination of climate, altitude, chalky hillsides and miles of
underground limestone cellars are what make the production of this bubbly,
blended wine possible.
Wines from the Champagne region have been well known since the Middle Ages.
Since the 18th century European royalty have appreciated the
Champagne wines. The still wines were used in religious sacraments and for
anointing the French kings in Reims. It was the association with the royal
coronations which led to the popularity of champagne as we know it today -
bringing the status of luxury and power. There are many sparkling wines
which claim to be champagne, but only wines produced in this region are
given the honoured title of “champagne”. Even today champagnes are
associated with luxury, festivities and rites of passage.
Itinerary:
Travel directly to Epernay, home to the famous cellars of Moet & Chandon
where the champagne of the stars, Dom Perignon is made. Upon arrival in
Epernay, descend into the 250 year old cellar where over a million bottles
of champagne are made and aged. The English-speaking guide will explain
the history of this prestigious house and the methods
employed to make the famous Moet & Chandon
champagnes. During the tour you will see how this famous wine variety is
developed, changed and aged. Explanations will be given about development
of champagne bottles and corks, aging of champagnes, and the different sizes
of champagne bottles. End with a tasting of champagne (included). The
in-house boutique provides the opportunity to purchase all their champagnes
(and associated luxury articles), including the esteemed Dom Perignon.
Our next stop will be Reims, the famous town of the Champagne
region, where we take a couple of hours for a traditional French lunch (not
included), shopping, or other tour opportunities. Historically significant
for French ruling lineages, the city’s suffering in WWI, and its role in
ending WWII, the city of Reims offers more than shopping and food. Here you
will find the beautiful old bishops’ palace, now the Palace of Tau
archeological museum; the Basilica and Abby Museum of St. Remi (first major
convert to Christianity and baptizer of the first Christian king of France);
some Roman remains; and splendid collections in the Museum of Fine
Arts. Take a stroll to the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame in Reims.
This massive Gothic structure is famous for being the coronation place of
French kings and stands as a superb example of 13th century
Gothic architecture.
The choir clock is ornamented with curious mechanical figures and famous
Russian artist
Marc Chagall's 1974 stained glass work
can be admired in the cathedral apse.
Our final stop in Reims will be at the Museum of Surrender, which
commemorates the collapse of German military power in 1945.
This museum marks one of the most significant
moments in the history of modern warfare, when the German commanders signed
a surrender agreement and effectively gave up their grip on Europe. On May
7th 1945, this room was being used as General Dwight Eisenhower’s war
control room, and it was here in Reims that the surrender document was
signed. The museum is full of interesting artefacts and documents, and still
has the original maps on the walls from the war.
From here, we depart Reims at about
4:00
p.m.to return directly to points of
origin by approximately
7:30 p.m..
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