Nogent-sur-Seine
From Troyes, we headed north-west along the Seine Valley, enjoying the rolling countryside and fine weather. Stopping in Nogent-sur-Seine, we strolled along the banks and bridges of Ile Olive, the island at the town's centre.
The pretty town of
Villenauxe-le-Grande,
looking SW from the D951
A hunting male Hen Harrier
gave great views from the car,
on D933 near Loisy-en-Brie
Arriving at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, one of the three parts of the Champagne region, the Mondeo just about made it up Mont Aimé so we could take in the view north across this famous wine-growing area towards Vertus and Oger.
Being March, the vines were not in leaf, perhaps not giving the full effect of just how much they dominated the landscape. This picture (left) gives a better impression, from a visit to the region in August 2005.
After driving up through the vineyards, we arrived into Épernay - home to many of the most famous champagne houses - for our last night and as much fizz as we could take! Despite having booked, we found Möet unexpectedly shut, but fell on our feet at C-comme, a shop and tasting bar for over 300 local champagnes...after trying glasses of their six picks of the week, each of a different grape mix, we had a couple more to be sure and settled on a case of rosé and a blend to take away. Whilst the caves of the major champagne houses are worth seeing, this is where I'll be heading for tasting on my next trip. We finished the night with dinner at the well regarded Champnoise restaurant La Cave à Champagne, just a few doors down from C-comme and another definite for next time.
