Just got back a few weeks ago from a European trip. Spent 5 days in southern France, a few days in Reims, and a few days in Amsterdam. I had done a lot of research on the southern piece of France but didn't know anything about Reims. My wife likes Champagne (I don't) so I thought we should go where all Champagne is made. Learned some interesting things I thought I would share.
The champagne bottles are kept in caves 60-100 feet below ground level. In the town of Reims there are over 150 miles of these caves. We visited a Taittinger cave which holds around 2 million bottles. They have another automated cave that holds something like 22 million. Unlike wine, bottles are not stored for more than 10 years. During WW2, residents sometimes lived in these caves.
Also went to a small producer. Maybe it was the environment but the champagne didn't taste bad.
Also checked out the Museum of Surrender where the Nazi's officially surrendered. This room was left exactly the same, minus the statues, from 1945.
If there is any interest, I also have some info/pics on southern France, which has some of the best roman architecture in the world.
The champagne bottles are kept in caves 60-100 feet below ground level. In the town of Reims there are over 150 miles of these caves. We visited a Taittinger cave which holds around 2 million bottles. They have another automated cave that holds something like 22 million. Unlike wine, bottles are not stored for more than 10 years. During WW2, residents sometimes lived in these caves.
Also went to a small producer. Maybe it was the environment but the champagne didn't taste bad.
Also checked out the Museum of Surrender where the Nazi's officially surrendered. This room was left exactly the same, minus the statues, from 1945.
If there is any interest, I also have some info/pics on southern France, which has some of the best roman architecture in the world.
