The winner of Women’s World Cup Group F was going to be playing in Reims, France, so I got hotel reservations near the stadium and then looked to see what the area had to see. I took a chance that the USWNT would win their group and that would be the game we’d be seeing here (spoiler: it was). First, tho, a look at the map showed me that this portion of the trip would be all France National Park type stuff. That’s cool, I thought, it would be nice to spend sometime in nature away from the hectic cities.
Long story short, this National Park is all about the birthplace, continued tradition, craft, and art of champage. Turns out this Montagne de Reims is my favorite National Park anywhere.
Found a small tour to take which left from the train station in Reims. First place our guide took us to was the Reims Cathedral.
Reims is an ancient city known largely for being the place where the French Regency was coronated. For example, in 1429 Jean d’Arc accompanied Charles VII to his coronation at this cathedral.
A person could spend hours looking at the statuary on the outside of the cathedral. The expressions on these four are so familiar and delightful. And the animal downspouts have so much character.
Reims Cathedral Rhino, June 23, 2019 
Reims Cathedral Boar, June 19, 2019
After an overview at the cathedral we went directly to Taittinger to learn about champagne. I absolutely loved this graphic in the lobby announcing that Taittinger was the official champagne of the women’s world cup, the shapes, color, focus, energy – everything about this design is perfect. I looked up the designer when I got home: La Boca Agent Pekka.
The Taittinger wine cellars were 55 degrees, which was a treat since it was 95 degrees outside. The people that preferred the heat got to carry blankets on the tour into the chalk cellars.
After the tour we had champagne tasting. I enjoyed both the champagne as well as looking at all the other great label design they had on display.
Graphic Art Labels on Taittinger Bottles, June 23, 2019 
Graphic Art Labels on Taittinger Bottles, June 23, 2019 
Graphic Art Labels on Taittinger Bottles, June 23, 2019 
Sparkling Taittinger Bottles in Tasting Room, June 23, 2019
Here’s my favorite poster at a selfie station.
Next we visited the Moët & Chandon’s chardonnay vineyards. Our guide grew up in the area, and was part of the local teams that picked the grapes during harvest season. He gave us a great tour.
After the vineyards our tour guide took us to the village of Hautvillers to see the location where Dom Perignon invented champagne.
Dom Perignon’s grave was in the front of the Abbey Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, surrounded by statuary of Jean d’Arc and an angel.
Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, June 23, 2019 
Dom Perignon’s Grave, June 23, 2019
Jean d’Arc at the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers 
Angel in Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers, June 23, 2019
A rose bush at the end of the row shows the the health of the grapes. If the rosebush suffers, the grapes will be suffering soon. Something of a “canary in the coalmine” but grapes and roses.
Moët & Chandon has the Dom Perignon brand. There were more champagne houses on this street, our guide took us to the two. I’d have to say I enjoyed the taste and brand of Taittinger more than the Moët, but the entire experience of the tour was wonderful. If you ever find yourself in Paris definitely do a day trip to these and similar champagne houses, don’t think twice about it. Just go.
Dome of Moët & Chandon Bottles, June 23, 2019 
Moët & Chandon Cellar, June 23, 2019
Moët & Chandon Tasting, June 23, 2019 
Vintage Dom Perignon in the Gift Shop, June 23, 2019
Back in the city of Reims after the champagne tour we took a walk to find a restaurant for dinner with the current soccer game on, and voila, the USWNT was in town for the game vs Spain the next day.
Next, USWNT v Spain 95 degree game day.
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