Epernay

We left Dole early and enjoyed a pleasant drive on quiet D roads via Dijon and Troyes. The Tour De France is going to pass through the area so lots of villages were decorating themselves ready to greet the cyclists. Poles were decorated with both yellow jerseys and white ones with red spots. Of course they had decorated bicycles of all colour hanging from trees and by the roadside.

We weren't too enamoured by Chalons which we reached after 6 hours as the site was quite far from town and not too attractive. We thought Epernay looked a smaller town and as it was right in the centre of the champagne region it sounded very suitable. We definitely made the right decision - Epernay is a stunning town - the avenue leading to the centre had beautiful 18 and 19th century houses on either side - these were the homes to the likes of Moët & Chandon, Pol Roger and Perrier Jouet.

We found the municipal camp site after another hour from Chalons - it is right on the Marne and about 1.5 miles walk into town. We had a walk there in the evening and treated ourselves to a glass before I came back to cook supper.

And for €8 each a mini bus will take us from the campsite for champagne tasting in the morning. So both of us can taste - and swallow!


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