With less than 3 weeks until our journey home begins, we cannot believe how quickly the time has gone ( and not sick of each others company…..YET).

We have decided that France is a very expensive place to eat out, or that it has stopped us though. We did enjoy a great steak at a restaurant in Reims and the potatoes dauphinoise was to “die for”. Another really good meal at a restaurant in Epernay was the duck confit and fettuccine with Comte cheese. It was amazing and we waited for 15 minutes for a tart tartin to arrive and it was worth the wait! Yum!

One night we felt like a pizza so we headed to an Italian restaurant which always seemed to be busy! Well, we don’t know why, as the pizza was very ordinary. Note to self…. Never have a French pizza again. Only took a photo of the restaurant, not the pizza! At another Epernay restaurant we opted for entrees of burrata and tomoto with sorbet (strange) and a hand cut veal tartare, while mains were pork ribs with coleslaw. On average 2 glasses of wine 2 entrees and 2 mains cost around $200 Aussie and sometimes the meal is not that great. Compared to Italy it is a lot more expensive, hence we are spending more time in Italy next year!!!

We have taken Barney out for more drives through the vineyards and one day stumbled across a rather cute little bar by the River Marne, at a small village called Cumieres. It was a warm day so beers were needed for re hydration.

We took a drive to a town called Soissons and we were presently surprised. It is considered one of the “Most ancient towns in France and was the former capital of France from 486 to 900 ( a long time ago) We loved wandering through the ruins of the Old Abbey of St-Jean-des-Vinges founded in 1076. In the 13th century it was transformed from a Romanesque style to a vast Gothic style of which the cellar, refractory and cloister remain today.

It’s facade was rather amazing with its spires of 75 meters.

The Cathedral of Soissons was restored after being damaged in WW1. The Town Hall was rather impressive and was built between 1772 and 1775 by the “ Kings Representative of Taxes”. He had his mansion built with both front and back gardens. We think he was pocketing some of the taxes for his own purposes! It is on the National Heritage list and the Palace became the Town Hall in 1836.

After we had walked the town,we needed a coffee. Unfortunately we could not find anywhere for a coffee BUT we did find a cute little bar on the river, how lucky were we! There is a story to tell about our experience while having a drink but not on the blog! There would be too much detail! Ask us when we return home! We loved Soissons, not too touristy, and very quiet!

We have been enjoying some wonderful sunsets on our terrace.We usually have a couple of aperitifs accompanied by saucisson, cheese and much more.

Greg lights up his 12 euro bbq and he proceedes to cook up a storm. We have found a fabulous butcher who makes the best burger, but of course it has a lot to do with the way it’s cooked as well. Well done Chef Gregory! We have able to buy more sea bass or bar from the Saturday markets which Greg has again done a superb job of grilling on the bbq. Delicious!

We took a drive to Bar-le-Duc which has a Renaissance upper Old Town. Nobility came to settle in the 16th 17th and 18th centuries and built many mansions. It was lovely (although quite warm) wandering the streets and admiring the lovely buildings.

We also called into Saint Quentin, classed as “a 16th Century hidden gem”, and is a listed town of Art and History. Architecture in the town ranges from Gothic to Neo. Classical to Art Deco, so quite a strange mix.

The Town Hall had a superb Gothic style facade and is adorned with 173 sculptures, apparently representing scenes from the life of the town, and a carillon with 37 bells which chimes rather loudly as we discovered while having a drink!

The Gothic Basilica of Saint Quentin built from the 12th to the 15th Century was rather spectacular inside with its wonderful windows.

The town is also well known for its street art. Around every corner you come across quite different art works.

The Palace of Fervaques, built from 1897 is now a rather grand Courthouse. We enjoyed a baguette for lunch in the nice shady Parc Champs Elysees. We enjoyed our time in Saint Quentin.

So that is the latest update for you all.

It’s that time , time to pack a bag as we are heading off for a “short break”, and going to Luxembourg for a couple of nights. It’s only a short drive up the road, so thought why not.

Looks like the weather is improving a little at home, hope it warms up a lot more by the time we get there!

lots of love

Greg and Rhonda

xxxx