13th January 2008 - Epernay

Today we are in Epernay and after booking in to our lovely room at La Villa Eugene which is very large by room standards. The receptionist takes great pride in telling us that this hotel was originally a grand home and that the current owners wish to retain the ‘homely’ feel rather than that of a hotel.   

Wandering through Epernay we discover a delightful champagne bar open for business (It is Sunday).  Inside you descend the stairs to the cellar where row upon row of champagnes from the many small vineyards is on display together with photographs of the owners behind the name. Upstairs we begin sampling one of the five champagnes they are featuring this week.  3 euros for 7cl, 4.50 euros for 10cl and 5.50 euros for 14cl.  We are the only English speaking people here however the barman has enough English for us all to communicate very well.  He suggests a local restaurant so we take the car back to the hotel and after freshening up we head back to the bar by taxi for another ‘aperitif’ and then on to the restaurant.

Breakfast in the garden terrace room