We stayed at Reims (strangely pronounced Rance by the French) for 2 nights. During our day in Reims we had to visit the 13th century cathedral, Notre Dame de Reims, where most of the kings of France have been crowned. The cathedral has literally been through the wars over the years but is being lovingly restored (there is an excellent exhibition showing the problems and successes of restoration at the adjacent Palace du Tau which is also a must see venue). Other sights to see, apart from the mixed old and new architecture around the city are the art deco Halles du Boulingrin, recently restored and now an active market again, Porte Mars Roman arch (unfortunately under restoration during our visit), the 12th century Elise Saint-Jacques, the Musée des Beaux Arts and the Musée le Vergeur which is a in a restored 15th century house containing the extensive eclectic collection of art and artefacts of Hugues Krafft and bequeathed to the town on his death in 1935. Reims is one city where it is quite the norm to have a long lunch with champagne!

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