Finally as we headed home we one again ventured underground. This time to the caves of Baillys Lapierre. A wonder bubbly that is made and stored in old underground quarries. Again we went on a tour all in French. However there was an English guy on the tour that did a great abbreviated translation for us. We toured the caverns, sampled the cremant, bought a view bottles and headed home. Once there we sampled our purchases during our evening appies. Wonderful.
After the caves we drove to Auxerre. Carolyn and I have fond memories of this town from our canal boat trip several years ago. Once we got there Emily got to experience the automatic French toilet. A good find for .40 euro. We then wandered up through the old town and found a little sidewalk cafe where we had a great simple lunch. Salad, quiche, desert and a drink for €7, a real bargain. One of Emily’s favorite meals. We cruised through the old churches and then walked down and watched a canal boat come through the locks before heading out. Auxerre is a really cool town.
Today we loaded into the car and headed out. Our first stop was at the Caves of D’Arcy. These are natural caves along the Cure River that contain painting from the Stone Age, 28,000 years ago. We went on a tour, mostly in French, to see the caves and painting. It was a cool 12 degrees Celsius which actually felt really nice.
Today Carolyn and I headed up to town to pick up lunch supplies ( quiche, sandwich…). We then loaded up and headed on the short drive to Alesia. This is a famous area were the war between Vercingétorix (the Gauls) and Julius Caesar (the Romans) took place. There was a brand new visitors center with great exhibits introducing the battle. They also had demonstrations by both the Gaul soldiers and a Roman soldiers. Half way through we took a break and had or delicious lunch in a nice park.
Afterward we visited the site of an ancient Roman town then went to see the giant statue of Vercingétorix.
Back at home we had our wonderful appies before heading up the hill for a delicious pizza dinner. We ordered in our best French and got about 60% of our order right. It was all delicious. The grand finale was creme brûlée, it was excellent.
Today we again enjoyed coffee before heading out around 10:00. Our destination was Châtillon-sur-Seine about 50 minutes away. It was a nice drive through the rolling French countryside. The town was larger than expected and we drove about a bit before finding the museum that contained the Vix treasures (google for additional information). At 12:00 they kicked us out of the museum (in the smaller French towns they enjoy a 2 hour respite each day). We then went and found where springs fed water into the Seine.
Afterward we found a small boulangerie and got some quiche and sandwiches. We ate in the park then walked through the old town up to a 1600’s fortificatio that was converted into a cemetery with great views over the town.
We then headed to the Fontenay Abbey. This was a favorite of me and Carolyn from the last trip. It is a beautiful Abby, with wonderful gardens. We enjoyed the sites and even had a little fun.
After heading back home we enjoyed appies on the patio.
Afterward we recreated a local delicacy, Steak Epoisses made with the worlds stinkiest cheese. We ate it all though the reviews were somewhat mixed.
Another great day.
This morning we got up and enjoyed our coffee on the balcony overlooking the river. After breakfast we headed up into town. There was a small market where we bought olives and bread. Then headed to the charcuterie an bought pâté, quiche and lasagne (definitely a food theme going on here). After visiting the church we took a very nice stroll along the river back to our home.
We loaded up lunch and headed to the Chateau Epoisses. We strolled the grounds including seeing the dovecote where doves were raised, had a picnic (before the rain) then wandered the small town.
After a short nap (two hours) we decided to take another walk up into town. On a Sunday afternoon it was quiet and very beautiful.
Back home we enjoyed some of our delicious food purchases and watched the rain fall. We even had a rainbow. Tonight we’ll enjoy our lasagne and watch the movie Chocolat in preparation for a future day trip.
Our flight was long but we all had leg room so it wasn’t to bad. France seems to like Emily better than England. They let her right through customs without a problem. Baggage collection was a little more dicey. Carolyn and my bags came up quickly but Emily’s was no where to be seen. Finally one of the last bags. Then it was off to the RER into Paris and we caught the express train to Dijon. After a nice sandwich time for some rest. At. 300 km/hr will be there soon.
Were packed, we’re through security, and ready to go. Europe here we come!
Tonight was Emily’s graduation party. It is being held 3 weeks prior to our departure. In the next three weeks we’ll plan what to take and what to do.
Once everyone was there Stacy told Emily to check the mail. Unfortunately Emily had seen the postman as she arrived home earlier in the day and had gotten the mail (according to Stacy, Emily NEVER gets the mail). Oh well fail, but Emily sensing something was up headed to the mailbox. Carolyn and I had created three postcards describing our plans for taking Emily to Europe.
