Once we crossed the Channel, it was smooth sailing to Reims although the scenery wasn’t very exciting. I chose to stop at Reims because I wanted to see the cathedral. Actually, I wanted to see the angels.
The present cathedral, a fine example of Gothic architecture, celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2011. It was where many French kings were crowned, including Charles VII in 1429, with Joan of Arc in the audience. Its 2,303 sculptures, together with its stained-glass windows, tell stories from the Bible for the benefit of those who couldn’t read or write.

My favourite statues were the Archangel Gabriel with its impish smile, high cheekbones and wavy hair, and the Smiling Angel. His smile is somewhat mysterious, like that of the Mona Lisa. This sculpture was destroyed by a bomb in September, 1914 but thankfully was restored later.


Among the original medieval stained glass windows are those created by Marc Chagall. Installed in 1974, they depict scenes from the Bible. Chagall combined modern lines with traditional medieval colours.

Once I had my fix of medieval stuff, we set off for Troyes. Although it was easy to find the city, finding the hotel proved quite tricky. Out GPS sent us on a wild goose chase. We were looking for the Ibis Troyes hotel. We stopped outside an Ibis Budget to ask at reception, except there was no reception but an ATM-looking machine. And then the car wouldn’t start. Sean opened the bonnet and we settled to wait for it to cool down. I’m not sure how long it took because I took a nap.
We eventually managed to find the proper Ibis hotel. After checking in we went out in search for a nice place to eat. And find it we did in a 16th century house located in the historic centre. We had a wonderful meal that included duck breast and custard napoleon (millefeuille)

Troyes was a nice surprise. The lopsided half-timbered houses are beautiful, as is the cathedral, where Joan of Arc rallied the townspeople in support of their rightful king. I had a stroll around the historic centre, enjoying the marvelous medieval architecture, narrow cobbled streets and the sense of history. It amazes me to think that many on the houses and buildings were there before my side of the world (i.e. the Americas) was discovered by the Europeans (of course there were incredible civilizations already there who did not appreciate the intrusion, to say the least.)

Next stop: Geneva
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Read the start of the journey here: Two weeks. Seven countries. A yellow car
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- The cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims is open every day from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm and the admission is free.
- Hotel Ibis: rue Camille Claudel – 10000 TROYES €73.20 a night including breakfast
Beautiful. I would especially love to see the Chagall windows.
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Even though they are modern, they still seem to fit in well. The colours are wonderful too.
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Ana, thank you for the second episode of your journey. I think that the content is especially good with a mixture of contemporary observation and comments relating to History; it is a bonus that you provide such interesting photos also. The picture of you in front of the Cathedral is impressive given your comments. The structure is beautiful and complex. It makes me wonder how ‘they’ did it, given that they had none of our machinery and lifting gear.
On a relating topic, I wish you to know that I have never felt inclined to create a blog but I do believe that you are converting me.
Best wishes and thank you.
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Hi Alan! Thank you for your kind words. I hope the history bits don’t bore people to tears!
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Great pictures and a very interesting story!
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Thanks!
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Wonderful places to visit. Thanks for sharing!
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Lovely photos. I haven’t been to France yet, but it’s on my list.
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Thanks!
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Wow these photos are beautiful and this place looks amazing. I went there when I was really really little. Would love to go back one day.
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It’s absolutely lovely. I can’t wait to go back there myself!
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