After Lyon, France we headed to Reims, France (pronounced Rans) to catch a Tour de France stage. Although we didn’t know it at the time, we were actually watching the false start that began down in the center of the city. The sponsors were giving away all kinds of free stuff and they also awarded the day’s jerseys as well. I thought I had a great video of the false start, but apparently I falsely believed I pushed the start button. insert palm to forehead here, it was still exciting to watch but we have decided that next time we will watch a mountain finish. Cute little city and hey, what’s not to love about having some free time in the official champagne region and trying some champagne. Whoohoo!
Yes, the traditional bike decorated with yellow flowers and right outside the train station. Yay!False start for Stage 4 of the Tour de France in Reims. There were so many people and it was amazing how they all clamored for a lot of free junk being thrown their way.The stage where they awarded jerseys, etc. Very difficult to see. I am actually holding my phone above my head here. I was hoping Asher screaming would make them all turn around and leave, but nope.Such a colorful street and seemed fun to walk down for that reason.This is the city hall and I thought the building looked so pretty. Of course, I didn’t look to see what the building was until after I took the picture.This is the Place Royale built in 1757 in honor of King Louis XV.This is the rear end of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a stunning gothic structure and absolutely massive. It is famous for being the traditional location of the coronation of the Kings of France. I believe it was built in the 13 century.A close up of some of the amazing detail on the front of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.
Amazing visual of one portion of the interior inside the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.
This was the main door to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims from the inside. Such amazing colors and carvings.Here is the front facade of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Amazing, isn’t it?Since we are officially in the champagne region, why not take a pic of all the champagne caps that are decorating a table top in the visitor center.This is the Basilique Saint-Remi.As we were walking back toward the city center I saw these garden gnomes in the window and thought I would totally place one of these in my yard. That is, if I had one. this would have been perfect to place amongst my tomatoes in the Courtland P-patch just to see what the thieves would have done.The Opéra de Reims next to the tram station where we planned to pick up coffee on our way out to Paris.The long, calorie burning stairs to La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. Whoowee! The funniest part is after we came all the way back down we found out there was a funicular that can take you up and back.The long, calorie burning stairs to La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. Whoowee! The funniest part is after we came all the way back down we found out there was a funicular that can take you up and back.The view of the part of the city from the lower rear side of La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. The Place Bellecour (plaza) with a lot of blue just across the river to the right side of the frame was the fan zone for the Women’s World Cup.Absolutely amazing church with an interesting story from the 19th century with 4 octagonal towers.The main interior of La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière.Toren leading the way through Vieux Lyon.Looking back up at La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière from Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste.Getting a picture in the evening of the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste; it is a 14th century medieval cathedral that is dedicated to John the Baptist.This is the Lyon National Opera. They had quite an event going on just outside after I took this photo.This is the Hôtel de Ville, Lyon and even with all the construction going on in front of it and the beautiful fountain there I couldn’t stop myself from capturing the beauty of it. This 17th century building is City Hall and it has been classified as a historical monument since 1886.The next few pictures are of various traboules that you can find in Vieux Lyon. It is a narrow passageway that connects two streets by crossing a block of houses. These were used by people to fetch water from the river, for traders and craftsmen to sell their goods, were considered invaluable to the city’s silk industry and also played a part in WWII.A view of above a traboule.Do I dare take the stairs? Probably not, as many of these old traboules are surrounded by people’s private residences.Palais de Justice located in Vieux Lyon. 24 columns. It was built between 1835-1845.The Lyon Botanical Garden in the Parc de la Tete d’Or. I took the boys to check out this humongous park while Dave worked. We walked in there and realized that we shouldn’t dawdle because it was even warmer in there.Toren checking out the vegetation and instead of running around like a chicken with his head cut off.Another spot in the park; “Don’t jump in!” There were tons of turtles sunbathing everywhere. I’d never seen so many turtles. I’m actually surprised I don’t have any pics.The gates to the Parc de la Tete d’Or. This park is approximately 117 hectares.
