Marc Chagall, from Reims to High Falls

When I saw the magnificent stained glass works by Marc Chagall in the Reims Cathedral I was mesmerized, the beauty undeniable. I though about Chagall and back to the period in his life when he lived just down the road from my home in the small village of High Falls. The though that a genius whose works are revered around the world in major sites stirs my soul. It isn’t a well known fact that Chagall spent time in Ulster County yet I do understand just what might have attracted him, the light here is special, lighter. One quote of his I love is, “great art takes up where nature ends.” The change of seasons makes the little village different all the time. I am not sure where he lived during the period he spent here after fleeing Europe during WWII; it is on my list of things to discover here in the place I love, the list grows endless.

The Devil Dog in Champagne and Burgundy

Traveling on a press trip usually means hanging with the ladies, 65% of the time, except for some adventure forays. Even though the last French trip was châteaux’s and fine living I had a compadre a wild man in the best way. Joel Berliner is spreading his wings in the freelance world and no doubt his little bad boy behavior will lead to some fantastic stories. His laughter is contagious and his stories of his past days with a band and current wonderings through Hef’s house are entertaining. His intimate journeys with Mick, Keith and Ron have battle tested the man. Hey any guy that can keep Hefner entertained has got to have panache. Within a few hours of meeting him I coined him the Devil Dog and the name fit. Devil Dog had a steady gig with a big paper till like many papers the travel section was demolished. As I read a book in my comfortable bed at Le Cep in Beaune with the windows wide open, I heard blues from a harmonica. It was the Dog letting me know he was on the prowl and searching for a story.

Essoyes, Renoir's Happy Hideaway

The pictures of Renoir’s gnarled hands were an amazing thing to see, to think those hands created such great works of art is an astounding thought. Our last stop in Champagne was in the village of Essoyes, a summer retreat for the Renoir family. It was where his wife was from. Renoir said he could get better potatoes and bread in the country, living in the country myself I agree. His last days were spent in his beloved village of Essoyes and he is buried there, just a few hundred yards from his studio.

Champagne's Bubbles at Bligny

Sadly we had to leave Champagne and the lovely Sarah Flook today as we headed into Burgundy. Sarah took us to so many amazing places throughout the region, from historical cities like Troyes to châteaux’s and vineyards. An amazing lunch and tasting stands out in my mind, our stop at Chateaux De Bligy situated out in Champagne’s country side. Fantastic vintages interspaced with local dishes were served in the Châteaux’s rooms, a different course per room. One could feel a bit like royalty!

Traveling Through Champagne

It has been an amazing past couple of days as we have crossed through some of Champagne’s best Champagne Houses, such as Drappier and Clicquot. Eating local dishes of cheeses and main courses have provided the taste buds with explosions of flavors that will long be remembered. Walking through deep caves carved hundreds of years ago filled with vintages has been interspaced with tastings at private chateaus. Our lodgings have been half timber homes dating from the 15th century, all done up with modern amenities. Best of all is six travel writers that all get along and the endless laughter late into the night.

Champagne, Read it and Love It

Champagne, the elixir and all-round choice for celebration, can it also be worthy of a book? Yes is the answer and the book is Champagne; How the World’s Most Glorious Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times. The authors Don & Petie Kladstrup take you on a historic ride filled with anecdotes and insights.

Although Napoleon was a teetotaler his secretary was quoted saying, “a single glass was enough to restore his strength and produce cheerfulness of spirit”.
Napoleon himself said,” In victory you deserve it, in defeat you need it.” Prepare yourself for anything and chill a bottle.