3 nights and 3 cities in France

Over the Easter break we took a last minute trip to France. When I realized Chris and Connor had more than one extra day off. I knew I had to "seize the day" so to speak and plan a little scouting get away.

I chose 3 cities that we could easily drive to. Lille, Reims and Calais (but we skipped Calais because of weather and headed to Boulogne sur Mer instead).

Day 1 - Lille, France

Not much to see here, just another french city but without the beauty, style and charm that I have come to expect from French cities :( 

Well we came, we saw, we ate, we shopped = checked it off.

Our 1st day poor Jess work up with pink eye. YUCK! but she was a little trooper and carried on as if she were ok.

Day 2  - Reims 

(which is located in the Champagne Region)

More like it! A charming square and a world famous Cathedral and beautiful French architecture. We have seen a lot of Cathedrals since moving to europe and this was one of our favorites! The details are incredible, it's bright and interesting. They say when you visit you must look for the laughing angel and we were all tickled when we found her.

We also took a tour of the Mumm champagne house & caves (I tried Veuve but they were closed that weekend as well as a few others). Our tour of Mumm was very nice as was the tasting that followed. We had the kids with us as always so they were going to join the tour and have juice at the tasting but Jessica . . . you can fill in the blank. 

Chris took her for a little walk while Connor and I took the tour. Connor should be very knowledgeable about champagne now. HA! Actually I learned a few things on the tour that I did not know and it made me excited to come to this part of France and explore more champagne houses in the future. 

Day 3 - Boulogne sur Mer

Upon arriving in the seaside town we stumbled on a lovely little art gallery run by the talented artist himself and his charming wife. I really enjoyed meeting Jean-Pierre Hénichart. I like knowing the person who created the art and knowing that no else has the same piece and I like knowing the actual location of the scene. It makes it all that much more special.

We bought a marvelous painting of a french market with a church. It is the market that is held in the main square of Boulonge sur Mer.

Yes all bundled up again. It has been a long long winter in Northern Europe. LONG! It was low 40 degrees and the sun was playing peek a boo. Poor Jess and Connor's skin is starting to look a little translucent . . . these kids need some California sun!

I love the light in the above pic. Connor says when God speaks to someone they see light like that. (umm I think that must be a Good Shepard quote).

We took a walk on the cliffs over looking the English channel and from where we were you could see coast of England. We all thought that was pretty neat.

And the view as we drove home was not to bad, lots of open fields.