Day 3: Belgium to Epernay: 

The journey from Belgium to Epernay was fairly bleak as we set off in torrential rain that seemed to follow the storm for over half the journey.

We had the Eurovision dominated playlist from the kids to keep us company as we escaped the rain on our run down to Epernay.

We arrived in the champagne region to the rolling hills of closely manicured and organised vines stretching beyond the eye could see. 

This part of the trip, I was determined to make enjoyable for the kids so we had a fairly busy schedule of sights and activities to do.

We stopped at the Phare de Verzenay as we cut our way through the vineyards of Moet and Chandon to the left and for large stretches to the right too but interspersed with other well known champagne houses.

I’m not sure the kids appreciated that version of I spy or even knew/cared for the difference! The education was however about to begin!

The ‘lighthouse’ was built in 1909 by Mr Joseph Goulet as marketing for his champagne with lights shining across the vineyards visible from as far away as Reims!

The tower was a success with the kids but there is disagreement over the number of steps but we settled for 100! It was agreed to be a lot less than the Monument to the Great Fire of London.

The panaramic views showed the regions beautiful landscape with picturesque villages dotted between the hills and distinct weather variations with moody skies rolling in and then followed by basking sunshine.

We opted against some wine tasting as there was work to be done writing the 10 postcards the kids decided were essential and needed to be purchased!