We landed in Epernay to settle into our place to stay for the weekend called BnBEpernay which was as fantastic as the pictures. The hosts are super responsive and flexible and knowledgable about the surrounding areas.

A lot of the activities and suggestions were from our hosts website which really is an Epernay tourism office in itself! The fridge was appropriately stocked with at least 5 varieties of Champagne.

The kids loved the upstairs bedroom (again) and the terrace where our little one proceeded to somehow perform laps on her bike at micro speed.

Reims

Saturday evening we travelled to Reims for some food and to visit Reims Lumineire with a bit of a wait for the sun to set.

Two important travel points for future reference, the first is that top choice on Trip Advisor does not necessarily mean it’s the best place to dine, 200 takeaway orders later we were served. Luckily the restaurant was next to Notre Dame.  This was of course looking very closed and quiet after dinner because upon checking the venue address, the luminescence was at the Basilique Saint Remi, a quick trip across town and we arrived just in time to find the final four seats together.

The fate of the church over hundreds of years was explained through projections on the church features telling the story to a background of classical music from a live choir. 

After visiting many similar attractions in London we were unsure if this was worth the late night trip and if it would be suitable for kids.

It was quite simply the best light show in a small setting that we have seen with all of the architecture individually illuminated.

Our Son found it a little scary during some of the dramatic choir pieces and mood lighting but overall both kids enjoyed the show if a little sleepy towards the end.

Finally on returning home for the night, we were happy we decided to base ourselves in Epernay for our trip around the region.