Reims and its cathedral

As noted, we barely made our train. Once aboard, however, we were able to relax and have lunch. Train travel is so civilized. We opened a bottle of rose and had a fine meal of bread and cheese, followed by a fine dessert of bread and Lotus Speculoos cookie spread. Passing through, one of the train officials laughed and said bon appetit.

Speaking of fine, Reims is that too. Definitely cleaner and calmer than Paris. I like it a lot. 

Again, history here spans 2000 years. It has seen 33 coronations. Perhaps the biggest is that of Clovis, who is considered the first ruler of what would become France. Plus, his wife convinced him to convert to Christianity, the first French ruler to do so, and he was baptized there.

This Cathedral is the new one, since the old one burned. That makes this one only 808 years old. 

The gargoyles here are much closer to ground level than at Notre Dame in Paris. They are bizarre.

The stained glass here is gorgeous.

This is a stone in the floor about the baptism of Clovis.

This stained glass section was created by Chagall.