Taittinger is a family-owned champagne house with its headquarters in Reims, built above 4th Century Roman cellars where faces are carved into the chalk walls. Run by Claude Taittinger Pierre’s son its values are inherited from those who created the Champagne House. Over three generations, a number of people have left their mark on the history, reputation, spirit and style of the Taittinger family. The site is on an old monastery that was destroyed in the French revolution. The abbey church, the Basilica of Saint-Remi, is still standing just a block away and has a more impressive interior than the Notre Dame Cathedral. Thousands and thousands of bottles lay in the caves which may well creep under the nearby church and houses. The flagship wines of the house are the Comtes de Champagne (100% Chardonnay) and Comtes de Champagne Rosé (100% Pinot Noir). We then did Mumm and finally a small family house, Leclerc. It was the perfect order. 3 films and a film of Reims, Hautviller and Epernay which includes the L’Avenue de Champagne.

Planning is required. It is best to both book your tours in advance.

And book your restaurants. The restaurants in the main street in Reims are bulk and fast, we were disappointed both times we ate there. However, in the back streets of Reims, good restaurants can be found. Here, once again it is best to plan and book. See our film on Reims for a good dining option. Tell them we sent you – they won’t have a clue who Doris is, but then who does?

Our page on cruise insurance & antigen testing: click> INSURANCE & TESTING

CHAT GROUPS – a fantastic way to help others and a place to find answers. We run Facebook Groups for cruisers – see the list in black boxes after the ships and fleets listed above. CHAT RIVER CRUISING HERE – FRIENDLY FACEBOOK GROUP

Whilst Doris Visits is known as an ocean cruise website, this now sits in our new and growing river cruise section.