On Saturday, April 27, we drove through more beautiful French territory as we traveled along the wine route that stretches from Bordeaux on the Atlantic to Switzerland through central France. Though we were only traversing a small portion of the route, our “short” trip north to Auxerre turned out to be a six-hour journey as we simply could not speed along while traveling through hardwood forests and hill country with the never-ending vibrant fields of yellow rapeseed. Then again, we would wander into a beautiful French country village. We saw farmers in fields, even a scarecrow. Entering Orleans, we took time to visit the St. Croix Cathedral. Not being able to find a parking space, Randy sacrificed his visit by dropping us off and driving around until we had completed our viewing.

We were intrigued by all we saw. As we drove, we began to see vineyards just beginning to green on the vine. Up hills and down valleys they plunged, some so steeply we speculated about the difficulty of harvesting the grapes. We had indeed hit the wine trail!

Auxerre is one of the principal stops on the wine trail, and we had a hotel there for the night. A river town with large house boats and high hills, Auxerre is a stately city. Towers and steeples dominate the cityscape. The next morning we walked up to the majestically positioned St. Etienne Cathedral. High above the river below, we arrived as morning mass was beginning. We stayed for the entire service, with a beautiful pipe organ playing, a large congregation participating in singing, prayers, and responsive readings, and respectful, attentive robed youth assisting the clergy throughout the service. We were impressed with the many young families in attendance. Children played and danced, their sounds absorbed into the massive building.

Auxerre and the surrounding area deserved more time, but alas, we had not planned it that way. Driving onward, we arrived in Chablis, the area around which produces the grapes for the wine by its namesake. The village is mesmerizingly charming. Rivers run through with waterfalls and village flowers were stunning. Vineyards rose into the hills all around. Everything was pristine. Being lunchtime, we found a restaurant that shouted “French.” Randy and Melisa, our friends, enjoyed croque monsieur (fried bread and ham and cheese topped with a soft easy-over egg) while Kathy and I ate a locally produced sausage with great dijon mustard–(Dijon is nearby)–and a chocolate soufflé with vanilla cream sauce. It was an enjoyable meal in a dream land setting. Of course, Chablis wine was excellent and appreciated! On we went towards Troyes.