It seems fitting

Well, since this could somewhat be called the “vacation of churches”, I suppose it is fitting that we end on that note, with two of these grand ladies, both Cathredales Notre Dame (what else), in Laon and Reims. Granted they all begin to look alike; Laon’s is no exception. What is most impressive about this church is that it sits atop a hilltop site – we definitely “oohed” and “aahed” as we drove in late that evening to our hotel.











The streets of Laon.







Ending on a final, impressive note, we saw THE church of kings, Cathedrale Notre Dame in Reims. All the kings of France were crowned here until 1825. The ravages of time and war have really caused damage to the church, but a significant restoration is underway. While the interior is lovely, it is the exterior façade that draws many visitors to this place, with carvings of all the French kings on its entrance side. Most of the church was built in between 1111 and 1211.









It is this church that Jean of Arc led “her king”, Charles VII, to be crowned. A small tribute to her in this magnificent church.



C’est fini!