View From The Top

One of the really nice things about driving around the countryside is the possibility to stop everywhere and have a rest, a walk and a look around. We spend a lot of our time just cruising through the landscape and found some nice little spots where we wanted to stop.

One day we drove through Châtillion sur Marne and climbed the steepest road I have done so far by car. I was happy to find a little flat parking spot on the top of the hill. We went for a tasting and a chat at one of the local Champagne producers and afterwards we visited the city's viewpoint where we could see the surrounding landscape and enjoy the sun in the presence of a giant statue of a former pope.

Chalon En Champagne

When we arrived in Chalon the sky was a bit grey and the streets were slightly empty. I was surprised that Chalon seemed like it was still weekend rather than the beginning of the week.

But the cathedral was really beautiful and once it cleared up we went for a walk in the three gardens extending on one another at the far end of the city. Here the peacefulness seemed a bit more in place.

For the majority of our holiday, we were quite lucky with the weather, it shifted between gray and blue sky, but for the most part it was warm and we managed to dodge the majority of rain.

After sitting in the park for a while we walked back to the car and ended or trip to Chalon with a cup of coffee for the driver.

Vacation - Part 1

For the past 11 days, I spent some of my summer holiday with Vincent in lovely France. It has been great. First part of our vacation we drove around the area of Champagne, visiting vineyards and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

These are pictures from Épernay, which we visited on my birthday (a Sunday). A town that I quite liked even though it was small enough that all the bakeries would close around 2. At this point we were still strolling around town and checking out all the impressive houses at Rue de Champagne, where some of the major Champagne producers have tasting houses. So no birthday cake for me this year. (have to admit, I didn't miss out on pastry in the end)

One of the thing I found really charming was that right where the town ended, you would go straight into the vineyards. Afterwards, we drove around the area, but more about that later.

Studio Visit - Paul

Today I visited Paul in his new studio - which was very photographable - placed in a backyard in Kreuzberg in a charming old industrial building amongst lots of greens and little oases to take a break. I can't deny I had a tiny case of studio envy when I left to enjoy the sun while walking home.