Stage 4 – Grand Est
Reims to Nancy
Another long ride for Tony today at 213.5km but, thankfully, there are only 2 categorised climbs and both are the lowest category. The route starts in the ancient city of Reims, another centre of champagne production, and finishes in Nancy, formerly the capital of the Duchy of Lorraine.
A day for the historians, with Reims and its magnificent cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were coronated, with Chalons-en-Champagne, thought to be the site of the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains where the Romans and the Visigoths defeated Attila and his Huns, and with Place Stanislas in Nancy, a stunning urban planning project completed in the mid-18th Century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Loads for Tony to see if he only had the time.
Two other quite interesting facts linking back to Ecosse:
- Nancy’s motto is Non inuitus premor (I’m not touched with impunity) and is a reference to the thistle, a symbol of Lorraine. The Order of the Thistle has the motto Nemo me impune lacessit (Wha daur meddle wi’ me) and is also a reference to the thistle.
- Bar-le-Duc, another town Tony will cycle through today, is the birthplace of Mary of Guise, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Drink of the day is Mirabelle Grand Reserve Eau-de-Vie by G. Miclo – a wonderful eau-de-vie made with the Mirabelle plum.
Song of the day (a rather tenuous link I know, but I do love the song) is the cover version of Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) by Nancy Sinatra
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