They don't call me Champagne Cate for nothing. My love for the bubbles lead us to the stunning area of Champagne in France. Breathtaking panoramas of gently rolling hills bursting with vines and tiny antique villages dotted throughout the countryside is a 'must-see' for any Champagne enthusiast. We stayed in Dormans, about a half hour out of Reims and Epernay, the perfect location to sample the liquid gold 

The food is sensational where ever you eat...in Reims we ate at Hall Place, a champagne bar and I had the carpaccio of beef. Divine. Finish lunch with an Eclair and life is good

The top picture is of the war memorial and the surrounding vineyards. The 1914 -1918 war devastated the town – 80% of the town was completely destroyed during the fierce fighting that went on here during the second Battle of the Marne

The military cemetery in Dormans is the final resting place of 3,885 French and German combatants. Visiting these peaceful lands, it's hard to believe such horrors existed early last century

My thoughts of Paris are here in these photos. Not pictures of The Louvre or Notre Dame etc (although I love those too) but what I seek is the incidental, the colour and the texture. Hidden arcades, passage ways and seemingly secret thoroughfares off the bustling streets hold so many unknowns to new and exciting experiences. Loose yourself as you meander through the maze that is Paris and discover that you're on the other side of town. Some of the greatest treasures are found in the everyday routine, woven into the fabric that is Paris....

PS Deep philosophical thoughts found from the bottom of a Champagne bottle

PPS I would love to tell you where I shots these but I got lost

You can always tell a good place to eat simply by following the locals. As a result we stumbled upon Au Panetier tucked away next to Place Des Victoiries. We had breakfast several times here simply because of their famous Pain au Chocolat (above), a light brioche bread loaded with chocolate. I must admit that I'm not one for sweet food in the morning, but I've changed my mind after this calorie loaded indulgence. Sit outside in Spring/Summer and take in the quiet morning ambience of the Place des Petites Peres 

Au Panetier is also very pretty, with gorgeous mosaic tiled walls dating back to 1896. Definite thumbs up as an eating destination for a quick bite to eat in stunning surrounds, very reasonably priced and quite heavenly

10 Place des Petits Peres, 2nd arr. Closed Saturday and Sunday (unfortunately)

We're on a mission, a mission to find the best Parisian Patisserie. Questions must be answered; How mouth-watering is the flakey mille-feuille or how decadent is the chocolate mouse in a wickedly fresh choux pastry eclair? Are these treasures sent from heaven to tease us mere mortals or not good enough to feed the dog?

Part one in our search begins at the famous Stohrer Patissier, Paris. Stohrer was the royal patissier for Louis XV and when he left the court in 1730 he established his own Patisserie that still stands today with the secret recipes used from centuries ago

Baba au Rhum (a brioche filled with rum and cream), Tarte a L'orange, Tarte aux fraises des bois are local favourites. We tasted the Mille-feuille and macarons that were enjoyable but would highly recommend a visit if only to view the jaw-dropping beauty of the painted glass mademoiselles who overlook the delights held within

Stohrer, 51 Rue Montorgeuil, 2 arr. Open daily 7.30 am to 8.30 pm

The department stores in Paris are an amazing experience. One of my favourites is Galerie Lafayette. Enter the Ground Floor, look up to witness an amazing domed stained glass ceiling in vibrant colours, shedding light onto those beneath. I managed to sneak a photo of the ceiling as well as some meticulously arranged L'air du Temps and Treson perfume bottles. Also discovered is the Pylones brand of witty and fun everyday items, above is an exfoliating 'head'. Unfortunately taking photos is frowned upon and I was told to stop taking any more. I just pretended that I didn't understand and walked away. C'est la vie!