Lord Colliers Active Retirement Life

Reims to Châlons-en-Champagne: Art, Music, and Slowing Down!

After a night of steady rain, the skies began to clear. My feet—still healing—felt stronger, and I set off toward Châlons-en-Champagne, a town I knew little about but won’t soon forget.

Once a Roman stronghold and later a medieval religious hub, Châlons is steeped in history. Its churches—especially the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame-en-Vaux—are reminders of its former prominence on ancient pilgrimage routes. While it may not boast the fame of Reims, Châlons offers a quiet elegance all its own, with meandering canals, leafy boulevards, and stunning architecture.

The town came alive as I arrived—right in the midst of the Furies theater and music festival. Artists painted with hands and feet, a band played just steps away, and a drummer performed suspended 35 feet above the ground. It was raw, unpredictable, and completely captivating.

Later, I joined a champagne tasting that turned into an unexpected celebration. Among the group was a Danish couple whose energy lit up the room. It felt like a perfect reflection of Châlons itself: unassuming, yet full of spark and spirit.

There’s a rhythm to life here that invites you to slow down. People take time to talk, to laugh, to notice. I’m learning to do the same.

Tomorrow, I walk to Vitry-le-François. But tonight, I’ll raise a glass to Châlons—a town where history, creativity, and champagne mingle in the most beautiful way.