Debate a Bubble - Champagne News and Reviews

A glass of champagne with your lunch, Sir?

I heard recently from someone I used to work with some 20 years ago and it reminded me of the way in which many people in those days used to go out to the pub at lunch time, drink vast amounts of beer and then go back to work in the afternoon. It seems incredible that any work got done at all after lunch and I suppose that, in reality, not much of value did get done, so it’s probably a good thing, for all sorts of reasons, that things have changed.

Yet in some quarters attitudes are now so politically correct that you are frowned upon even if you so much as consider a glass of wine with your lunch instead of mineral water.

On this, as in just about everything else, the French in general and the champenois in particular, see things a little differently. Wine or champagne at lunch is still very much an essential part of a normal day.

Napoleon will be turning in his grave

Here’s a picture I took in Champagne in July.

It’s a classic image that I always associate with France and I’m sure you’ve seen these gorgeous avenues of trees in your travels in France too.

I gather that the trees were originally planted by Napoleon to provide shade for the troops as they marched across the country on their military campaigns in Spain and then in Eastern Europe. It’s a nice story, but whoever planted the trees should have the eternal gratitude of all us English tourists who’ve enjoyed them too.

Looking at this picture reminded me of a story I heard on French radio a while back
and I’m afraid it might mean that we’re likely to be seeing a lot less of these wonderful avenues.

This is partly because we tend to rush down the autoroutes these days, which I admit are a joy to drive on since there’s usually no traffic to speak of, but also because the trees are disappearing.

Some bright spark in local government noticed that there was a large number of road accidents in which people were severely injured when their cars ploughed into the trees lining the road. Of course, if the cars merely ran off the road into a field, the injuries to the drivers and passengers would be less serious and lives would be saved, so the conclusion reached was that the trees should be cut down to improve road safety.

One politician did point out that drinking and driving might be a contributory factor, and that keeping your car on the road in the first place might be useful, but she seemed to be a lone voice.

I’m not sure what the outcome of this has been – if you know or have anything to add to this story do write and let me know – but just in case, enjoy the tree lined roads next time you are in France. It may be your last chance.

France - Love it or Hate it

The first time I went to France was when I was 6 – and no I’m not telling you which year that was in – but it was a while ago.

Since then I’ve had literally dozens of wonderful holidays there, met many lovely people who I now count amongst my friends and I’ve even lived and worked there for 10 years and STILL I can’t decide if I love France or hate it

I know that there are no clear-cut answers to this question, but I thought it would throw up loads of interesting stories and amuse us all, so I thought I’d start a 'Love it or hate it' column.