The grand entrance steps down to the Vranken Pommery cellars, cut out of the limestone beneath Reims. The Romans started digging pits for building materials and Madame Pommery had tunnels dug between the pits. Cold and moist, just right for storing champagne.
116 steps down, which is about 30 m underground.
Mme Pommery employed a sculptor to brighten the place up for Victorian visitors.
Who knows where these bottles will end up?
The snazzy overhead conveyor system to carry the wicker baskets loaded with bottles.
Some modern art in one of the enormous pits to entertain 21st century visitors.
Mixing the old with the new.
A heart still beating 30 metres underground.
No, not snow, feathers!
Relaxed after a cool glass of Pommery champagne.