So for my 41st (gulp) birthday, we had originally planned a week long trip to Barcelona.  But due to some temporary passport issues, the trip was cancelled.  Fortunately, the issue was rectified within a short period of time and we were free to travel a few days prior to my birthday. This left me scrambling for a 'what to do at the last minute to make up for one week missed in Barcelona'.  Well, believe it or not....we accomplished just that.

Where does one go for a weekend that might just compare (or perhaps rival) a week in Barcelona?  Well, to Fere-en-Tardenois, France, of course.  What is in Fere-en-Tardenois?  A beautiful 16th century chateau with 11th century castle ruins on the same grounds, an upgraded room, Champagne waiting in your room upon arrival, service that is equal to that found in the Ritz-Carlton, a refreshing pool, the Champagne region only 20 minutes away, lobster with cucumber-mango salsa for dinner, followed by more Champagne.  Need I continue?  Me thinks not.  Here are some photos to show just how picturesque it was in Fere-en-Tardenois and just how spoiled I am.  :)  The weekend was topped off with a stop in the nearby Champagne village of Ay, where we bought L-O-T-S of bubbly from the house of Champagne Hamm.  Divinity in a bottle.  Aaaah, turning 41 rocks!

Here is the link to the chateau we stayed at: http://www.chateaudefere.com/

If you click on 'Hotel' and then 'See the Rooms' and then 'Senior Suites' and then 'Room 30', you can see where we stayed.  Roomy, charming and incredibly comfortable!