Belle's Village

All leading up to this trip, I was joking that Sancerre, the village where Natalie's wedding would take place, looked like the inspiration for the village where Belle grew up in Beauty and the Beast.

The joke was real.

This is Belle's village.

View from the tower, looking out over the village and the vineyards beyond. I am staying in the white house just left of the center.

Christie and I took the train from Paris to Sancerre this morning, and arrived in the village shortly after noon. After hugs with Natalie, we met up with some of the other wedding guests for a wine tour. The guide took us to their facility in town, told us a little about their wines, and then we went down two floors to the cave (pronounced caaaav), where saw their oak barrel storage and sampled a few wines.

Yes I like winery tours almost as much as I like brewery tours.

After the tour I had some free time to walk around the village and look for Belle, Maurice, Gaston, etc*.

The village square.

Cute side street in village. Could be any street. They are all this cute.

Belle's house?!?!

Yes, this is a real place. Not EPCOT.

Oh, you know, just your average chateau and gardens on the edge of town.

We finished up the day with the wedding rehearsal**, a delicious pizza rehearsal dinner, and drinks & live music at Martine's bar, down the street.

Natalie in her casual white dress, walking to the rehearsal.

Check out Natalie's parents dancing on the left. So adorable. 

Tomorrow is the big day! Can't wait!!!

*Obviously did not find any of them since Belle & Maurice have moved on to live at the Beast's beautiful and secluded castle, and Gaston had that unfortunate roof accident.

**I have been asked to be the official usher/bouncer/musical director/DJ Jazzy Beth. Very excited.