THEFT OF CHAMPAGNE GRAPES: THE GARDE RÉPUBLICAINE IN PARIS SENT THE CAVALRY DES CÉLESTINS TO PROTECT THE PRECIOUS BUNCHES THAT SELL FOR 6.50 EUROS A KILO ON THE MARKET, A REAL TREASURE

Champagne is an open air jewelry store, at least according to security measures taken by the Garde Républicaine who sent the prestigious Parisian Cavalry Célestins to protect the vineyards and prevent hundreds of robberies, which occur every year at harvest time, decimating many wine companies’ harvest. To fully grasp the wealth involved, consider that the value of the grapes here is 6.50 euro per kilo, and that a single case is equivalent to forty kilos: it’s a simple calculation, and to protect this treasure there will be a show of force worthy of a G-8 conference, with 160 soldiers spread over 268 municipalities, coordinated by an Air Force helicopter from the city of Metz.