Things To Do
in Reims
Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region, is a city of Gothic grandeur and sparkling heritage. It is famed for the glittering Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral, a UNESCO landmark that has crowned French kings for centuries. Beyond cathedrals, Reims offers elegant squares, fine champagne houses, and a welcoming, walkable city center.
Accessible by high-speed train from Paris, it makes a compact, deliciously immersive base for exploring vineyards and culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Notre-Dame de Reims, where the intricate stained glass windows and Gothic architecture will take your breath away. After soaking in the beauty of this iconic cathedral, stroll through the charming streets of the historic center, stopping for a café au lait and a flaky croissant at a local boulangerie. As you wander, admire the beautiful facades of the surrounding buildings and perhaps pick up some artisanal souvenirs from quaint shops.
In the afternoon, delve deeper into Reims' history with a visit to the Palais du Tau, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was the residence of the archbishops and is now a museum showcasing royal treasures. After exploring the museum, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes such as Coq au Vin or Tartiflette. Post-lunch, take a guided tour of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, where you can admire an impressive collection of artworks from the Renaissance to modern art.
As the sun sets, head to a local bistro for a delightful dinner, where you can pair exquisite regional wines with your meal. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne, where the peaceful ambiance and illuminated bridges create a romantic setting. End your evening at a local wine bar, tasting some of the finest Champagne while enjoying live music.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a day of indulgence in the Champagne region. Then, embark on a guided tour to the nearby Champagne houses, beginning with the renowned Veuve Clicquot, where you’ll learn about the careful process of champagne production. Enjoy a tasting session of their exquisite blends, savoring the unique flavors that define this world-famous beverage.
After your morning tastings, continue your exploration by visiting Moët & Chandon for a behind-the-scenes look at their vineyards and cellars. Here, you'll have the chance to taste some of their iconic champagnes, all while soaking in the stunning vineyard views. For lunch, enjoy a picnic in the vineyard, featuring local cheeses and charcuterie paired with a glass of bubbly.
As evening approaches, return to Reims and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant, where you can indulge in gourmet cuisine. Following your meal, take a stroll through the illuminated streets of Reims, enjoying the night atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a local bar. Conclude your day by reflecting on the indulgent experiences of the Champagne region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍷Glass of wine | $6-12 |
| 🍽️Three-course dinner for two | $40-70 |
| 🏨One-night stay (mid-range hotel) | $100-180 |
| 🚆Transit day pass | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich UNESCO-listed cathedral and champagne heritage
- Compact, walkable city center
- Excellent wine-touring options and culinary scene
- Good rail connections to Paris and vineyards
- Touristy in peak seasons
- Wine-focused tourism can be pricey
- Limited nightlife compared to larger cities
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good morning
- "S’il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est... ?" - Where is... ?
- "Combien ça coûte?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Reims
Visit one of these nice places.
A soaring Gothic masterpiece with intricate sculptures and soaring pinnacles.
Adjacent to the cathedral, this former archbishop’s residence provides elegant facades and cloisters.
Line of historic champagne houses with grand façades and regal courtyards—perfect for architecture and bottle-shot photography.
Art Deco interior and geometric lines ideal for interior photography.
Romano-Byzantine beauty with a tranquil surrounding garden and cloisters.
Food in Reims
Reims Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A regional ham often enjoyed with bread, pickles, and local mustard.
Must-Try!
A crusted meat pâté, a classic Champagne-era starter or main.
Light pork sausage typically served with potatoes or apples.
Delicate pink biscuits used in cakes and tea-time treats, produced by local maisons.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A historic covered market in the Boulingrin district with stalls for cheese, charcuterie, bread, and regional produce.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always say 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir' when entering shops or restaurants; use 's'il vous plaît' and 'merci' generously.
People queue patiently; avoid loud conversations in sacred spaces; dress smartly for upscale venues.
Safety
Tipping in Reims
Ensure a smooth experience
In France, service is often included (service compris) in restaurant bills; a tip of 5-10% is customary for good service. Card payments are widely accepted, including contactless; cash is also fine. Small tips at cafes or for quick service are common by rounding up the bill.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming streets; great for cathedral visits and street photography, with occasional showers.
Warm to hot days; long daylight hours; ideal for vineyard visits and river strolls; stay hydrated and pace walks in the heat.
Harvest season in the Champagne region; vineyard colors turn golden; wine tastings and cellar tours are abundant.
Cool and crisp weather; festive markets around Christmas; cathedral interior visits are particularly atmospheric.
Reims at Night
Hiking in Reims
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Vineyard-covered hills with scenic views and gentle to moderate hiking trails.
Forest trails on the outskirts of Reims with varied lengths and elevation.
Rural trails among chalk hills and champagne houses near Verzenay.
Airports
How to reach Reims by plane.
A small international airport serving low-cost carriers; about 1.5–2 hours by road or rail from Reims.
Major international hub; about 1.5–2 hours away by TGV train or car.
Another Paris hub; equivalent travel time to Reims via high-speed rail or road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of native French residents and international professionals drawn to the Champagne industry.
A steady cohort from universities and business schools who study in the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched; local clubs and match days draw crowds.
Regional interest and clubs in the Champagne area; occasional matches and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Reims.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in brasseries and bistros; ask for daily veggie dishes, salads, and cheese plates.