is a day trip to reims worth it

• France Guides
• August 12, 2023

A Day in Reims, France: Itinerary for the Perfect 24-Hour Visit

Reims is a stunning city in the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. It is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Discover the essence of Reims, France in 24 hours. Marvel at the grandeur of Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau. Uncover hidden gems like Basilique Saint-Remi and Les Hautes Promenades. Experience the lively nightlife. Reims, a city of charm and Champagne awaits your perfect day.

To make the most of your time in this charming city, we’ve put together a perfect 24-hour itinerary to help you explore Reims and all it has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an exciting day out or a romantic weekend getaway, this is the perfect way to see Reims at its finest. Read on for our guide to spending a day in Reims!

Reims – The Champagne Capital

Nestled in the heart of France’s Champagne region, Reims proudly bears the title of “The Champagne Capital.” Renowned for its deep-rooted history and exquisite bubbly, this charming city offers visitors an extraordinary experience. At its core stands the awe-inspiring Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which has witnessed centuries of coronations and historical events.

The region’s prestigious Champagne Houses beckon with guided tours and tastings, unveiling the secrets behind the effervescent nectar. With a rich cultural scene, picturesque streets, and gastronomic delights, Reims epitomizes the perfect fusion of tradition, luxury, and French elegance, making it an unrivaled destination for travelers seeking an enchanting journey through the art of Champagne.

Morning in Reims – Exploring the City’s Rich Heritage

Reims boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels. As the sun bathes the city in a golden glow, a morning in Reims unfolds like a captivating story, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in its fascinating heritage. This itinerary promises to be a delightful journey through time, where every step uncovers the essence of this charming city.

Breakfast at a Charming French Cafe

There’s something undeniably enchanting about starting your day at a charming French cafe, especially in a city like Reims, where gastronomy and elegance intertwine. As the morning sun casts a warm glow over the cobbled streets, stepping into one of Reims’ quaint cafes is akin to entering a haven of culinary delights and timeless traditions. From the enticing aroma of freshly baked pastries to the friendly “Bonjour” from the locals, breakfast at a French cafe promises an experience that transcends mere sustenance; it’s a celebration of the art of living.

1. J’aime Thé Café

A ddress: 37 Rue de Chativesle, 51100 Reims, France

Opening Hours: 10 AM–5:30 PM

Phone: +33 9 82 48 18 47 For directions, click here .

2. Bistro Le Maryland

Address : 30 Rue Chanzy, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 9 AM–12 PM, 2–7 PM Phone : +33 3 26 08 92 49

For directions, click here .

3. Poulaillon Champfleury Reims

Address : CENTRE COMMERCIAL LECLERC, 51 Rte nationale, 51500 Champfleury, France Opening Hours : 8:30 AM–6 PM Phone : +33 3 26 35 77 26

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here .

Visit Reims Cathedral

A visit to Reims Cathedral is a journey into the heart of France’s historical and architectural splendor. Standing tall and majestic, this UNESCO World Heritage site is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of Gothic architecture, proudly bearing witness to centuries of significant events. As you step inside, the cathedral’s soaring vaulted ceilings and intricate stained glass windows create an ethereal ambiance that leaves you in awe.

Its historical significance lies in being the site of coronation ceremonies for countless French kings, including Charles VII and Charles X. From the intricately carved facades to the tranquil beauty of the interior, Reims Cathedral’s charm and magnificence make it an unforgettable destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of this enchanting city.

Address : Pl. du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims, France

Opening Hours : 7:30 AM–7:30 PM

Phone : +33 3 26 47 55 34

For pictures, booking, and more information, click here . For directions, click here .

Palais du Tau – A Royal Journey

Embarking on a visit to the Palais du Tau is embarking on a regal journey through the annals of French history. This majestic palace, located adjacent to Reims Cathedral, served as the residence for archbishops and later became the venue for opulent royal banquets and coronation ceremonies. Stepping through its grand doors, you’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by an array of splendid artifacts and treasures that once belonged to the French monarchy.

From the magnificent coronation robes to ancient tapestries and precious relics, the Palais du Tau offers a captivating glimpse into the extravagant lives of the kings and queens who graced its halls, leaving visitors with a sense of wonder and admiration for the rich heritage of this extraordinary city.

Address : 2 Pl. du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims, France Phone : +33 3 26 47 81 79

Mid-Morning – A Stroll Through Reims’ Historic Streets

As the sun rises higher in the sky, Reims’ historic streets come alive with the promise of enchantment and discovery. Mid-morning presents the perfect opportunity to leisurely explore the city’s rich heritage, where every step unveils architectural wonders, cultural landmarks, and the timeless charm of Reims. This itinerary invites you to embark on a captivating journey through the heart of the city, where history blends seamlessly with modern life, creating an unforgettable experience.

Walking Tour of Place Drouet-d’Erlon

As you set foot in Place Drouet-d’Erlon, be prepared to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere that defines this bustling square. Stroll along the picturesque boulevards lined with charming shops and boutiques, offering everything from exquisite souvenirs to fashion-forward finds. Sidewalk cafes beckon with their inviting ambiance, providing the perfect spot to relish local gastronomy and people-watch, as the city buzzes with life around you.

Address : 51100 Reims, France

For directions, c lick here .

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) – An Architectural Gem

Standing proudly in the heart of Reims, the Hôtel de Ville is an architectural masterpiece that commands attention. Take a moment to admire the grand facade adorned with intricate details and the majestic clock tower that punctuates the skyline.

Step inside this historical building to uncover its rich history, as it has been a witness to significant events throughout the city’s past. Discover the cultural significance of the Hôtel de Ville and how it continues to play a central role in the life of Reims today.

Address : 9 place de l’Hôtel de Ville – Esplanade Simone Veil 80036, 51722 Reims, France Opening Hours : 8:30 AM–12 PM, 1–5 PM Phone : +33 3 26 77 78 79

Lunch – Savoring the Gastronomic Delights of Reims

No visit to Reims is complete without indulging in the city’s delectable gastronomic offerings. As the sun reaches its zenith, it’s time to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the rich flavors and traditions of this Champagne capital. From exploring the prestigious Champagne Houses to relishing a delightful meal at a local brasserie, lunchtime in Reims promises to be a feast for the senses, leaving you with unforgettable tastes and experiences to cherish.

Discovering the Champagne Houses

Reims is renowned as the epicenter of Champagne production, and a visit to the esteemed Champagne Houses is an absolute must. Dive into the fascinating world of Champagne-making as you embark on guided tours, learning about the intricate process from vine to bottle. Sip on effervescent nectar straight from the cellars, savoring the distinct flavors that have made Champagne a symbol of celebration and luxury worldwide.

1. Champagne GH Martel & Co

Address : 17 Rue des Créneaux, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 10 AM–1 PM, 2–7 PM Phone : +33 3 26 82 70 67

2. Champagne Charles de Cazanove

Address : 8 Pl. de la République, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 10 AM–1 PM, 2–7 PM Phone : +33 3 26 88 53 86

3. Champagne Lanson

Address : 66 Rue de Courlancy, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 8:30 AM–12:30 PM, 1:30–6 PM Phone : +33 3 26 78 50 50

Lunch at a Local Brasserie

After your Champagne exploration, treat your taste buds to a delightful lunch at one of Reims’ charming local brasseries. These establishments exude a cozy and inviting ambiance, offering a glimpse into the city’s authentic dining culture. Indulge in regional cuisine, where traditional dishes are prepared with local ingredients, reflecting the culinary heritage of the Champagne region. From tantalizing escargot to succulent coq au vin, every dish embodies the essence of French savoir-faire.

1. Brasserie Excelsior Reims

Address : 96 Pl. Drouet d’Erlon, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 11:30 AM–2:30 PM, 6:30–10:30 PM Phone : +33 3 26 91 40 50

2. Brasserie Le Gaulois

Address : 2 Pl. Drouet d’Erlon, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 11 AM–11 PM Phone : +33 3 26 47 35 76

Afternoon – Immerse Yourself in Reims’ Cultural Scene

As the afternoon unfolds, Reims invites you to delve deeper into its vibrant cultural landscape. From art enthusiasts to nature lovers, the city offers an array of experiences that showcase its rich artistic heritage and serene natural beauty. This itinerary beckons you to explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a treasure trove of fine arts, and unwind at the picturesque Parc de la Patte d’Oie, ensuring an afternoon filled with inspiration and tranquility.

Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)

Enter the realm of artistic masterpieces at the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a haven for art aficionados. Wander through its carefully curated galleries, housing an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods. Admire renowned works by artists such as Renoir, Monet, and Picasso, as well as lesser-known treasures that showcase the diverse artistic expressions that have shaped Reims’ cultural identity.

Address : 8 Rue Chanzy, 51100 Reims, France Phone : +33 3 26 35 36 00

Relaxing at Parc de la Patte d’Oie

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find serenity in the picturesque Parc de la Patte d’Oie. This lush green oasis offers a peaceful retreat, where you can take a leisurely stroll amidst blooming flowerbeds, majestic trees, and serene ponds. Embrace the soothing ambiance and find a perfect spot to unwind, whether it’s reading a book on a bench or simply enjoying the beauty of nature around you.

Address : 73 Bd du Général Leclerc, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : Open 24 hours Phone : +33 3 26 77 72 08

Late Afternoon – Uncovering Reims’ Hidden Gems

As the day starts to wind down, Reims reveals its best-kept secrets waiting to be discovered. This late afternoon adventure takes you off the beaten path to uncover two remarkable hidden gems. From the awe-inspiring Basilique Saint-Remi, steeped in history and architectural grandeur, to the breathtaking city views at Les Hautes Promenades, this itinerary promises a memorable and enchanting journey through lesser-known yet captivating corners of Reims.

Basilique Saint-Remi (Saint-Remi Basilica)

Step back in time as you enter the sacred grounds of the Basilique Saint-Remi, an exquisite masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. This hidden gem, often overshadowed by its more famous counterpart, Reims Cathedral, holds a wealth of historical significance. Marvel at its ancient facade and venture inside to discover splendid stained glass windows and ornate chapels. The basilica’s connection to Saint Remi, the Bishop of Reims, and its role in the coronation ceremonies of French kings add to the sense of awe and wonder.

Address : Rue Saint-Julien, 51100 Reims, France Phone : +33 3 26 85 31 20

Les Hautes Promenades – Breathtaking City Views

Ascend to the Les Hautes Promenades, a vantage point that offers panoramic views of Reims’ picturesque skyline. Perched atop the city’s surrounding hills, this hidden gem provides an opportunity to capture unforgettable photographs and experience the beauty of Reims from a different perspective. As the late afternoon sun bathes the city in a warm glow, revel in the tranquility of this spot and take in the breathtaking vista stretching before you.

Evening – Indulge in Reims’ Nightlife and Cuisine

As the sun sets, Reims comes alive with a vibrant energy that beckons you to embrace the city’s evening delights. The evening in Reims promises an unforgettable experience, where you can savor the city’s delectable cuisine at a local bistro and immerse yourself in its lively nightlife. Whether you’re seeking a taste of traditional French dishes or a night of entertainment and revelry, this itinerary ensures an evening of gastronomic delights and memorable moments in the heart of Reims.

Dinner at a Local Bistro

Embrace the convivial atmosphere of a local bistro as you embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the region’s gastronomic treasures. From coq au vin to boeuf bourguignon, allow your taste buds to revel in the rich flavors of classic French cuisine, each dish prepared with a touch of local flair. Complement your meal with a glass of fine Champagne, raising a toast to the city that holds the secrets to crafting the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine.

1. Bistro des anges

Address : 12 Rue Chanzy, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 9 AM–11:30 PM Phone : +33 3 26 47 46 32

2. Bistro de la Poste

Address : 9 Rue Cérès, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 7:30 AM–2:30 PM Phone : +33 3 26 88 44 84

3. Bistrot du Forum

Address : 6 Pl. du Forum, 51100 Reims, France Phone : +33 3 26 47 56 58

Experience the Nightlife of Reims

As the night unfolds, Reims’ vibrant nightlife awaits, offering a range of entertainment options to suit every taste. Explore the city’s wine bars, where sommeliers guide you through tastings of exquisite Champagnes and local wines. Discover lively pubs and enjoy the conviviality of the locals, or seek out sophisticated cocktail lounges where mixologists craft innovative concoctions. For those seeking a cultural experience, attend a live music performance or theater show, adding an artistic touch to your evening in Reims.

1. Vogue Club

Address : 93 Bd du Général Leclerc, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 11 PM–4:30 AM

2. Dropkick bar

Address : 15 Rue du Colonel Fabien, 51100 Reims, France Phone : +33 3 26 47 37 46

3. Grape Bar Reims

Address : 28 Bd Joffre, 51100 Reims, France Opening Hours : 6 AM–12 AM Phone : +33 3 26 40 03 24

In conclusion

You haven’t truly experienced Reims until you have savored its gastronomic delights, explored its cultural gems, and immersed yourself in its vibrant nightlife. From uncovering its hidden architectural treasures to indulging in traditional French cuisine, this enchanting city offers an array of experiences that leave visitors with lasting memories to cherish.

Whether it’s a weekend break from the capital or an in-depth exploration of the region, Reims promises a journey of discovery like no other. Now it’s time for you to come and explore this captivating city for yourself!

We are here out of a desire to help and of course out of a great love for France. Our goal is to help you find everything you are looking for under one roof, to get the most out of your vacation in France, without having to travel all over the web.

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Is Reims Worth Visiting? 19 Reasons Why You Should!

• By Jen Ciesielski
• Updated: 18 July 2023
• 6 July 2023

Wondering if Reims is worth visiting?

Well, you’re in the right place.

I’ve been living and traveling in France for the past 10 years, and I can confidently say that Reims is a must-visit destination. From the jaw-dropping Reims Cathedral to the renowned Champagne houses, there are plenty of reasons why this city should be on your list.

So, if you’re debating a trip to Reims, this guide will help you make your decision. I’m going to share with you all the reasons that make this city so incredible as well as top attractions and things to do while you’re here. And, by the end of this article, I can guarantee you’ll be adding it to your itinerary.

Let’s get started!

Please note : This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy .

Is Reims Worth Visiting?

Yes, Reims is worth visiting!

With so many things to see and do, it’s a great place to visit if you’ve never been before.

Located in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, this often-overlooked city is rich in culture, history, and, of course, Champagne.

For more than eight centuries, the kings of France were coronated right here at the beautiful Reims Cathedral.

But that’s not the only important role it has had.

During the Second World War, Reims served as the headquarters of the Allied powers. It’s also where Germany surrendered on 07 May 1945. And, today, you can visit the very room (the Map room) where this historic event took place at the Musée de la Reddition.

Finally, Reims is the unofficial capital of Champagne. You can tour some of the most prestigious Champagne houses and sample some of the best wines in the region.

So, if you want to add a little luxury to your vacation while learning about some of the most significant events in France’s history, then Reims is for you.

Free One Day in Reims Itinerary

Sign up for a free copy of my One Day in Reims Itinerary. It has everything you need to guarantee an amazing trip!

19 Reasons to Visit Reims

From enthralling museums to world-renowned wineries, there are so many reasons to visit Reims.

Below I’ll cover what makes this city so special and why you should add it to your itinerary .

1. Champagne Tours

A visit to Reims wouldn’t be complete without exploring a wine cellar, and of course, tasting a glass of bubbly. After all, it’s the unofficial capital of Champagne!

Here, you’ll learn all about the production process, from growing the grapes to aging and bottling. It’s a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the most prestigious Champagne houses.

But my favorite part was the tasting. I enjoyed sampling the different types of Champagne and comparing them (Brut vs Extra Dry vs Dry).

Book your Half Day Champagne Tour here ➔

2. Historically Significant

The history of Reims goes back thousands of years to the time of the Romans. But its role in the history of Europe began in the 5th century.

In 498, King Clovis was baptized at the Reims Cathedral by the Bishop of Reims, Remi. And, from that moment on, every king of France was coronated in Reims, 33 in total.

The most significant of these was King Charles VII, who was crowned in the presence of Joan of Arc in 1429.

Fast forward to the First World War where Reims withstood bombings for almost four years. Of course, its role was not as important as that of Verdun, but it did leave a mark. And the Reims Cathedral was nearly destroyed.

During the Second World War, Reims was again demolished. It held off German forces until May 1945, when Germany surrendered.

Today, you can travel to each of these moments in history through monuments and museums. Highlights include La Porte de Mars, the Cryptoportique, the Reims Cathedral, and the Musée de la Reddition.

And, while I loved each one, I found the Basilique Saint-Remi to be the most unique. It was less crowded and there were information boards detailing its history. It was also where Saint-Remi was buried. Most visitors rush to the Reims Cathedral, but I encourage you to take a detour to this magnificent church.

3. Lots of UNESCO Heritage Sites

Reims is home to many UNESCO Heritage Sites, some dating back thousands of years. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to dive into history when they travel.

In 1991, this prestigious status was awarded to the Reims Cathedral, the Palace of Tau, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi. Each one played a vital role in France’s history and their architecture is second to none in the region.

4. Reims City Pass

The Reims City Pass is an incredible way to get the most out of your time in the city. It offers discounts on several attractions, access to all museums, as well as a free guided tour of your choice.

There are three types of passes – 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours.

The 48 and 72-hour passes include museums and attractions in Épernay, a small town near Reims.

If you’re visiting Reims as a day trip from Paris, then the 24-hour pass is the best way to go. But, if you plan on spending the night in Reims, then the 48 or 72-hour pass makes the most sense.

Get your 24-Hour Reims City Pass here ➔

Useful Tip : For the 48 and 72-hour pass, you can do all the offered activities in less time than suggested. So, I recommend planning your trip and then deciding which pass is right for you.

5. Tons of Museums

There are plenty of fantastic museums in Reims. And each one showcases a part of the city’s unique history.

Below I’ve listed the best museums to visit in Reims:

Musée de la Reddition – This is the very site where Germany surrendered to the Allies in World War 2. Here you’ll step back in time and relive this monumental event that changed the course of history. The museum houses a wealth of artifacts, documents, and photographs that offer an inside look into this important moment.

Palais du Tau – This is where the banquets were held after the coronations. It’s a glimpse of the lavish lifestyle of French royalty from centuries ago. My favorite exhibits were those about the coronations, like the Coronation Chalice.

Musée des Beaux-Arts – The Museum of Fine Arts houses an incredible collection of paintings from the 16th century to the 20th century. Here you’ll find exhibits dedicated to European artists. Some of the most notable include Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Giovanni Battista Moroni .

Musée Historique Saint-Remi – Located in the Basilique Saint-Remi, this museum is most known for its art and archeological collections. But there are also several artifacts from Saint-Remi himself.

Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur – Once a hotel for wealthy merchants in the 13th century and later a private mansion owned by Nicolas Le Vergeur, it, now, houses a vast collection of art. The most impressive being Albrecht Dürer’s The Apocalypse and The Great Passion.

 6. Sabrage Workshops

One of the coolest things you can do in Reims is take a sabrage workshop.

If you don’t know what sabrage is, it’s the art of opening a bottle of champagne with a sword.

This tradition was popularized under Napoleon’s rule.

After a victory, his cavalry would use their swords to open a bottle of Champagne. And, in Reims, you can learn how to do this very technique!

If you’re successful, you’ll be rewarded with a taste of the champagne from the bottle you opened! Plus, you’ll receive a certificate of swordsmanship. It’s undoubtedly one of the coolest things to do in Reims.

Book your Sabrage Workshop and Champagne Tasting here ➔

7. It’s Walkable

One thing I liked about Reims was how walkable it was.

Compared to cities like Paris, where sidewalks are narrow, Reims is the exact opposite. Here they are wide enough to fit more than one person and crosswalks are well-marked, making it a very safe place to explore on foot.

Not only that but most attractions are next to each other. As an example, the Palais du Tau, the Reims Cathedral, and the Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur are within five minutes of each other. All you need to do is download Google Maps or Maps.me on your phone and you’re good to go!

8. Reims Cathedral

The Reims Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It’s also one of the most famous churches in the country .

Built during the 12th century, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral) is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture.

The exterior features intricate carvings and sculptures that immediately grab your attention. And the interior is no less breathtaking. The ceiling soars to the heavens while stained-glass windows fill the church with light.

A very fitting place to crown the kings of France!

9. The Joan of Arc Festival

Every June, the Fêtes Johanniques (Joan of Arc Festival) is held to commemorate the coronation of Charles VII that took place on 17 July 1429.

This weekend-long event is a chance to experience the Middle Ages first-hand. With craftspeople dressed in costume, minstrels filling the streets with music, falconry displays, and stone-cutting lessons, it’s something you won’t want to miss. There’s even a reenactment of the coronation ceremony!

It’s the perfect time to come and learn about the history and culture of Reims.

10. Biscuit Factory Fossier

Biscuits Fossier is the oldest biscuit maker in France. They are famed for their bright pink color and delicious buttery texture.

Founded in 1756, these elegant treats were served at the coronation ceremony of Louis XVI . They later became the sole producer of biscuits for the king.

Today, you can visit their facilities and learn all about the history of these pink treats. At the end of the tour, you’ll even get to sample a few!

While their original recipe is the most famous, they have several other flavors. I tried quite a few and they were all delicious!

11. Excellent Base for Day Trips

Reims is a perfect base to explore many of the other cities and villages in the Grand Est region.

You can rent a car, take the train, or book a tour.

I found that taking the train was the easiest way to travel. Since Reims has two stations (Gare de Reims and Champagne-Ardenne TGV), it’s super easy to get to where you need to go. Not only that but both serve most day trips that are possible.

Useful Tip : Champagne-Ardenne TGV station is not downtown Reims. But TER trains from Champagne-Ardenne TGV station go to Gare de Reims and take 10 minutes.

Some of the most popular day trips include Paris, Amiens, Nancy, Metz , and Strasbourg . All are less than two hours away by train.

But my favorite was Verdun. I loved the First World War memorial and the non-touristy feel of the downtown. There were so many places to visit in Verdun , I couldn’t pull myself away.

Book and Purchase your Train Tickets here ➔

12. Architectural Wonders

The architecture in Reims is one of its main attractions. From ancient Roman walls to Gothic cathedrals, there’s no shortage of things to see.

While Reims took a beating during both World War 1 and 2, much of the city underwent restoration. And those buildings that couldn’t be saved made room for more modern ones.

Some of the oldest pieces include La Porte de Mars and the Cryptoportique. Both date to ancient times.

Then, you’ll notice there is a lot of Gothic-style architecture. Some of the most important include the Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau.

With regards to modern-style buildings, there are quite a few that are worth visiting.

The Foujita Chapel was built in 1966 and houses some beautiful murals from Japanese artist, Tsuguharu Foujita.

But the Carnegie Library of Reims is the most impressive Art-Deco building in town. It was named after Andrew Carnegie, who donated the funds to build it. And the interior resembles a traditional American library with an impressive collection of books, totaling some 400,000.

13. Culinary Delights

Along with Champagne, Reims offers a rich culinary experience. From local bistros to gourmet restaurants, you can enjoy traditional French cuisine at its best.

And if there is one food you have to try it’s Le Jambon de Reims or Reims ham. While the recipe is a secret, the general ingredients are known. The ham is first seasoned and then cooked in a broth. Finally, the edges are coated in breadcrumbs.

You can try this specialty on its own or stop by a local restaurant. It’s often added to various dishes in Reims.

14. Easy to Access

While Reims does not have an airport itself, it’s still very easy to access.

The nearest airports are those in Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport. Then, trains run regularly from Paris’ Gare de l’Est to Gare de Reims and take about 45 minutes.

You could also rent a car in Paris since it’s only 144 kilometers (89 miles) away. Even with traffic, the drive takes less than two hours.

Finally, if you want to visit Reims but don’t want the hassle of organizing your trip, there are tons of tours from Paris.

Book your Champagne Day Trip from Paris here ➔

15. Lots of Shopping

Reims offers a unique shopping experience with its blend of high-end boutiques and local artisan shops.

You’ll find tons of shops near Place Drouet d’Erlon. Then, every day there are one or two markets somewhere in Reims. The location changes depending on the day, so if there is one you want to see be sure to check the schedule .

If you’re looking for souvenirs, there are plenty to choose from. Reims is most known for its champagne glasses, made with intricate details. There is also a wide range of local food items like cheese, chocolates, and mustard that make great gifts for friends and family back home.

16. Reims Mountain Regional Natural Park

This regional park is a scenic area, perfect for anyone who wants to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. It features lush forests and wetlands connected by well-labeled hiking and biking trails.

But the coolest thing to do is visit the Faux de Verzy . This section of forest is full of dwarfed beech trees that are completely contorted. It’s an eerie feeling that reminded me of the Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter.

17. Luxurious but Affordable

Despite the number of lavish activities in Reims, it’s a surprisingly affordable place to visit.

From hotels to restaurants, there are plenty of options for those looking for an upscale vacation without breaking the bank.

As an example, many Champagne houses offer tastings and tours for under €30. It includes a guided visit, a lesson on the different types of Champagne, and a tasting (usually three different varieties).

Several monuments like the Porte de Mars are also free to visit!

18. Enchanting Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Reims is the second only to Strasbourg. So, if you’re visiting in winter, it’s definitely worth adding to your list.

Held every year from late November to late December, this charming market is filled with festive decorations. You’ll find stalls with local artisanal items as well as a variety of food and drink.

If you’re feeling chilly, stands are selling steaming cups of mulled wine.

It’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit and find unique gifts for the holidays.

And compared to the other Christmas markets I’ve been to in France , it’s far less touristy.

19. It’s Photogenic

Reims is an incredibly photogenic city. With its ancient cathedrals and grand squares, there are tons of opportunities for stunning images. The best time to take your camera out is at sunrise or sunset, but you’ll find any time of day works in Reims.

If you’re looking to get some unique shots, I recommend heading to Cimetière du Nord. I spent about an hour walking around and I was able to snap quite a few interesting photos (like the one above).

Best Time to Visit

Reims is a beautiful place to visit year-round. And each season has something special to offer.

April to June – If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful weather and views, then spring is the best time. While the beginning of April can be rainy, the weather is, in general, very mild. But the biggest advantage to traveling during this time of the year is the low prices.

July and August – During the summer, the sun is always shining. And with it comes American tourists . This is the busiest time of year and prices are at their highest. Unless there is an activity that you want to do, I recommend visiting in spring or fall.

September to October – Another shoulder season in Reims. Prices drop, temperatures decrease, and the beautiful fall foliage begins to appear. This is my favorite time to visit Reims.

November and December – The biggest draw to Reims this time of the year is the Christmas market. The weather is cold, cloudy, and grey. As it nears the end of December, temperatures plummet to the negatives. So, make sure to bring a warm jacket.

January to March – This is the low season. The weather is often cold and rainy, but you won’t find any tourists in sight. If you want to visit Reims without the crowds, this is the time to go.

Best Hotels in Reims

There are tons of accommodation options in Reims. Below I’ve compiled a list of my top recommendations.

• Le Clos des Roys – Beautiful room with friendly staff. The breakfast is also delicious.
• La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa – Comfortable beds and an amazing staff. It’s located downtown so you’ll have an incredible view of the cathedral.
• Les Berceaux de la Cathedrale – Perfect location and spotless rooms. It’s one of the best places to stay in town.

Best Restaurants in Reims

There’s no shortage of incredible places to eat in Reims. Here is a list of the best restaurants.

• Le Petit Carbet – Modern French-style dishes with fresh produce. The staff is friendly, and the food is delicious.
• La Galinette – Beautifully presented dishes. The menu is centered on French recipes with a modern twist.
• Au Cul de Poule Restaurant Reims – Bistronomie Reims – Bistro-style food, but with contemporary additions. They also have an excellent selection of wine.

FAQs About Visiting Reims

Why should i go to reims.

Reims is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, culture, and Champagne. This is where the kings of France were crowned, Germany surrendered to the Allies, and Champagne is made. If you want to indulge in luxury and dive into the history of France, Reims should be at the top of your list.

Is Reims a good day trip from Paris?

Yes, Reims is a great day trip from Paris! The city is only 45 minutes away by train and there’s plenty to see and do. You can explore historic sites, sample some Champagne, and visit the beautiful Reims Cathedral. It’s a wonderful way to experience French culture without having to travel too far.

Is Reims safe at night?

Yes, Reims is generally safe at night, but you should always be aware of your surroundings. If you exercise basic safety precautions, you’ll be able to explore the city safely in the evening.

Conclusion: Is Reims Worth Visiting?

Reims is 100% a city worth visiting. It’s steeped in rich cultural heritage with tons of things to do. Not only that but you can experience luxury without emptying your wallet.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip from Paris or a weekend break, Reims won’t disappoint.

So why wait? Start planning your trip to Reims today and experience what makes it so special!

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• 33 Incredible Things to Do in Lyon, France
• How to Say Hello in French: 39 Easy Ways (with Audio)
• Is Strasbourg in Germany or France? A Surprising Answer!
• 3 Days in Strasbourg – The Perfect Itinerary (from a Local)

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

LAYOVER GUIDE: How to Spend One Day in Reims 🍾

• May 20, 2018
• Food & Wine , France , Luxury Travel

A guide to spending a day in Champagne during a long layover

“Too much of anything is bad, but too much champagne is just right.” –F. Scott Fitzgerald

Champagne has long been a drink associated with luxe living and celebratory moments. Prosecco, cava, franciacorta, cap classique; there are many sparkling varieties that have followed the lead of the acclaimed original, but for many champagne lovers, a pilgrimage to the heart of the Champagne region is an experience without compare. The slice of land situated not far outside of Paris is chock-full of history, including a thousand years of coronations, UNESCO-recognized chalk caves and the more recent impact of world wars, which forced restoration of parts of the region’s main towns. When we talk about Champagne in France, we’re often referring to the region as a whole, which encompasses a host of small towns and the world’s illustrious champagne houses. In terms of wine production, Champagne is divided into five districts, and the towns of Épernay and Reims are the two primary commercial areas in Champagne. Reims is locate about an hour and a half outside of Charles de Gaulle (30 – 45 minutes on the TGV), making the Champagne region an easy day trip during a layover in Paris. So, if like us, you’re facing a long layover at Charles de Gaulle and looking for an alternative to jetting into Paris for the day, head out for a day in Reims, complete with Champagne tasting, your choice of gastronomic endeavors, and a hearty dose of French history.

Getting to Reims

In a perfect world, you’d be able to zip to Reims from Charles de Gaulle aboard the TGV and arrive in Champagne in around 30 minutes. In the real world, there may be some issues with that concept: 1) timing doesn’t always work. When we looked at heading to Reims by train, we would have had nearly three hours in the airport before being able to board the first train to the Champagne region (we arrived at 6:05AM and the first train was at 9AM). 2) There are factors out of our control. During our time in France, there was an SNCF strike which meant one out of three trains on average were going as scheduled. If you’re dealing with a rather specific timeline like ours on a layover in Paris, getting to and from Reims on time is important. Having factors out of your control does nothing but add stress to what should be a fun, relaxing day. If the trains do work for your timing, you’re golden. If they don’t, you’re best off booking a transfer/driver for the day to allow yourself to enjoy stress free.

We talked about the idea of renting a car, but a one-way rental is astronomically expensive, and a roundtrip rental makes absolutely zero sense if you’re planning on Champagne tasting in Reims or Épernay. France has very strict laws about drinking and driving (and even if they didn’t, it’s just a bad idea), so even a glass of Champagne is probably not worth the risk. We chose to work with  H.M. Prestige VTC ,  a transfer company recommended by the Reims Tourism Board that worked to make our day stress free. There are plenty of tours from Paris but we didn’t want a group tour with pre-defined stops. With just a day in Reims, we knew what we wanted to see and how we wanted to craft our day so the autonomy aspect was important to us. Our driver, Ahmed, picked us up at 7AM as planned, and escorted us to Reims for the day, dropping us off at our key stops and then returning us to Charles de Gaulle for our evening flight to Rhodes. Our van could have comfortably accommodated six, so it was extra spacious for the two of us, which meant getting in a power nap to and from Reims was doable. The other benefit of having a driver? Luggage isn’t a worry when you’re dealing with a layover in Paris. If we had taken the train, we would have gone through the process and expense of storing our luggage at CDG in T2 at the luggage storage facility (we’ve done this before and it’s simple, though it will take up some of your time). Having our luggage with us meant that we never had to worry about luggage drop off, pick up, or storage fees, which made it easier for us to maximize our layover in Reims. So, with a 13-hour layover ahead of us, we hopped in the car and zipped off to Reims for a day of Champagne tasting and sightseeing in the historic town.

Champagne Tasting at Ruinart

I’m not a huge Champagne drinker. I’m half-embarrassed admitting that since I feel like I  should  love Champagne because it’s so decadent and luxurious and lovely (and it pairs well with caviar, which is my secret love), but I’ve never been very keen on sparkling. To be honest, I’ve never felt like I could truly discern between an average bottle of bubbly and a world-class Champagne. Then, during one fateful evening out with guests in Anguilla, we opened a bottle of Ruinart.

My theory on champagne changed forever. I realized I could actually tell run-of-the-mill sparkling wines from high quality Champagnes, and at the very least that was a step in the right direction.

We had the blanc de blancs that evening in Anguilla but I had no doubt in my mind that I’d be equally enamored with their rosé. Needless to say, when we began planning this day trip to Reims during our layover in Paris, there was one non-negotiable: we were going to visit Ruinart to explore their art plus their world-famous chalk caves which have earned them UNESCO World Heritage status.

Ruinart is the region’s oldest champagne house, founded in 1729 when France was embracing – or perhaps pioneering –  the joie de vivre philosophy in an incredibly decadent way. The chateaux that Ruinart calls home brings the French splendour that you’d imagine and is set on a perfectly manicured expanse of green with captivating artwork throughout. I was enchanted even before the Champagne started flowing.

My only run-in with a wine tasting that focused on sparkling wines was our Italian wine tasting in Franciacorta . We tasted Cap Classique in South Africa but that tasting was less about wine education and more about the simply lovely process of sipping bubbly in the morning (nothing wrong with that). Producing Champagne (or any sparkling wine produced using the traditional method) goes beyond traditional wine making.

Crafting true Champagne means that the sparkling has to be produced in the Champagne region, where strict guidelines are enforced. The terroir is very specific, including cooler climes and ample rain (the only watering that happens in the region is natural rainfall), which allows the region to grow pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meuniere grapes used for Champagne production. The tour includes a bit on the wine making side of this, which is similar to traditional wine making with some added complexities that are unique to producing sparkling varieties.

The tour also includes a visit to the crayéres , the underground chalk caves, which have earned UNESCO World Heritage status. The below ground caves are an interesting contrast to the finessed grandeur of the grand chateaux. The caves date back to the Middle Ages and were hand carved with rudimentary tools which have yielded a mesmerizing cave system of connecting pathways that go deep into the earth. Naturally, the caves are dark and chilly, which is an ideal climate for storing Champagne. It was Nicolas Ruinart, the founder of the champagne house, who was the first to recognize this natural wonder – at least as far as its use for Champagne producers goes – and began utilizing the underground system for storage. Other producers soon followed suit. For those visiting, bring a jacket or you can borrow a blanket from Ruinart for added warmth underground.

The Tasting 

Ruinart offers daily tastings, with a number available in English (other languages available upon request), and tastings need to be secured in advance to ensure a tour at your requested time. We opted for their 9:30AM tasting, the first of the day, which included us along with 4 other couples. For the tasting portion, we returned to the plush lobby space where we all started, and were offered a choice of Ruinart’s classic blanc de blancs (100% chardonnay) or their rosé. Each tasting would include two pours: one of a newer vintage, and a taste of the Dom Ruinart to sample the difference. I opted for the rosés, and Scott opted for the blanc de blancs so we could each try all of the Champagnes on offer (all of the couples did the same).

For those that believe they can’t tell the difference between Champagnes, a tasting will help reassure you that you probably can. Which you enjoy the most is a matter of pure preference, and there’s no right or more refined choice so don’t let a tasting intimidate you. I enjoyed the rosés more, while Scott preferred the blanc de blancs, and we ended up buying two bottles of rosé before departing.

Speaking of buying Champagne at Ruinart, you’ll have the ability to make purchases at the end but there’s not a huge shop to explore. You’ll be provided with a brochure that includes everything on offer from single bottles to larger collections. Whether or not it’s a better value than buying it at a local wine shop, I’m not sure, but you’ll have some cool packaging options that are unique to Ruinart (e.g. our two bottles of rosé came with a really cool Ruinart box, perfect for our bar at home).

Now, let’s talk timing and feasibility: If you’re dealing with a trip to Reims on a long layover in Paris, I’d stick to one champagne house. It’s tempting to try for two but a mid-morning tasting will realistically be all you can comfortably fit in. Afterwards, you can spend the day exploring the town and enjoying some sparkling at champagne bars if you’re still jonesing for a taste.

History + the Town of Reims

It’s easy to think of the region as exclusively tied to Champagne but that would do Reims a bit of a disservice. Reims has a very layered history that goes far beyond the genesis of Champagne production in the 18th century. Historically, it was the city of coronations, where the French monarchy was crowned in Reims Cathedral. For those that feel inspired walking past Notre-Dame in Paris (I’m with you!), you’ll be awe-struck by the Reims Cathedral as well. The style is very similar to that of Notre-Dame with huge stained-glass windows that light up the interior in a rainbow of shades. You can spend a bit of time walking around the inside, but if the day is a rare sunny one (like the one we enjoyed), then you’ll be begging to just sit outside and enjoy the view of the cathedral facade. Inside, you’ll see a plaque outlining all of the kings who were crowned in the cathedral.

Then there’s the town itself.

Due to our early arrival time, we started our day with a morning Champagne tasting at Ruinart and then jetted back to the main town of Reims to explore the boutiques that dot the streets. Ruinart and a few of the other champagne houses are situated a short drive from the heart of Reims so it’s worth bearing that in mind when you’re crafting your itinerary. In theory you can get there on foot, but when time is of the essence you’ll be better off with a cab or an Uber if you don’t have a driver for the day.

If your day in Reims is courtesy of a long layover in Paris like ours was, you’ll know going in that your experience is a bit limited by time constraints. Ideally you’d have a few days to explore Reims; to taste at a few of the classic champagne houses, and to stop at the charming boutiques, fromageries and patisseries that line the streets. That being said, my philosophy is that one day in Reims is better than no days in Reims, so maximization is key when the opportunity presents itself.

On a sunny day, the town’s outdoor dining areas are bursting with people enjoying long lunches in the sun. It’s worth noting that many shops will close for a couple of hours in the afternoon (e.g. 1 – 3PM or so; sometimes longer). We ate lunch around 12:30PM with the intention of shopping afterwards, but quickly discovered that we would have been better off swapping those to have greater availability of boutiques and specialty food shops. I was on a secret mission to stock on on French cheeses and a few specialty items for our trip to Greece, but by the time we were ready to shop most stores had closed for the afternoon. The town is home to a number of cute boutiques and specialty shops, and also has a number of champagne bars which provide a nice way to sample a range of producers without dedicating time to a single champagne house.

Lunch 〰 Cafe du Palais

When I reached out to the Reims Tourism Board to get some insight and guidance for our quick stay, one of my questions was on lunch. Where do we dine to have a quintessential experience in the heart of Champagne? They directed us to the lovely  Café du Palais, a classic art deco bistro founded in 1930, serving up classic French fare like salads with foie gras, and decadent cheese plates. I opted for the cheese plate (yes, as my lunch – don’t judge me), which was a fabulous mid-day meal when paired with a requisite glass of vino. For €9, I had four cheeses and far more than I could eat; not that I was complaining. With a big basket of French bread, I judiciously parceled out hunks of cheese and happily gorged myself while Scott ate his salad.

I mentioned it was a sunny beautiful day in Reims – a somewhat rare treat as we discovered – and while we were tempted to dine outside, we found the inside to provide an eclectic cool space that drew us in. We had reservations though we probably would have been fine without them (for premier seating, reservations are advised). For those looking for more of fine-dining slant, the town offers many options including Racine, Le Foch and L’Assiette Champenoise. If the dinner prices are a bit of a shocker, the lunch options may provide a more accessible option for a splurge-worthy meal.

Club Tresors de Champagne

As I mentioned above, I think trying to cram two champagne houses into your day in Reims on a long layover is a challenge. If you have a full day on a trip from Paris as part of a longer trip in the region, you’re dealing with a different time frame and can definitely do a morning and afternoon tasting experience. With tastings and tours lasting about two hours each and a very specific timeframe during a layover, it’s a bit of a stretch.

Instead, we opted to explore the town and spent an hour tasting at Club Tresors de Champagne , located in the heart of Reims. The facility is a combination of tasting room and lounge meets wine shop. It was just the two of us during our time there but it would be a perfect place to taste with a group as well. The shop is full of Champagnes produced by a range of smaller producers in the region and you’ll have the option of tasting any of the six Champagnes on offer that given day (a flight of three Champagnes cost €20). We each opted to taste three, which gave us the opportunity to taste all six between the two of us. The pours are generous though, so be ready!

If you’re heading to Reims during a layover in Paris, my main takeaway is this: it’s easy to think of Reims solely for its bubbly – after all, the region is producing the world’s finest! – but Reims offers more than just its world-class sparkling. The town has a lovely feel so try to avoid the temptation to cram too many organized aspects into your day. Initially, we were tempted to squeeze in a small Champagne producer just outside of Reims in the afternoon, but given our time we felt it would feel too forced and rushed. Giving ourselves the leeway to explore town, to pop into fromageries and Champagne shops, and enjoy the history and lovely small town feel of it all was far more enjoyable that having to run from one stop to the next. If you’re looking for an alternative to Paris for a long layover in Charles de Gaulle, a day in Reims might just be your perfect, sparkling alternative. ?

Have you been to the Champagne region? How would you spend a day in Reims during a layover?

Like the travel outfit? Shop the post :

More about Shannon Kircher

Shannon Kircher is the founder and editor of The Wanderlust Effect. Founded in 2009, she has continued to document her international escapes as an expat in Europe and the Caribbean. Additionally, Shannon is the founder of Compass & Vine, a luxury boutique travel design firm, and is the Director of Marketing for the Frangipani Beach Resort. Shannon holds an MSc in Social Policy and Development from the London School of Economics and is a current candidate for WSET Level 3 in Wines & Spirits.

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Visit Reims: Top 15 things to do and must-see attractions

Things to do in reims: the best activities and highlights.

Visiting Reims , the Champagne and Coronation city, means discovering an important part of France history as well as the vineyards of Champagne.

With numerous points of interest and a total of 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites , it’s a town you shouldn’t miss during your trip to France.

In order to help you to organise your visit , I have made a list of the 15 must-see attractions in and around Reims as well as itineraries to visit Reims in 1,2 or 3 days. All this, as usual, accompanied by my best tips and advice!

And if you are wondering where to stay in Reims , I also give you a selection of the best accommodations in the city at the end of the article.

Let’s start with the 15 best places to visit in Reims!

1. Cathedral Our Lady of Reims

2. the palace of tau, 3. reims saint-remi basilica, 4. st. remi history museum, 5. mars gate, 6. visit a champagne house, 7. visit the villa demoiselle, 8. parc de champagne, 9. reims-champagne automobile museum, 10. sainte clotilde of reims basilica, 11. carnegie library, 12. gallo-roman cryptoporticus, 13. hotel le vergeur museum, 14. foujita chapel, 15. reims planetarium, other places to see in reims, fort de la pompelle museum, verzenay lighthouse – champagne vineyards museum, verzenay windmill, the faux de verzy, abbaye saint-pierre d’hautvillers, reims city pass, what to do in reims for a day, what to do in reims in 2 days, what to do in reims in 3 days, where to stay in reims, where to eat in reims, reims tourist map, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you.

It is THE must-see monument in Reims , the main attraction of the city, the one that attracts the majority of tourists. And there is a good reason for it!

Built in the 13th century, the Reims cathedral also named “Our Lady of Reims” (or “Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims” in french) is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Built on the ruins of the ancient cathedral which was ravaged by a fire around 1210, it represents the quintessence of the craftsmen’s know-how of the time.

Bigger than Our Lady of Paris (“Notre-Dame de Paris”), it has housed the coronation of 25 kings of France since its creation and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In total, 33 kings of France were crowned in Reims, in addition to the baptism of Clovis (first king of the Franks). He was baptized in the city’s first cathedral by Saint-Remi.

Things to see during your visit of Our Lady of Reims cathedral:

• Admire it’s exceptional size: 150m long, 48m wide and 83m high.
• The Harmonic facade divided into 3 parts , a classic of the Gothic architecture.
• The 2303 statues , including the famous “Smiling Angel”
• The impressive 38m high nave
• The Kings Gallery, 56 statues of more than 4m50, on the west facade of the Cathedral
• Climb the 249 steps of the North Tower, visit the terrace and the roof to enjoy the panorama (only possible during a guided tour)
• The Henri Deneux Garden (jardin Henri Deneux), located next to the cathedral and offering an interesting view of the rear part of the building.

Useful information:

• Timetable: The Reims cathedral is open everyday from 7h30 to 19h30
• Entrance fee : You can enter the building free of charge. It’s possible to do a guided your for 8€ per person, and I really advise you to do it! The guided visit is free with the Reims City Pass . I will tell you more about it after the Top 15. You can book the Cathedral guided tour here.

You can find more details as well as guided tours timetable on Reims Cathedral official website

The palace of Tau , located right next to the Cathedral and also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was once the residence of the Archbishops of Reims.

Nowadays, it’s a museum and the Reims Cathedral treasury exhibition place. You will mainly find objects that have been used in the kings coronations, among them:

• The “Holy Ampulla” (“Sainte Ampoule”), which was used in every single title since Clovis
• The talisman of Charlemagne
• The coat worn at the coronation of Charles X
• The chalice of Saint-Remi

You can also discover tapestries and large statues coming from the cathedral.

Voyage Tips Advice The Palace of Tau is worth a visit if you have the Reims City Pass or if you take a combined ticket with the cathedral guided tour (11€).

Built in the 11th century and almost entirely destroyed during the First World War, it is here that you can find the relics of the Archbishop St. Remi (who, as we saw earlier, converted Clovis to Christianity).

A bit smaller than the cathedral, Saint-Remi Basilica of Reims interior is no less impressive. I really loved architecture personally! It’s a little off-centre, but is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy beautiful churches. One of the best points of interest in Reims.

Compared to the cathedral or Palace of Tau, it’s a lesser known tourist attraction, which isn’t a bad thing!

You’re going to Reims?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Reims on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Reims.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Reims, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Reims!

Next to the basilica, in the former royal Abbey of Saint-Remi , there is the St. Remi museum (“Musée Saint-Remi”).

The building, which is the 3rd listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Reims , is worth a visit if only for its architecture. Must-see: the beautiful cloister and the monumental main staircase.

The museum itself is very interesting too. Through 17 exhibition rooms and a very rich collection of objects, it retraces, the history of the city of Reims from prehistory to the Renaissance period.

At 4 euros per person for about 2 hours of visit, it’s a great visit if you are interested in the history of Reims.

For more details about the timetables and prices, please visit the museum website.

Reims Mars gate (“porte de Mars”) is a Gallo-Roman triumphal arch.

It was the largest of a set of 4 monumental arches which represented the 4 gates of  Durocortorum city (Reims name at that time). It is the only one still – practically – intact today.

With its 30m long and almost 15m high, it is the largest known triumphal arch in the Roman world. Don’t miss it during your trip to Reims.

Do not miss the interior of the arches , which are also richly decorated, including a representation of the mythical she-wolf suckling the twins Romulus and Remus (the founders of Rome ) scene.

If the city of Reims is known all over the world, it is not only for its magnificent cathedral: as you certainly know, it is also an important place of oenotourism.

The 2nd major attraction of the city is undoubtedly the visit of one of the best Champagne Houses.

My favorite part of the visit is certainly the discovery of the chalk caves (named “crayères” in French), where champagne bottles are stocked. Their constant temperature of 10°C  all year round makes them the ideal place to shelter the cellars of champagne.

You will find the complete list of Champagne Houses to visit in Reims and its surroundings by clicking on the button below:

Each winery offers several kinds of tours with tasting . Prices vary according to the vintage or type of wine

Among the great vineyards to see, I particularly recommend (click on the orange link for details and to book your visit):

The hardest thing is to choose! (even if I will help you a little 😉)

The visit that offers the best value for money is the G.H Mumm cellars tour , at only 26 euros per person with Champagne tasting at the end. You need to book it in advance on this website (click here) .

You can also book a more upmarket tour including:

• A visit to a typical Champagne house with its cellars dug out in the 19th century
• A tasting lesson with an olfactory workshop
• 6 champagne and wine tastings
• Lunch with home-made regional specialities.

This is the best and most complete tour if you are a Champagne lover.

To book it, simply click on the button below:

The villa Demoiselle, a true masterpiece mixing Art Deco and Art Nouveau style, was built at the beginning of the 20th century by the owner of Maison Pommery.

Today owned by the Vranken family (owner of the Pommery champagnes), it has been completely renovated to regain its original character and reopened in 2008. It serves as a reception area and can be visited.

The guided tour of the villa takes 1 hour , and the price includes a glass of Demoiselle champagne , the cuvée named after the place.

The villa Demoiselle being private, the visit is not included in the Reims City Pass.

You can only visit with a reservation and you need to book by clicking on the button below:

If I’m talking about this park on the outskirts of town, it’s simply because it’s close to the Champagne Houses . If you visit the city in summer, you will be happy to take a short break in the shaded walkways of the Parc de Champagne (Champagne Park).

Today the largest public park in the city of Reims, it was once part of the Domaine Pommery.

Next to the villa Demoiselle , in the same neighborhood, you can also go to the the Bute Saint-Nicaise park , another green oasis.

You may not know it, but it is in Reims that one of the 5 largest automotive museums in France is located. This is really a lesser known tourist attraction, but a great place to visit nonetheless!

The Reims Champagne Automobile Museum has a collection of more than 230 vehicles from 1908 to the present day. Motorcycles and cars, from the Marne taxi to the race car, there is something for everyone!

The museum also presents a collection of more than 5,000 miniatures and toys related to the automotive world.

If you’re looking for off the beaten track points of interest in Reims, you should really go to the St. Clotilde de Reims Basicilica. With its Neo-Byzantine architecture, is an atypical monument, really not well known by tourists.

The first thing I thought when I saw the facade was that it would fit perfectly into Gotham City, the city of Batman!

The bad new is that it’s not often open : according to the latest news, only on Sundays from 3pm to 5pm in July and August, so you will probably only be able to admire the outdoors (its the most interesting anyway!).

So this is a first! A library is not really the first place that comes to mind when we talk about things to do in a city.

Little known by tourists, this little jewel deserves the detour for its superb Art Deco decoration that makes you fee you’re in the 1920s United States.  The Carnegie library is an unusual place to visit during your escapade in Reims.

Admission is of course free and the visit is fast, but as it is located right next to Reims cathedral, you have no excuse to miss it 😉

Under the acient Reims forum and the current “place du Forum de Reims” , you can find one of the 3 galleries that formed the Gallo-Roman cryptoporticus (“Cryptoportique gallo-romain”). In the past used for grain storage, it can now be visited and hosts temporary exhibitions.

Free entrance.

The Hotel Le Vergeur Museum is located in a mansion built in the 15th century and listed as a historical monument. It was the home of the collector and patron Hugues Krafft at the beginning of the 20th century.

Left untouched since his death in 1935, it’s today a nice museum that you can visit.

Guided tour only.

It was the visit to the Basilica of St. Semi of Reims that decided the Japanese painter Leonardo Foujita to convert to Christianity.

Without a second thought, the man exactly knew what he wanted and decided to design a Romanesque chapel, the Foujita Chapel , entirely. It is notably known for its fresco, and the many details coming from the Japanese tradition.

Price: 4€, free entrance with the Reims City Pass.

The Reims Planetarium is an excellent cultural activity to do if you have decided to visit Reims with children.

A museographic space serves as a prelude to the visit, and then you will go to the large dome representing the starry sky

The presenters and lecturers are at very good, it’s for me one of the best planetarium in France.

• Entrance fee: Free with the Reims City Pass
• Phone number: 03. 26.35.34.70

• Museum of the Surrender: A museum about a forgotten part of history. If the date of May 8, 1945 is for everyone the official end of the Second World War, the German surrender was actually signed in Reims on May 7, 1945! If you are interested in history, I recommend a visit to the museum, which is free with the Reims City Pass.
• Reims Museum of Fine Arts , which although not necessarily the best of its kind, is home to some fine works. Moreover, the visit is free with the Reims City Pass.
• Place Drouet d’ Erlon , which is more like a small pedestrian street than a square. It’s lined with shops and cafés, which makes it the centre of Reims social life. To see: the Subé fountain.
• Reims Opera House , located near Notre Dame Cathedral and considered one of the most beautiful opera houses in France. Unfortunately, it is only open on Heritage Day, but you can attend a performance.

Things to do around Reims

There are a lot of things to see in the surroundings of Reims , here is the selection of my favorite places and activities:

The Fort of La Pompelle , built in 1883 to defend Reims, is located 15 minutes by car from the city centre.

This fort was the main part of the Reims sector’s defence during World War I , and it was badly damaged during the conflict. Listed historical monument, it now houses a museum dedicated Reims city defence .You can discover a collection of costumes, helmets, weapons, artillery pieces and historical documents .

Free entrance with the Reims City Pass.

It is a rather unusual building that stands in the middle of the vineyards, less than 20km from Reims: the lighthouse of Verzenay.

Although it was built in 1909 for advertising purposes , it has now been turned into a vineyard museum. It is also possible to climb in the lighthouse, at 25m height, to enjoy the panorama on the surrounding vineyards.

And at the end of the visit, you can enjoy the champagne tasting session!

3 types of admission tickets are available:

• Museum only
• Lighthouse only
• Museum + Lighthouse

If you have the Reims City Pass , you will get a discount on the the museum + lighthouse entrance fee.

Not far from the lighthouse, you can find Verzenay Windmill , situated on a hill overlooking the vineyards. Listed as a historical monument, it can’t be visited inside, but is worth the trip for the view (one of the most beautiful in the region) and the photo moment!

In the Verzy forest , you will be able to observe a curiosity of nature: The Faux de Verzy , trees with the unlikely form also known as Fau beeches or dward beeches.

With a bout 1000 Faux , this place is home to the largest concentration of Faux de Verzy in the world . You can discover these unique trees through a 3km trail in the forest.

As it’s only at about 30 minutes from Reims, it would be a shame to miss this tourist site when visiting the city!

Free admission.

About 30 minutes south of Reims is the beautiful Abbey of Saint Peter of Hautvillers , whose history is intimately linked to the champagne one.

Today it belongs to the Moët & Chandon house of Champagne and it is in the Saint-Sindulphe church of this abbey that lies the remains of Dom Pérignon and Dom Ruinart, 2 very famous names in the history of champagne.

You can also visit the village of Hautvillers , considered as the cradle of champagne.

The Reims City Pass is an initiative launched by the Tourist Information Office which allows you to save money when visiting Reims . What you get:

• Free access to museums and must-see attractions in Reims , all the ones I’m talking about in this guide
• Guided city tours (historical Reims, Reims by night, Art Deco tour etc.)
• The Reims City Tour , which is the bus city tour.
• Free public transport
• Discounts on visits to Champagne Houses
• Discounts/gifts in some restaurants.

Available in 1, 2 or 3 days version, for respective prices of 22€, 32€ and 42€. It can be purchased on this website

If you only have one day in Reims and want to visit the must-see attractions of the city and a Champagne house, you will need to plan your itinerary well. Here is how to visit of Reims in express version!

• Start your day with the visit of Our Lady of Reims catehdral.
• Then go to the Palace of Tau , located nearby.
• Eat your lunch in the city centre, for example at Place Drouet d’ Erlon.
• No time to waste, head towards the Basilica of St. Remi
• Continue with the Saint-Remi Museum
• End your day with the visit of the Champagne House of your choice.

It’s rather tough , but 1 day in Reims is really short!

In 2 days in Reims , you will have more time to enjoy the city, so it is better to plan a different route for day 1.

Here is an itinerary optimized for this visit in 2 days , to avoid going back and forth unnecessarily. I also recommend that you take a Reims City Pass for two days.

This day’s itinerary is dedicated to the visit of Reims city centre and can be done on foot, as long as you are not allergic to walking! If you have the Pass, you can also choose one or more guided tours.

• Start with the Foujita Chape l, as it’s a bit outside the city centre.
• Then visit the Museum of the Surrender
• Go through the Mars Gate
• Go down to Place Drouet d’ Erlon via the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter (the new name of the “Hautes Promenades”)
• Have a drink on the square and it’s already lunchtime!
• Then go take a guided tour of the Hôtel Le Vergeur Museum at 2pm
• Then head to the forum square , very close to see the Gallo-Roman cryptoporticus
• Time to go to Reims cathedral for a guided tour
• Last big visit of the day, the Palace of Tau , but beware, as it closes early in winter. So you may have visit it the next morning.
• Before dinner, you should go have a look at Carnegie Library , next to the Tau Palace.

For this 2nd day in Reims, as the distances are quite long, you will have to take public transport or your car.

• If you were unable to do so on the first day, start your day with the Palace of Tau
• Then, you can go to the Reims Champagne Automobile Museum or the Planetarium
• Lunch break
• Start your afternoon with a visit of the Saint-Remi Basilica of Reims and St. Remi Museum
• The rest of your afternoon will be dedicated to the visit of a Champagne House.
• You can also take a short trip to the Champagne Park for a quiet moment!

If you want to visit Reims and its region in 2 days, another possibility is to combine the “express” itinerary presented in “Visit Reims in 1 day” with the 3 days itinerary I tell you about just after.

3 days in Reims is the perfect stay duration to enjoy everything the city has to offer. So why not consider a long weekend in the Coronation city? In addition to the previous itinerary, the 3rd day is an opportunity to discover the surroundings of Reims.

Unless you want to make other visits in the city center, the Reims City Pass will be useful only for the first 2 days , no need to take the 3 days version.

• Start your day with the visit of the Fort de la Pompelle museum
• Then head south to visit the vineyard museum at the Verzenay lighthouse and take a few photos of the Verzenay mill
• Lunch break in Verzy or the surrounding area
• After lunch, head towards the Faux de Verzy for a short walk in the forest
• End your day with a little thought for Dom Pérignon and Dom Ruinart, at Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers Abbey

You can also make the itinerary of this 3rd day in the opposite direction, which is smarter if you need to go north for your next destination.

To make the most of your holidays in France, sleeping well is very important! That’s why I have selected for you the best hotels in Reims in each price category.

• Appart’City Confort Reims Centre : Situated 500m from the Cathedral of Reims, offering modern, bright and quiet studios, this apartment hotel is the best choice to visit Reims without breaking the bank! Studio from 60 euros per night.
• Brit Hotel aux Sacres Reims Centre : Ideally located in the city centre near the Cathedral, it is a small family hotel, and you can see it! The welcome is warm and the breakfast delicious. Night in double room from 79 euros.
• Hotel des Arcades: Located in the city centre, near the Subé fountain. Recently renovated double room, clean and comfortable, from 86€ per night, breakfast at 8€. Strong points: the location, the good breakfast, the calm. It my favorite for its exceptional value for money in Reims!
• The Originals City, Hotel Le Bristol: Located at 750 meters from the cathedral. Warm and comfortable double rooms (some with balcony) from 110€, breakfast at 12€. Strong points: the location, the friendly staff, the comfortable bedding.
• Best Western Premier Hôtel De La Paix : Also very close to the cathedral, this 4* hotel is simply the best in town . Private parking and indoor swimming pool! A great choice for a romantic stay. The double rooms starts at 140 euros per night.

And if you want to enjoy a luxurious stay in Reims , you should book at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

This 5* hotel is located in the heart of the vineyards , in a 19th century building. The setting is sublime and the rooms are just superb ! The hotel also has a huge indoor swimming pool as well as an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the vineyards.

And for dinner, don’t forget to book a table at its “Le Royal” restaurant , awarded one star in the Michelin Guide .

To book your stay at the Royal hotel in Reims, click on the button below:

• L’Alambic : Located very close to the “Jardin de la Patte d’Oie”. This restaurant welcomes you in an old champagne cellar to enjoy dishes full of flavours made with good fresh produce.
• L’Aqua: Slightly off Reims city centre, this small restaurant offers home-made and beautifully presented dishes. You’ll enjoy the appetizer and dessert. Excellent value for money.
• The café du palais: Situated 2 steps away from Reims cathedral  in the city center. Under its glass roof and in a magnificent setting, this restaurant offers a traditional and qualitative bistro cuisine, with regional fresh produce.

In order for you to plan your trip easily, I have prepared a tourist map of Reims , with all the must-see attractions I talk about in this article. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow.

And you, what are you going to visit in Reims?

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed there.

• Annecy: 12 things to do and see
• La Rochelle: The 15 must-see attractions
• Strasbourg: Top 25 things to do

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Discussion 6 comments.

Terrific article about Reims! It’s getting so hard to find objective information that is not affiliated with guided tours trying to sell you something! We are from the US and have traveled quite a bit in France, but have never visited Reims. Your article completely changed my uninformed impression of the city and now I will put it on our “must visit” list for our next trip. Thank you so much for this well written and very helpful article!

Hello Libby,

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I am delighted if my blog makes you want to visit Reims.

I hope you will have the opportunity to return to France soon. Regards, Vincent

Good Evening,

Is 7days in Reims and its surroundings too much for a fit Old Man of 80 who does not want to drive in Francs but prefer to use public transport. your opinion/advice would be welcomed. Bonne Soiree, Rob,

Good afternoon Rob,

To visit Reims and its surroundings, 3 or 4 days is enough (even by public transport). I think one week is a bit too much.

Enjoy your stay in Reims!

Hello Vincent,

Is it possible to take public transportation to the places in your day three itinerary?

Regards, Sam

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to do the day 3 visits by public transport.

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Every weekend is an adventure

One day in reims: a short visit of the beautiful capital of champagne.

• Post published: 1 April 2015
• Post category: Europe / France / Grand Est (East)

Reims city centre is full of history and beautiful old buildings. With many pedestrian-only streets, it is a pleasure to wander around the town. And wait for the best part: you can walk to a Champagne cellar from there! It’s one of my favourite day trips from Paris by train . Reims is rather small so in my opinion, one day is enough to see it all , although you will need a bit more time if you want to check out some museums or do more than one champagne cellar.

Monuments in Reims & town centre

The most famous monument there is the magnificent Cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims , the kind of French Westminster Abbey as it is the place where the French kings were crowned. The cathedral is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and so is the Palace of Tau just next to it.

I was lucky to end up seeing the Saint-Rémi of Reims Basilica without planning it, to the south of the town centre, as it was on my way to Pommery producing house. For those looking for restaurants and bars, Place d’Erlon is the place to go to. If you prefer shopping, you will find plenty of shops nearby including the Gallerie Lafayette.

“Champagne, s’il vous plait!”

History is great. But the other reason for which Reims is famous is that it is considered the capital of Champagne . I loooove champagne, so I did not miss the opportunity to visit a cellar !

The tour of Pommery caves was quick. For 10€, I visited for ½ hour the cave with a guide and had a tasting of the champagne – the more you pay, the better the champagne is. It was interesting to learn how the champagne is made, stocked and so on.

The cave was made for touring , with easy access, beautiful lights effects and good organisation and explanations from the tour guide. Some rooms have sculptures framed on the wall (I am not sure how to call them) showing us stories about champagne from years and years ago; that was interesting!

Without a car, I was limited to visiting only one winery during my short visit to Reims. If you want to see more, I recommend joining a tour to optimise your visit and check out more than one Champagne winery in one day. Click here to view tours from Paris * or here to view tours from the town centre *. If you’re keen to stay longer than just one day, I recommend choosing a hotel in Reims City Centre, as I find it was the most interesting and charming area. Click here to view availabilities *.

Have you been to Reims? What cave did you visit? Please leave a comment below to share your experience!

Where is reims.

Reims station is within walking distance from the town centre and the beautiful monuments. It is very easy to travel to Reims from Paris, and practical: it only takes 45 minutes by train! 

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Why You Should Visit Reims: 10 Amazing Things to Do in Reims

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I love watching movies about the medieval times, so I’m always curious about the places where the old kings and queens lived and ruled. When I found out that Reims was the coronation site of the French kings and queens, I was hooked.

And after exploring this city for myself, I was blown away. While Reims isn’t as big as Paris or Lyon , this city has remarkable heritage sites, a lot of history to discover, and art to see. And the art? Well, it varies from stunning architectural landmarks to the art of making wines. Reims offers a blend of experiences worthwhile for people looking for a unique trip to France.

If you’re wondering if Reims is your cup of tea, this post will help you decide if it deserves a spot in your itinerary or not. I have some amazing things to show you that I discovered in Reims that make it a fantastic place to visit.

This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a tiny commission at no additional cost to you.

Use the table of contents to skip to topics.

Let’s be honest, we all have our own travel preferences. Some of us crave adventure, while others have a soft spot for museums, and then there are those who yearn for beach getaways.

Reims might not be everyone’s first choice, but it’s home to four UNESCO heritage sites—Notre Dame Cathedral, Palais du Tau, Saint Remi Abbey, and the Champagne region—making it a place worth exploring. At the same time, while it might not have the same jaw-dropping beauty as Paris, Reims offers enotourism that can provide the unique experience you’ve been seeking.

Ever heard of enotourism?

It’s a type of tourism that revolves around visiting wineries, touring vineyards, and wine tasting. Reims, being one of the main production centers for Champagne wines, offers a plethora of enotourism experiences. This, along with its rich historical and cultural attractions, makes Reims an ideal destination for couples seeking a unique and slightly off-the-beaten-path romantic getaway.

Plus, it’s not far from Paris .

Despite the undeniable beauty of the French capital, known as the ultimate destination for perfect dates and intimate honeymoons, Reims offers a more affordable alternative with its blend of country and city vibes.

Reims can also be a delightful destination for those who appreciate museums, art and architecture, and are fascinated by history. If you’re planning an extensive trip to eastern France, Reims is a must-visit spot on your itinerary.

And if you want to visit Reims now, you can see the best hotel deals in Reims here .

Here’s a list of tours in Reims to make your trip to Reims convenient and insightful.

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

Traveling can fill you with awe, and that’s a wonderful thing. Awe can boost your mood, your well-being, and even your immune system. You’ll definitely feel it when you see the Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims. It’s a magnificent church that stands out among the others in France, and it has a lot of stories to tell.

I even think that Reims Cathedral is way more beautiful than Notre-Dame Paris. Just look at the amazing details on the outside and the inside of the church. The spires, the windows, the facade, the portals – they’re all breathtaking.

Reims Cathedral is not just a pretty sight, it’s also a very important place in French history. It’s where many kings were crowned in the 12th century.

For more than 500 years, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims hosted the coronation of the French kings. The last ceremony was during Charles X’s ascension in 1825.

The sheer beauty of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims alone can stimulate the visitor’s imagination to picture the coronation ceremonies that happened in it. No wonder why Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is one of the most notable gigantic structures, especially when it was built. Its two towers soar at 82 meters (266 feet), dominating the city’s skyline even now.

Do not forget to come inside Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims when you visit Reims! The stained glass of the apse and the rose windows burst with colors; they are so good to see.

Visitors can also climb to the roofdeck of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. It will give you a breathtaking perspective of the cathedral’s upper architectural details. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is open every day, usually from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm. The entry fee is 8 EUR per adult.

See conditions for free admission and the latest announcements from the cathedral’s website .

If you’re searching for historically religious places, one you should check is Avignon . It was once the home of the popes, and the place where they resided is the largest gothic palace in Europe.

2. Palais du Tau 

Right next to Reims Cathedral, you’ll find Palais du Tau, another UNESCO Heritage site and a great reason to visit Reims.

It’s a palace that was also connected to the kings’ coronation, just like the cathedral. It has a lot of interesting things to see inside, like the royal treasury and the banquet hall.

Palais du Tau is a palace with a long and rich history. It started out as a Roman villa in the 6th century, and then it became the home of the archbishop of Reims in the middle ages. It was also where the French kings prepared for their coronation in the nearby cathedral.

Inside, you can imagine how they felt, getting ready to become the rulers of France. And after they were crowned, they celebrated with a lavish feast in the palace with their guests.

Palais du Tau is a UNESCO Heritage site, just like the cathedral, because of its significance in French history.

To be in such a historical place as Palais du Tau is a privilege. But, what really makes Palais du Tau a reason to visit Reims are the items exhibited in the palace.

Palais du Tau is full of treasures from the past. You can see some amazing 15th-century tapestries that show the stories of King Clovis, the Song of Songs, and the Life of the Virgin. They are like windows to the medieval times, when the French people were very religious.

But the most impressive things are the royal treasury artifacts in Palais du Tau. They are some of the most rare and valuable objects in France, and they are definitely worth seeing in Reims. One of them is Charlemagne’s talisman from the 9th century. It’s a very old and precious piece of jewelry that could make anyone instantly rich if they sell it.

Another one is the chalice of Saint Remi from the 12th century. It’s a beautiful golden cup with sparkling stones and fine details. It’s one of the most royal things you can ever find. And the most important one is the Holy Flask. It’s a very historic object, because it has the holy oil that was used to crown the new kings.

The last time I checked the official website of Palais du Tau , the admission fee was 8 EUR/adult (free for 18 and below). It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9:45 am to 6:15 pm from June 16 to September 8; 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from September 9 to May 5.  Palais du Tau is closed during lunchtime (12:30 pm to 2:00 pm). Come 30 minutes before evening and lunch closing time.

3. Old Saint Remi Abbey

Saint Remi Abbey is a great place to experience the ‘character’ of Reims. It’s a city of art and history, and you can see that in this abbey. It has a stunning cathedral from the 11th century and an art museum with many treasures.

Old Saint Remi is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, like Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau. If you’re a fan of architecture, art, and history, you’ll enjoy Saint Remi Abbey. It’s a must-see in Reims.

Cathedral of Saint Remi

Compared to the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, the Saint Remi Abbey may seem less spectacular, but it is still a marvel of architecture. As the largest Romanesque church in northern France, it is a sight to behold.

The church was consecrated in 1049 in the Romanesque style, but it was modified and enhanced in later centuries, adding some features from the Gothic style.

Today, we can see the Cathedral with a mix of architectural styles resulting from those improvements. The perfect proportions of the vaults, the lighting effects, and the kaleidoscopic rose and stained glass windows will compel you to take photos.

The tomb of Saint Remi inside the cathedral makes a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Remi worth it. Elaborated with sculptures and relief decorations, it is one of the most beautiful tombs I’ve ever seen.

Did you know that Saint Remi is a very special saint for Reims? He became an archbishop very young, at 22. He had a big role in French history, because he baptized King Clovis, the first king of France. His cathedral is a historical treasure because of that.

You’ll feel a chill when you see the tomb of Saint Remi that looks so solemn. It’s in the back of the altar, and it’s surrounded by these amazing windows full of colors. It’s like being in a holy rainbow. But it’s not as overwhelming as Sainte-Chapelle in Paris.

When you visit, don’t miss going to Place Lenoncourt to see the south facade of the Cathedral of Saint Remi. The facade has an ornate portal awaiting you. It has a tympanum heavily adorned with gothic elements.

And if you plan to stay in Reims for a night on a Friday, you may want to see the Cathedral of Saint Remi from 10:45 pm to 11:00 pm. There is a light show on the facade of the church you can watch for free.

Learn the exact dates from the tourism website of Reims .

You know what? Reims is not the only place where you can see a cool light show at night. Lyon has a whole festival for it! It’s called the Festival of Lights, and it’s amazing!

Musée Saint-Remi

You should check out the Musée Saint-Remi. It’s an art museum in an old abbey, right next to the cathedral. It has some cool stuff from the past, like military and archeological artifacts.

If you want to learn about the history of Reims, this is the place to go. The museum will show you how people lived from the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, to the Gallic civilizations, to the middle ages in Reims. You can see their furniture, jewelry, weapons, glasswork, sculptures, and more.

The Cathedral of Saint Remi doesn’t cost anything to enter, but the museum is 5 EUR per person. You can check out the Museums in Reims website or the Reims Tourism website for more details. The museum is only open from Tuesday to Sunday, and it has a lunch break from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The rest of the time, it’s open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. 

4. Reims’ Champagne Region

For a long time, there were only three UNESCO Heritage Site in Reims: the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Tau, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi.

But in 2015, they added a new one: the Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars. This is where they make the famous sparkling wine that bears the name of the region. It’s a fascinating place to see how champagne is produced and stored. It’s one more reason to visit Reims!

I knew about champagne (as a drink)… even before I wrote this post. It’s a type of sparkling wine that people drink at special occasions. I learned that champagnes are different from other wines because they use a special method to make them.

But I have a confession to make: I had no idea that Champagne was also a place in France. * Laughing at myself * I guess it makes sense that Champagne wines come from Champagne, that’s why they have the same name.

So, by the way, where is Champagne? It is a wine-making region in northeastern France, in which Reims is one of the commercial centers. The Champagne region is located southeast of Reims, only 30 minutes from the city center by car.

There are other places in the world where they make wine and have UNESCO World Heritage status. One of them is the Lavaux region in Switzerland. It’s between Geneva and Montreux .

But the Champagne region is special because of the people who live there. They have a long tradition and a lot of knowledge about how to make champagne. They use a special method that makes their wine different from others. To me, it’s a reason why you should visit Reims and see the hillsides, houses, and cellars where they make champagne.

The heritage preserved and encompassed by UNESCO status is extensive, and it can be seen in several properties in the Champagne region. That is why Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars are grouped into representative ensembles: Saint-Nicaise hill, Avenue de Champagne, and Historic slopes.

Overall, the ensembles cover 1,100 hectares of land in the Marne département in the Champagne-Ardenne Region. There you’ll find the complete representation of the champagne production chain, from the vineyards to the cellars.

You’ll love exploring the area, where you can admire the stunning Château des Crayères and la Villa Demoiselle, the homes of the Champagne house managers. There you’ll see the press houses where the grapes are squeezed, and visit the places where wine growers, cooperatives, and Champagne houses make their magic. There’s so much to see, discover and learn!

Since Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars are relatively new attractions, they can be the “unique” trip you can take in France. You can learn more about this UNESCO heritage site from its official website .

5. Wine Tasting and Excursions

Champagne is a world-famous drink, but do you know where it comes from and how it is made?

If you are curious, you should visit Reims and the rest of the Champagne region, where you can explore the stunning landscapes of vineyards, houses, and cellars that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You have many options to discover this area, depending on your preferences and budget. You can plan your own itinerary, or you can join one of the many tours and guides offered by the local tourism website or other providers.

The thing is that Reims’ enotourism is not just about wandering around the vineyards and tasting wines. It is also about learning the stories and secrets behind the production of champagne. You can visit different bars, houses, and cellars where you can sample different varieties of champagne.

You can also meet the winegrowers who make this drink possible, or even experience their work firsthand by becoming a grape-picker or a winegrower for a day. Reims offers a unique and unforgettable experience for anyone who loves champagne or wants to learn more about it.

The most exciting attractions and tours offered by the tourism office are the Verzenay Lighthouse and the vintage tour company .

If you’re an Instagram influencer, you absolutely must visit the Verzenay Lighthouse. The lighthouse, along with the surrounding vineyards, provides a perfect setting for a photo that’s sure to garner plenty of likes!

But there’s more to it than just photo opportunities. Inside the lighthouse, you’ll find a cutting-edge audiovisual and scenographic system that offers fascinating insights into the world of wine-making.

Looking for a unique tour of the surrounding vineyards in Epernay? Consider trying out the Vintage Tour Company. They offer a one-of-a-kind journey from Reims to Epernay, the heart of the Champagne region, aboard a classic French vehicle from the ’80s.

The tour includes stops at the most scenic parts of the vineyard. Imagine raising a glass and saying ‘cheers’ amidst such breathtaking views! It’s truly a memorable way to experience the beauty of the French countryside.

Want to discover more enotourism activities in Reims? You can check these tours to/from Champagne/Reims from my trusted travel partner:

6. Museum of Fine Arts

Reims, often called the ‘City of Arts and History’, goes all out to keep French heritage alive and well. And it’s not just about the UNESCO Heritage Sites — there’s also a wealth of artworks and masterpieces to discover. While they might not be as well-known as the ones in Paris, they’re sure to make your trip worthwhile in Reims.

You’ll find several museums in Reims, but the Museum of Fine Arts? Now that’s something special. It’s worth a trip to Reims all on its own! From what I’ve seen, it covers all the main European art movements from the 16th to 20th centuries.

The best part? The exhibits are arranged in chronological order. It gives you a real sense of how human civilization has shaped artistic expression over the centuries. For me, the sheer volume of over 20,000 artworks makes Reims a destination you can’t miss in northern/eastern France.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Reims is a real feast for the eyes, with a collection that spans paintings, sculptures, drawings, engravings, objets d’art, and even antique furniture. And the diversity is amazing — alongside French artists, you’ll find works by Dutch and Flemish artists too!

You can learn more about the Museum of Fine Arts in Reims and other museums in the city from the official website of the museums in Reims . There you can find the opening hours and entry fee of each museum in Reims also.

7. Art Deco Buildings

It’s amazing to think that we can still see the stunning heritage sites in Reims in person, isn’t it? But did you know that Reims is in a region that was heavily bombed during the World Wars?

It’s hard to imagine, but these conflicts almost wiped Reims off the map, with nearly 85% of the buildings destroyed . The city’s entire heritage was on the verge of disappearing. Even the iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims wasn’t spared. But from the ashes, the city rose again, rebuilt in a style that originated in France — the Arts Décoratifs, or as we know it, Art Deco.

In the years following its recovery from the war, Reims earned itself the title of France’s Art Deco capital. Today, it boasts a number of renowned Art Deco buildings that are well worth a visit. You’ll find Art Deco structures all over the place, but in Reims, you’ll encounter some of the best representations of this architectural style.

If you’re not familiar with Art Deco, let me share Britannica’s definition with you:

“The characteristic features of Art Deco reflect admiration for the modernity of the machine and for the inherent design qualities of machine-made objects—e.g., relative simplicity, planarity, symmetry, and unvaried repetition of elements. Art Deco objects often showcase simple, clean shapes, usually with a “streamlined” look; ornament that is geometric or stylized from representational forms such as florals, animals, and sun rays; and use of man-made substances, including plastics, vita-glass, and reinforced concrete, often combined with such natural materials as jade, silver, ivory, and chrome.” Britannica

Planning a visit to Reims for some Art Deco sightseeing? There are two buildings that should definitely be on your list. Make sure to check out the Bibliothèque Carnegie, or the Carnegie Library of Reims. And don’t forget to stop by Les Halles du Boulingrin, a popular market.

There’s no shortage of Art Deco buildings in Reims, especially along Boulevard Foch and Cours Jean-Baptiste Langlet. But if I had to pick one must-see spot, it would be the Carnegie Library of Reims. This library, which hails from the 1920s, is a shining example of Reims’ Art Deco elegance. It serves as the main library of Reims and is even listed in the French Inventory of Historical Monuments.

From a distance, it might look like an ordinary building, but as you approach, you’ll be able to appreciate the stunning details that set it apart.

Before entering the door, you should see its windows with eye-catching circular designs and beautiful mosaic patterns running above the entrance. Come inside, and a vibrant chandelier in Art Deco style will welcome you.

Have some quiet time in the reading room while admiring its exquisite windows.

The windows and the massive glass roof, crafted by Jacques Gruber, are designed to give you a sense of being in a ‘temple’. And chances are, you’ll feel it. After all, the architect of the Carnegie Library, Max Sainsaulieu, envisioned the library as a temple dedicated to knowledge.

Bibliothèque Carnegie is open Tuesday to Saturday:

• On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, it is open from 10:00 am until 7:00 pm (1:00 pm to 2:00 pm lunch break)
• On Thursdays, it opens at 2:00 pm and closes at 7:00 pm.

Before you come, be sure to check for announcements from the website of the libraries in Reims . The site is in French, so you will need a browser capable of translation to read in English.

There’s no denying the elegance of Art Deco architecture. But have you seen the houses in Colmar in the Alsace Region? It’s like something out of a storybook! With its enchanting half-timbered houses, quaint cobblestone lanes, and majestic castles, it offers one of the most magical escapism experiences you could imagine.

8. Porte Mars

Remember how we talked about Reims being almost completely destroyed during the war? Well, not everything was lost. Some parts of the city’s heritage survived, were repaired, and are now carefully preserved. The UNESCO heritage sites are prime examples.

But did you know there’s a monument in Reims that’s even older than the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims? It’s called Porte Mars, an ancient Roman triumphal arch from the 3rd century. It’s an incredible piece of history that makes a visit to Reims even more worthwhile, especially if you’re into architecture.

The Porte Mars is quite the spectacle, towering at 13 meters high and stretching 32 meters long. These dimensions make it one of the broadest arches ever built during the Roman era. It may appear a bit crumbly now, but there’s no denying its allure, particularly its embellishments.

The intricate relief sculptures on Porte Mars depict angels, symbols, flowers, and what seem to be faces of Roman emperors. It’s like stepping into a time machine and being whisked back to the classical era.

You can find Porte Mars in a lovely park in Reims, southeast of the train station . In the park, you’ll also find the landmark of Reims, where you can take photos/selfies as your photo souvenir. 

9. Foujita Chapel

To be honest, if you’re just looking at the physical appearance, the attractions in Reims might not seem that unique. You can find similar landmarks all over France. But what sets Reims apart is the rich history that’s woven into these attractions. Sure, they’re beautiful to look at, but it’s their historical significance that really makes them stand out.

However, if there’s one attraction in Reims that’s truly unique, though, it has to be the Foujita Chapel.

The Foujita Chapel, also known as Our Lady of Peace Chapel, is another historical monument in Reims that’s worth a visit. It might not have the same grandeur as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, but trust me, what’s inside is a treasure you won’t find anywhere else.

Among all the attractions I’ve mentioned, the Foujita Chapel is the only one that’s not entirely European. Judging by the name, you can probably guess where the builder of the chapel hailed from — yep, Japan!

The Foujita Chapel, or Our Lady of Peace Chapel as it’s also known, was the brainchild of Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita. This French-Japanese artist was known for his innovative approach to art, combining Japanese ink techniques with western-style paintings.

His work took him all over the globe, from Latin America to France and Japan. And along the way, he rubbed shoulders with some pretty famous artists — we’re talking Juan Gris, Pablo Picasso, and Henri Matisse!

When Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita came back to France in 1959, he didn’t just return — he fully embraced his new home. He became a French citizen and was baptized into Catholicism at none other than the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. He chose to spend the rest of his life in Reims, where he completed his final major work, the Foujita Chapel.

Everything from the reliefs to the stained glass windows, iron works, and sculptures… they all came from Foujita’s vision. But the real showstopper? The frescoes. They’re what really put the chapel on the map.

I’ve had the chance to see a lot of frescoes in various European palaces and churches. But let me tell you, the frescoes in the Foujita Chapel are in a league of their own. You can really see the influence of Japanese art in the details, like the eyes and mustaches of the characters in the murals.

The murals themselves are a sight to behold, depicting everything from biblical scenes to daily life in Reims with the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus, and even the resurrection of Jesus. And get this – Foujita even created his own rendition of the Last Supper for his chapel.

For me, Foujita Chapel is an excellent reason to visit Reims, and you better not miss it on your trip to France if you love art!

According to the official website of Reims Museums , you can visit Foujita Chapel with the Museum of Fine Arts for only 5 EUR/adult. It is open daily (closed on Tuesdays) from May 2 to September 30, from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm (closed from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm lunch break).

Fun fact! Did you know that Strasbourg , the city to the east of Reims, is also full of intriguing and unique attractions? Take the Vodou Museum, for example.

10. Les Faux de Verzy

I’m a big fan of exploring historical places, which is why I find Reims so captivating and worth a visit. But I’m also a nature lover at heart. And guess what? Reims has something for us nature enthusiasts too! And no, it’s not just about the wines and the picturesque vineyards. It’s about a magical forest in Verzy, just a 25-minute drive (about 21 kilometers) from the heart of Reims.

The forest of Verzy, also known as the Faux de Verzy national forest, is home to nearly a thousand of the most unusual trees you’ll ever come across. They’re called dwarf beeches, and this forest has the highest concentration of them. Fun fact — the Faux de Verzy national forest is considered the world’s main reserve of dwarf beeches, with over 1000 of these unique trees!

Dwarf beeches have this eerie vibe because of their unique look. Their twisted branches, often covered in moss, seem like something out of a fairy tale. They remind me of the kind of trees you’d see surrounding a castle or the home of a mysterious sorcerer in a fantasy movie.

Even though they might seem a bit spooky, like they could reach out and grab you at any moment, I think these trees are one of nature’s wonders. Every time you snap a photo, it’s like they’re telling their own magical story.

These dwarf beeches have been under protection for quite some time now. Their roots are really sensitive, so they’re kept inside fences in the forest. But don’t worry, there are designated paths for visitors to use.

As you explore the Faux de Verzy national forest, you’ll come across lots of explanatory boards that provide information about the dwarf beeches and highlight the importance of preserving our natural heritage. For an even more in-depth tour of the forest, consider installing the ‘En forêt de Verzy’ app on your smartphone.

The forest of Verzy is quite expansive, covering an area of 57 hectares. There’s even a hiking path (which is also designed for the disabled) that you can complete in around 2 hours at a relaxed pace.

So, when you’re packing for your trip to Reims, don’t forget to bring some comfortable footwear! The dwarf trees in the forest look spectacular and their appearance changes with each season. That’s why I believe there’s no ideal time to visit the Faux de Verzy national forest – it’s beautiful all year round. But if I had to pick a favorite, I’d go with autumn for the stunning fall colors.

You can visit the Faux de Verzy national forest any time you like because it’s open all year round. And the best part? There’s no admission fee! So all you need to do is kick back, enjoy nature, and marvel at the spectacular trees that surround you.

How to Get to Reims

So, there you have it – my top reasons to visit Reims. If you’re thinking about making a trip to this city, here are some tips I can share. Let me start with how you can get to Reims.

The most straightforward way to get to Reims is by hopping on a train. You can catch one from the Paris Est station, which are scheduled frequently throughout the day. The high-speed TGV will whisk you away to Reims in about 45 minutes.

You can grab your tickets from SNCF , the national rail service of France. Just a heads up, all trains bound for Reims depart from the Gare de Est station in Paris and pull into either the Reims or Champagne-Ardenne stations.

Here’s how long it might take you to drive from some of France’s major cities to Reims:

• From  Paris , it’s about a  1 hour and 43 minute  drive.
• From  Lyon , you’re looking at around  4 hours and 22 minutes  on the road.

Getting Around Reims

If you’ll be exploring Reims on your own, you can totally get by with public transportation.

They’ve got everything from streetcars to buses, and even electric shuttles that’ll take you wherever you need to go in the city. For more info on public transportation in Reims, head over to the Citura website . They’re the ones handling transportation services in Reims.

If you drove into Reims, there are park-and-ride spots where you can leave your car. You can also learn more about parking lots in Reims from Citura Website.

Are you planning to get from Reims to the Champagne wine region? There are three options. You can hop on a train, grab a taxi, or drive yourself. While you can use public transport to get around the city of Reims, if you plan to explore the smaller villages and towns in the Champagne region, public transportation might not be sufficient.

These areas are reportedly poorly served by public transport (compared to the cities!) Therefore, renting a car could be a good option for more flexibility and convenience.

When to Visit Reims

If you’re thinking about a trip to Reims and the Champagne Region in France, consider going between May and September.

The weather is typically nice during these months, perfect for sightseeing. However, if you’re a connoisseur of fine wines, specifically, summer or early fall would be your season. This is when the Reims and the Champagne Region is abuzz with the excitement of champagne production and tourism.

You’ll find yourself amidst a whirlwind of tours, events, and festivals celebrating the bubbly beverage. One such event is the Ay Champagne Festival in Summer, a grand celebration where local Champagne producers gather for a day filled with dancing, music, food, and fireworks.

But if you’re more inclined towards smaller, independent vineyards, consider visiting after the harvest season in late summer when they’re less busy – say October or November. And for those who appreciate culture and history, spring or fall would be great times to visit due to mild weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to summer.

Plus, you can enjoy the vibrant spring flowers and autumn foliage.

How Long to Stay in Reims

One day should suffice to see the city’s highlights. Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral and the Palais du Tau.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the local culture with some wine tasting and excursions. However, to explore the Champagne Region in its entirety, meet with winegrowers, visit various museums in the city, and special attractions, you might need to extend your stay to two days or more.

This will allow you to fully experience all that Reims has to offer.

Where to Stay in Reims

Here are some areas you might want to consider for your stay: City center, Saint-Remi neighborhood, and Champagne countryside.

Starting with the city center, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Reims, just a hop, skip and a jump away from the iconic Reims Cathedral. This vibrant area is buzzing with life, offering a plethora of restaurants and shops that you can easily reach on foot. It’s an ideal spot if you’re relying on public transport for your travels.

Then we have the Saint-Remi neighborhood. Located near the Basilique Saint-Remi, this neighborhood provides a calm haven away from the city’s lively atmosphere. Keep in mind, if you decide to stay here, you might need to hop on a bus for a quick journey to the city center.

Lastly, for those who feel at home in nature, the Champagne countryside awaits. It’s the place to stay if you prefer more champagne tasting and ample opportunities to explore the stunning landscape.

Here’s were you can find the best hotel deals in Reims .

Guides to Visit Reims

Thinking about visiting Reims now?

Before you go, I’ve got some resources that can make your trip smoother, more insightful, and a whole lot of fun! One of my top recommendations is the Reims City Pass. It’s loaded with benefits and could be a real money-saver for your entire Reims adventure.

Where to Go After Reims?

If you’re seeking more destinations to explore in France, I recommend venturing south. This is where you’ll find charming, romantic, and picturesque destinations such as Annecy and the lovely villages of the South of France .

The south of France is home to many charming and picturesque villages, each with its own character and history. Some of them are perched on hilltops, like Gordes , Domme and Saint-Cirq-Lapopie , offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Others are nestled on the coast, like Eze and Saint Paul De Vence , where you can enjoy the Mediterranean breeze and the artistic atmosphere. Some are famous for their religious significance, like Rocamadour and Carcassonne , where you can admire the impressive architecture and the sacred relics.

And some are known for their natural beauty, like Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Chamonix , where you can explore the lavender fields, the mountains and the glaciers. No matter which village you visit, you will find something to enchant you and make you fall in love with the south of France.

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One Day In Reims France Itinerary, Day Trip From Paris

If you’re planning to spend one day in Reims, you’re in for a real treat! This picturesque city, located in the heart of the Champagne region in France, is just a short train ride away from Paris.

Renowned for its Gothic Cathedral, rich history, and world famous champagne caves, Reims is a must visit destination for wine enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The city offers a unique, and potent, double dose of bubbles and culture. 

In addition to its architectural treasures, Reims is surrounded by beautiful vineyards and rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for hiking, cycling, and wine tasting. So come along and discover all that this charming city has to offer in one perfect day. 

Overview Of One Day In Reims Itinerary

Here’s a snapshot glance of what you’ll see with my recommended one day in Reims:

• Basilica of Saint-Remi
• Reims Cathedral
• Champagne tasting
• Museum of Beaux-Arts
• Jardin de la Patte d’Oie
• Champagne bar

If you’re in a hurry, below are some of the top tours and experiences for Reims. Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting! It’s especially important to pre-book tickets well in advance during high season.

• Reims day trip from Paris
• Veuve Clicquot tour
• Walking tour of Reims
• guided tour of Reims Cathedral
• Pommeroy champagne tour
• e-bike champagne tour

Mini History Of Reims

No one day in Reims itinerary would be complete without a short overview of the city’s history.

Reims (pronounced “rance”) has a long and rich history. This is where 33 French kings were crowned and where champagne first bubbled. 

Reims has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Romans conquered the area in the 1st century B.C., building a military camp there. As the Romans receded, Christianity tiptoed in.

In the 5th century, the Bishop of Reims baptized Clovis, a Frankish king who ruled from 481 to 511. Clovis converted to Christianity and established the tradition of French kings being crowned in the cathedral. Reims became known as the “Coronation City.”

Coronations were a prestige event in Reims. They were celebrated with elaborate ceremonies, feasting, and festivals that took place over a week.

During these events, the city would be bustling with visitors, including nobles, clergy, and merchants from all over France and beyond.

In the Middle Ages, Reims was a major center of trade, learning, and culture with several universities and libraries. Reims Cathedral was built in 1211-17 and is now over 800 years old.

In the late 17th century, champagne came into existence, giving Reims an earthly pleasure to go along with its spiritual pleasures. Legend holds that Dom Pérignon discovered the fizzy delight after experimenting with double fermentation. He famously exclaimed, “Brothers, come quickly… I’m drinking stars!”

Reims suffered significant damage during WWI and WWIIII, particularly during the Battle of Reims in 1944. However, the city was able to rebuild in the Art Deco style and restore many of its historic buildings.

One Day In Reims Itinerary

Here’s a detailed hour by hour breakdown of how to spend a day in Reims.

9:00 AM: Basilica of Saint-Remi 

To kick off your one day in Reims, I recommend starting with the Basilica of Saint-Remi, a striking church that is named after Saint Remi. This saint was the Bishop of Reims who famously baptized Clovis, the first king of the Franks, way back in 496 AD.

The basilica dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries and boasts a unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. The exterior of the basilica is adorned with beautiful sculptures and stonework, making it a sight to behold.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted with a grand nave, transept, choir, and apse, all of which are adorned with intricate details and stunning stained glass windows. 

The bell tower was added in the 16th century and is equally impressive. (Unfortunately, you can’t climb it.)

In side chapels, you’ll find the tomb of Saint Remi and the heart of King Louis XIII. It’s definitely worth taking the time to explore the interior and admire the impressive details.

9:30 AM: Porte Mars

If you are a Romanologist, walk to the Porte Mars. It’s the largest remaining Roman gate in Reims, located on the north side of the city center. 

It was built in the 3rd century AD and served as a monumental entrance to the city. The gate has three archways and is adorned with decorative elements such as columns, friezes, and statues.

10:00 AM: Reims Cathedral

Then, visit Reim’s #1 attraction, the magnificent UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

The cathedral is one of Europe’s greatest cathedrals, and some experts believe it surpasses even the famous Notre Dame de Paris as France’s most beautiful cathedral. This cathedral is to France what Westminster Abbey is to England.

The Gothic cathedral was completed in the 13th century. It’s famous for its beautiful stained glass windows and its role in French history as the site of the coronation of many French kings.

The cathedral was built over a span of 60 years, beginning in 1211. The ornate western portal is particularly noteworthy for its beauty, unity, and harmony.

It features three main doors, each carved with a theme in limestone: the passion, the coronation of Mary, and the last judgment (from left to right).

Above the doors is the Gallery of Kings, with statues of 56 unnamed kings of France. On the sides are the massive flying buttresses that support the building.

Inside the cathedral, visitors are greeted by a towering 500 foot nave and a wall of 52 intricately carved statues. The choir and 1954 stained glass windows in the south transept, which replaced those damaged in WWI, are also worth admiring.

However, the undisputed highlight of the interior is in the apse behind the altar. There, you can marvel at the incredibly beautiful stained glass windows created by the painter Marc Chagall in 1974.

It’s rare to see a modern artist working to such stunning effect in a world famous church. In 2011, six abstract windows were added, flanking the Chagall pieces.

The cathedral’s crypt is an underground chamber located beneath the main altar of the cathedral. It is the largest crypt in France, a maze of chapels, tombs, and passageways dating back to the 11th century.

The crypt contains the tombs of many archbishops of Reims and several members of the French royal family, including King Louis VII and his wife. The crypt also houses a museum with a collection of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art related to the cathedral. 

Reims Cathedral is also notable as the location for the coronation of French kings, making it the equivalent of England’s Westminster Abbey . Joan of Arc made an appearance there, crowning Charles VII in 1429.

Although damaged during WWI, the cathedral’s structure survived, with only the roof destroyed. It was completely rebuilt in the 1920s, using heat-resistant concrete in place of timber, resulting in a successful renovation that closely adhered to the original design.

The cathedral is open daily 7:30 am to 6:15 pm. Entry is free. You can rent a tablet video guide. 

To visit the tower and crypt, however, you’ll have to cough up 10 euros. You access the tower from the cathedral exterior.

It’s 249 steps to the top up a narrow spiral staircase. Unfortuantely, there’s not elevator.

To get the complete scoop, you can also book a guided tour of the cathedral . On most summer evenings, there is a free 25 minute sound and light show beginning at dark.

11:30 AM: Palace of Tau

After admiring the beauty of the cathedral, make your way to the nearby Palais du Tau. It’s another UNESCO site in Reims and a superb complement to visiting the cathedral.

Constructed in the 17th century, this building served as the residence of the archbishops of Reims and was once a venue for hosting coronation banquets for French kings.

Today, it houses a museum. The collection is divided into three parts: the royal chapel, the treasury, and the cathedral museum section.

You’ll find bjects related to the coronation of French kings, such as royal crowns, scepters, and orbs. Among the most noteworthy exhibits is the coronation robe worn by Charles X in 1825.

In addition, you can marvel at the museum’s collection of medieval statues from the cathedral, including the famed Smiling Angel statue that was originally part of the cathedral’s west facade.

The museum also boasts an impressive collection of tapestries, liturgical objects, chalices, ciboria, and reliquaries.

Visiting the museum provides a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the French monarchy and the significance of the cathedral in French history. It also offers a chance to witness some of the most cherished treasures in the cathedral’s collection.

1:00 PM: Lunch & Old Town

Take a break for lunch and head to the Place Drouet d’Erlon, a lively pedestrian street-like square. It’s Reim’s petit Champs-Élysées.

You’ll find some some impressive 19th century buildings. The square’s centerpiece is a fountain crowned by a gold-winged statue of Victory.

5 minutes away is the Place du Forum. It’s flanked by some lovely 13th to 15th century buildings.

The Hôtel Le Vergeur is a rare remnant of the medieval city. The square is also home to several cafes, restaurants, and shops. I had a delicious lunch at Le Jardin .

>>> Click here to book a 3 hour walking tour of Reims

Another beautiful square is Place Royale. It was designed in 1760 in the Neo-Classical style. You’ll see balustrades on the roofs, arcades, and cast-iron lanterns.

The square was built in honor of King Louis XV. A statue of him dressed as a Roman Emperor stands at the center.

The original monument to the King was sculpted by the celebrated Jean-Baptiste Pigalle, but was (like so much else) destroyed in the Revolution. The current statue at the center of Place Royale was created in 1818 by Pierre Cartellier.

2:30 PM: Champagne Tasting

Of course, no one day in Reims itinerary is complete with visiting one of the famous champagne caves and tasting something fizzy.

There are over 20 champagne houses in Reims. Some of the most famous ones include Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Mumm, and Ruinart.

They usually close at 5:00 pm, so this is a good point to visit in your one day in Reims itinerary. You’ll also need to make a reservation in advance.

I had a wonderful experience at Veuve Clicquot. On a tour, you will immerse yourself in the history and production of Champagne, from its origins to modern-day practices. 

The highlight of the tour is exploring the ancient white chalk caves and the cellars where Champagne is stored and aged. You’ll be amazed to see rows of bottles stacked high, waiting to mature and develop their unique flavors.

The Veuve Clicquot tour concludes with a tasting of their signature Champagne, where you can savor its delicate bubbles and rich flavor notes. And for those who can’t resist taking a piece of the experience home, you can stock up on Champagne from their gift shop.

If you’re looking for another great Champagne house to visit in Reims, consider Taittinger. Their guided tours of the cellars are also a must-try, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste their signature blends.

>>> Click here to book this small group champagne tasting tour

4:30 PM: Musee des Beaux-Arts de Reims

After lunch, head to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims , a museum with an impressive collection of art from the 16th to the 21st century.

The collection is particularly strong in 17th and 18th century French art, including works by artists such as Nicolas Poussin, Charles Le Brun, and Jean-Baptiste Chardin.

There is also an extensive collection of 19th century French paintings, including works by Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, and Edgar Degas. There are also  27 works by the 19th century landscape artist Camille Corot, which is the world’s second largest collection.

The museum also has a significant collection of medieval art, including religious objects, illuminated manuscripts, and sculptures.

In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

You can also enjoy the tranquil setting of the museum’s gardens, which were designed in the 18th century and feature ornate fountains, statues, and lush greenery.

5:30 PM: Jardin

If you’d like to unwind after your museum visit, take a stroll through the Jardin de la Patte d’Oie. It’s a beautiful public garden with fountains, statues, and plenty of greenery to enjoy.

7:00 PM: Evening

Kick off you’re evening with — what else? — cocktails at one of Reim’s champagne bars. If you couldn’t get into a champagne house, this is the next best thing. And you can just walk right in.

Le Clos is a cute and colorful buzzy bar. You can also get champagne tasting flights at Tresors de Champagne – La Boutique .

End your one day in Reims with a dinner at Le Millenaire , a French restaurant located in the heart of the city. The restaurant offers a creative and delicious menu.

Another good option is L’Epicerie au Bon Manger . The restaurants serves up modern French cuisine and is known for its inventive dishes made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

Reims is known for its delicious local cuisine. So look for specialties like jambon de Reims (ham), biscuit rose de Reims (pink biscuit), and andouillette de Troyes (sausage). 

If you’re up for a show, the Opéra de Reims is a beautiful historic venue that hosts classical music concerts, operas, and ballets throughout the year.

Tips For A One Day in Reims Itinerary

How to get to reims.

Reims is easily accessible by train from major cities in France, including Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Strasbourg, as well as from other European cities like Brussels and London.

If you are traveling from Paris, the easiest way to get to Reims is to take a high-speed train (TGV) from Paris Est station, which takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. There are frequent departures throughout the day.

Reims train station is located in the city center, making it easy to reach your hotel or start your one day in Reims itinerary. As you exit, taxis are to your left.

If you are driving to Reims, throw your car one of Reim’s public parking lots: Parking Erlon and Parking Cathédrale. There is metered parking on the street, but it’s limited.

You can also visits Reims on a guided champagne tour from Paris or on an 11 hour guided tour from Paris that includes a cathedral visit.

If you fly into Paris, you can also book a private transfer straight to Reims from Charles de Gaulle Airport. You can also book a private transfer from your hotel in Paris.

How To Get Around Reims

You can walk everywhere you need to go in Reims. And much of the city center is pedestrianized. But there’s also a public tram with three lines and several bus lines.

If you prefer a more eco-friendly and healthy way to get around the city, you can rent a bike from the city’s bike-sharing system, called “VéloCité”.

Where To Stay In Reims

Les Crayères is a 5 star hotel is set in a grand mansion surrounded by gardens. It’s known for its Michelin-starred restaurant and elegant rooms.

Hotel de la Paix is a grand hotel located in the heart of Reims and features opulent rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a spa with a sauna and hammam.

L’Assiette Champenoise is an elegant hotel just outside of Reims. It offers spacious rooms, a renowned restaurant, and a beautiful garden.

If you’d like to stay in the countryside, I loved the Château de Fère Hotel . It’s about 28 miles from Reims. It’s a beautiful luxury hotel with a spa, gourmet restaurants, and outdoor pool. 

The best thing? The hotel overlooks the ruins of an ancient fortress built by the Counts of Fere in the 11th century. The ruins are lit up at night and there’s even a viewing nook where you can sip champagne and admire them. 

When To Visit Reims?

Reims is a year round destination, with peak tourist season running from June to August. The city is at its best in the spring or fall when the crowds and temperatures ebb.

If you’re a wine lover, then visiting Reims during the wine harvest season (late August to early October) is a great time to go. You can experience the grape harvest, see the winemaking process in action, and participate in wine tastings.

Like many cities in France, Reims is known for its magical Christmas markets, which take place from late November to early January. The city comes alive with festive lights, decorations, and holiday cheer.

Is Reims Worth Visiting?

Reims is definitely worth a visit! While it’s perhaps not as quaint as other towns in France, it has two big things going for it — champagne and its work-of-art cathedral.

Is One Day Enough In Reims?

You can see Reim’s top attractions in one day, either as a day trip from Paris or as a stop en route to or from Paris.

More Than One Day in Reims?

If you have more than one day in Reims, there are plenty of other things to do and places to visit nearby.

Historians in your group may want to visit the Museum of Surrender . The museum is housed in the former headquarters of Allied Commander General Eisenhower. It’s where the Germans signed an unconditional surrender.

The museum has an extensive collection of WWII artifacts. When you enter, there’s a 10 minute introductory video. The Signing Room is a real highlight, and is covered floor to ceiling with maps.

Epernay is just 19 miles south of Reims. It’s officially known as the “capital of Champagne.” It’s also home to many famous Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne.

The town has a cute center, with beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. You can also visit the Musee du Vin and the Gothic Elise Notre-Dame.

Château-Thierry is a picturesque town about 30 miles from Reims. It’s known for its hilltop castle and historic fortifications, as well as its connections to American writer and expatriate, Ernest Hemingway.

Laon is 50 miles from Reims. It’s a terrifically authentic fortified hilltop town with a rich history dating back to Roman times. It is known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, which features elaborate sculptures and stained glass windows.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Reims itinerary. You may enjoy these other France travel guides and resources:

• 7 ways to spend 1 day in Paris
• 2 days in Paris itinerary
• 3 days in Paris itinerary
• 5 days in Paris itinerary
• Hidden gems in Paris
• Best museums in Paris
• Historic landmarks in France
• Most beautiful towns in northern France
• Hidden gems in Provence
• 10 days in southern France itinerary

If you’d like to spend one day in Reims, pin it for later.

2 thoughts on “One Day In Reims France Itinerary, Day Trip From Paris”

Great info ❤️❤️❤️ Looking forward to seeing the sites and drinking champagne in Reims.

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Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

A Perfect Day Trip to Reims, the Capital of France’s Champagne Region

Hey there!  This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please see my legal page for more details.

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip to Reims, look no further! Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Reims is a quiet but sparkling destination, boasting more than 250 kilometers of underground champagne cellars carved into its historic hills.

With so many champagne houses to explore in the region, it was difficult to choose the best destinations for our group, but we narrowed it down to the simplest and bubbliest of equations: Which houses have the best wine tastings?

In the end, we came for the champagne and we found so much more.

Getting to Reims from Paris

My friends Sarah, JP, and I hopped on the train in Paris at Gare de l’Est on the Saturday morning of our perfect day trip to Reims. We got on just before 8:30 and, 45 minutes later, we were walking out of the tiny Reims central station, through a welcoming park, and straight into the plush red chairs of Le Café de Reims to fortify with espresso, café au lait, and croissants.

“I can’t believe we’re only an hour from Paris.”

JP said this as we watched the town wake up around us, café owners setting tables and chairs atop cobblestones sidewalks, and townspeople moseying toward their favorite coffee stop with newspapers tucked under their arms.

Pro Tip: There are so many beautiful places just a train ride away from Paris! My friend Paul of Paul Passing Through is an expert on this particular subject. I love this informative post about day tripping to Versailles Château from Paris!

Reims Cathedral: The Place for the Crowning of Kings

The Notre-Dame de Reims, just a 12-minute stroll from the café and the train station, has hosted the coronation ceremonies of 25 French kings. But no tourists were clambering over one another for their Instagram shots. Just us and the beautiful UNESCO world heritage site before us.

Construction started on the cathedral in the 13th century on the spot where Clovis, the first King of the united Frankish tribes, was baptized by Saint Remis.

Sometime during the more than 100 years of construction, this Smiling Angel was placed by the massive cathedral doors, becoming a symbol of peace for all who entered for 600-some years – until the statue was destroyed by German shelling during WWI.

After the war, the Smiling Angel was restored, becoming a symbol of resilience.

A fitting symbol for a town that was rebuilt after 95 percent of it was destroyed during the First World War.

The town population that remained behind for the constant barrage of German shells moved underground, setting up schools, hospitals, and markets in the wine cellars.

The Wine Cellars of Veuve Clicquot: The Second Stop on a Perfect Day Trip to Reims

Just a 25-minute walk from the cathedral is the Maison Veuve Clicquot which has an underground network of 24 kilometers (15 miles) of tunnels and cellars that protected the residents of Reims during the war.

Today you can still see the markings on the walls that designated where civilians or soldiers should hide in the cellars.

Two-thirds of the champagne house’s cellars date back to the Middle Ages and, along with the chalk quarries on the nearby Hill of Saint-Nicaise that were converted into wine cellars, they make up another UNESCO world heritage site.

Taking the steep stairs to the cellars, it is clear why the limestone mines and underground chalk quarries were converted to cellars. The carving of the earth here started as early as the 3rd century by the Gallo-Romans in search of construction materials for Reims and the walls that surrounded it.

It’s cold in those hollowed-out tunnels, like toe-curling cold, and the walls are wet and chalky to the touch. The chilly and humid conditions are perfect for aging champagne in a world untouched by the unpredictable behaviors of humans and Mother Nature above.

When I shared a few pictures from Veuve Clicquot, many people back in the states wrote to tell me that it is their favorite champagne. So it was no surprise to learn during our very informative tour that the top market for this wine house is the United States.

But it was the history that struck me. And I don’t mean just the part about villagers living in those chilly wine cellars to survive a war. I am going further back here to Madame Clicquot and an inspiring display of female courage during an entirely different period of war and turmoil.

The Grande Dame of Champagne in Reims

The Napoleonic Wars were raging when Madame Clicquot’s husband died in 1805, leaving her a widow (veuve means widow in French) at the age of 27. She asked her husband’s father to let her take on her husband’s wine business, saying she couldn’t bear to lose her husband and his passion as well.

Within two years, the Veuve Clicquot was turning the male-dominated wine industry on its head. Literally. She turned champagne bottles upside down while aging them. This helped in removing the yeast sediment that was previously tolerated as part of a glass of champagne – albeit a chewy part.

Not only that, but she also pioneered the modern-day rosé. Before the Veuve Clicquot, to make a glass of bubbly rosé, winemakers simply added elderberry. But the Veuve Clicquot blended wines to create the color and taste of rosé, and today 95 percent of champagne houses use this method.

She was a pioneer and a powerhouse. And, as an avid rosé drinker, she is now my personal hero!

Don’t Miss the Ship-Wrecked Wine of Reims!

Just before heading up the stairs to the warmth of the tasting room, you will see the oldest bottle of wine at Veuve Clicquot. This bottle was recovered from a shipwreck in the Baltic Sea and the bottle itself comes from a time that the Veuve Clicquot would have been at the helm of operations in Reims.

Third Stop on a Perfect Day Trip to Reims: Basilica Saint-Remis

We soaked up some of the rosés from the generous tasting pours at the Veuve Clicquot Visitors Center with the fresh bread and authentic Italian pasta dishes served at the nearby restaurant Il Gusto .

Then we strolled toward our next wine tasting by way of the Abbey of Saint-Remi.

It was a beautiful day, so people lounged in the park-like atmosphere around the basilica, which dates all the way back to the sixth century.

Today it preserves the remains of Saint-Remi, that very same saint who converted and baptized King Clovis.

We couldn’t stop in because there was a wedding going on, but the sounds of singing and celebrating that wafted out the doors toward our perch on the grounds eased any disappointment we may have felt at missing the interior.

Fourth Stop on a Day Trip to Reims: La Maison Pommery

Just a few minutes walk back toward town, we entered the world of Madame Pommery . Some 33 years after the Veuve Cliquot paved the way for women winemakers in the area, Madame Pommery took over the family champagne business after her husband died.

She too revolutionized the industry. She launched a huge expansion project, buying and converting more of the chalk quarries of Saint-Nicaise Hill and building an Elizabethan-themed estate to attract English visitors and buyers. She also ditched the concept of solely sweet champagne and created a dry wine, the first commercially successful brut.

The atmosphere at La Maison Pommery is entirely different than that of the visitors center and cellar tour of Veuve Cliquot – in an utterly intriguing way.

Madame Pommery appears to me to be a bit of an eccentric. Her cellars are more art gallery than wine storage.

She commissioned artists to create sculptures that overlook the wine aging process.

And I’m not sure what’s going on with these rats sketched on the walls!

While they startled us at first, it became a game to find these anatomically detailed little guys all over the walls of the place.

Today’s keepers of Maison Pommery continue in this tradition, creating a mini Modern-Art museum where visitors wind through the cellars learning about champagne.

The museum idea makes sense since Madame Pommery was an expert marketer. We joked that she was probably the first to use the ubiquitous concept of walking through the gift shop to exit a museum!

Something a bit more documented is that Madame Pommery was one of the first large-scale business owners in France to create retirement and health plans for her employees.

Of course, the whole experience ends with two glasses of that dry champagne that Madame Pommery championed (and a walk through the gift shop).

Back to Paris After a Perfect Day Trip to Reims

We walked back to town, but a shuttle is available at Madame Pommery’s. We grabbed another glass of wine at a café near the Notre-Dame de Reims before heading back to the train station and on to Paris, feeling a little tipsy and very satisfied.

If you’re going to stay over in Reims, here are available homestays and hotels in Reims:

The Quick Logistics for this Perfect Day Trip to Reims:

To tour or not to tour, getting from paris to reims.

There are many times that I recommend a tour, but this isn’t one of those times.

Organized private tours were fairly expensive and you aren’t on your own schedule. (We saw one group of women getting rushed out of their wine tasting at Veuve Clicquot in order to get to the next stop. You could tell they just wanted to enjoy the bubbles and the company. )

It was very easy and fairly cheap to take the train. Booked in advance on Trainline.com , our tickets were $25 each way. We left from Gare de l’Est, which is an easy and safe train station in the 10th Arrondissement.

Just one stop and 45-minutes later, we were at Reims Ville, the central station in Reims. It was an easy and enjoyable walk through the town to the champagne houses. The disadvantage is that we didn’t see vineyards, but we did see both historic churches.

With a rental car, you may see more vineyards, but driving naturally limits your ability to partake in the tastings.

Which Tasting Rooms Provide the Best Champagne Tasting Deals in Reims?

There are beaucoup options when it comes to the houses of champagne in Reims. We opted to buy our tickets in advance and to go for houses that would offer an immersive tour and two full glasses of champagne at the end (priorities!) We also opted for a walkable experience with a mixture of history, culture, and bubbles. That brought us to the town of Reims and the houses of Veuve Clicquot and Madame Pommery.

Don’t Miss the Porte de Mars in Reims!

There is always one regret in a day trip because it’s impossible to fit everything in. For us, the regret is that we didn’t realize how easy it would have been to stop by the Porte de Mars, the remnants of a Roman arch built in the 3rd Century. This is literally on the way from the cafés near the cathedral to the train station. Don’t miss it!

How much did this Perfect Day Trip to Reims cost?

About $50 for the round-trip train tickets from Paris, $40 for each tasting, and $30 for lunch. It was a $120/person day – and well worth every penny.

About the Author

Hi! I’m Jen!

I’m a freelance writer and travel blogger who quit my nine-to-five after my fiancé, Jeff, died of cancer at the age of 40. When he died, I realized that life is just too short to delay our dreams. Since my dream was to travel and write, I now travel and write full-time. Today I wear hiking boots instead of heels and collect experiences instead of things.

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• Oradour-sur-Glane: The Martyr Village of France
• Learning to Ride a Bike Again in France’s Vineyards
• Day Trip to Reims: Capital of France’s Champagne Region
• How to Visit Château de Chenonceau & Why You Must Go
• Book Review The Nightingale: A Tale of War in France

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28 Comments

Hi Jen. I enjoyed the history of Reims from your visit. Cellars combined with 15 miles of tunnels would be a fun way to explore the area. Nice article!

It’s a perfect combination! Thanks for reading!

I didn’t realise that Reims had such beautiful architecture. Notre-Dame de Reims is stunning. Reims has been on my list for a long time but I haven’t got there yet. I love champagne and a visit to Veuve Clicquot would be on the top of my list!

I hope you’ll go, Wendy! You will love it.

Hi Jen, We are planning to travel to Reims in Sept’23 and your article has been most helpful and i will use as a guide as we will be coming from Paris on train.. You are correct most tours are very expensive and dont always allow for flexability.. Where do you go to pre book the Champagne houses for tastings???..im struggling to find a website..thankyou..Happy travelling..

I’m sorry for the delay in responding, Julie. I hope you made it to Reims! And I hope you found the “visit” offerings on the individual websites. Sometimes the translation from French to English is a little rough on websites. I find it’s best to use a laptop rather than a mobile device when you need the translation. Cheers!

Champagne was invented by a woman and it is every woman’s right to have their glass filled all the time 😉 After 3 or more sips, it all makes the pronunciation easier, speak and sound like a French. Sante! #flyingbaguette

You are my kind of people.

I didn’t know there was anything in Reims. I was wrong. I do agree with everyone who championed Veuve, it’s delicious. Best I’ve tried too. I imagine this was a really fun day trip, as it usually is with alcohol involved.

So much champagne to sip! Thanks for reading, John!

I would have never considered Reims for a day trip. Thank you for introducing this amazing possibility to me! I love some bubbly. 250 kilometers of underground champagne cellars – Yes please!

Right? Yes please, indeed! Cheers!

I had never heard of Remis, but it looks like a great destination. I would love to visit the wine cellars 🙂 Thank you for sharing.

You are welcome!

Would love to tour the cellars of Verve Clicquot, it may be hard to get me out though. Sounds like a lovely city

If you ever make it that way, you won’t regret it!

Glad to know it’s so easily accessible from Paris as I’ll be there for a month!

Yay!! A month in Paris…I am so jealous!

I loved Madame Pommery’s story. I have travelled extensively in France but have never been to Reims. It looks like a good location for a day trip from Paris. I’ll definitely consider Reims once it’s safe to travel again 🙂

Madame Pommery was such an amazing woman! Glad this was helpful for you.

So you had me at Champagne, but I so enjoyed reading about how many women revolutionized Reims’ industry. Several of my girlfriends are planning a trip to Paris and this seems like the perfect day trip. Thank you.

Oh, I’m so glad this could be helpful. And Reims is the IDEAL place for girls trip!

this seems like such an easy and wonderful day trip! I never made it to Reims and the champagne region, but now it kinda seems like a must 🙂 love the story about the smiling angel!

I love that smiling angel, too! Thanks for reading, Lannie!

I’m so bummed I never visited Reims on any of my visits to Paris. I never realized how close it was! With 250 kilometers of champagne cellars I think I would be in heaven! And I love Veuve Clicquot! I first had it at a champagne bar in Chicago. I must go back now. That’s so cool that the wife took it over and made it the success it is!

Right? Who knew it could be so easy! Was your champagne bar in Chicago “Pops for Champagne” by chance? Love that place. Thanks for reading, Vanessa!

250 kilometers of underground champagne cellars carved into its historic hills? Yes, please! Sounds and looks like a perfect day trip to Reims!

You can get lost in bubbles!

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A Guide to The Best Things to do in Reims, Champagne

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 18th August 2023

Categories France

Last Updated on 18th August 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Situated around 100 KM North-East of Paris (or around a forty-five-minute train ride away from Paris if you opt for the fast route) , Reims is the gateway to Champagne, a historic French region famed for its bubbly tipple. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Reims , as well as top attractions and travel tips to know before visiting.

If you’re thinking about seeing a lot of attractions and monuments while in Reims, Consider booking the Reims City Pass , which includes a guided tour of Reims Cathedral and access to public transportation.

To work out whether or not the pass is worth it for you or not, add up the cost of the individual attractions you wish to visit and see if you’ll save money. Find more details here.

Introducing Reims

What is reims known for, practical tips, tricks & advice for visiting reims, how long do you need in reims, seek out hidden gems, musée de la reddition, la porte de mars, halles boulingrin , hôtel de ville, musée hotel le vergeur, biscuits fossier, marvel at the foujita chapel, café du palais, cathédrale notre dame de reims, palais du tau, carnegie library, basilique saint-remi, see art deco architecture, see the venetian carousel, visit the reims christmas market, take a day trip to the vineyards, where to stay in reims.

A historical city boasting the Coronation place of twenty-five French Kings and one of the most impressive Gothic Cathedrals in Europe, Reims is also the gateway to the Champagne region , the world-famous sparkling white Provided that you plan your visit accordingly, the entirety of the city can easily be explored in one to three days.

Reims is one of the largest towns in the historic region of Champagne. The other major cities in the area are Troyes and Epernay . If you have to prioritise visiting just two towns, I recommend heading to Epernay and Reims and skipping out on a visit to Troyes. For more ideas, check out our Champagne itinerary .

As you have probably gathered, Reims is most famous for its association to the Champagne Houses and Champagne production in the surrounding countryside. The city is also well-known for its historic cathedral, in which over 30 kings were crowned.

The best way to get around the French city is by foot considering that almost all of the attractions and things to do in Reims are grouped together. It’s easier to visit the city on a clear day considering that almost all Reims attractions include at least one or two outdoor elements!

Otherwise, you should know that while much of Reims is pretty flat, as in the rest of France, there are plenty of cobbled lanes. As such, be sure to wear your comfiest walking shoes and leave your high heels at home!

Around the city, there are plenty of places to eat, drink, and caffeinate. I particularly enjoyed the pizza and ambience of Pizzeria L’Antica.

Located in the shadow of Reims Cathedral, it’s the perfect point for a halfway stop to enjoy a bite to eat at incredibly reasonable prices. After all the lunchtime menu I sampled was €9,50 for a pizza and glass of wine!

While most of the attractions in Reims are free to visit, a few activities are paid for only. If you’re thinking of visiting several museums, making use of public transport, and wish to receive discounts on cellar visits, I highly recommend that you consider purchasing the Reims City Card .

To be honest, you could probably see the main attractions of Reims in the course of a single day. If you prefer to explore cities at a slower pace, then aim to stay in the city for two days.

Best things to do in Reims

As the gateway to the Champagne region of France, i.e. the only place in the world that’s allowed to produce the renowned sparkling tipple, Reims is a must-see for any Francophile who wishes to explore l’Hexagone in greater depth. And while Reims may be pretty popular among tourists, there are still many secret spots in Reims worth discovering.

You may well not know this, but there’s a museum on the fringes of old town Reims which commemorates the actual site of the surrender. Created in 1985 and open from Wednesday through to Monday, the cultural space comprises of several exhibition spaces, as well as the surrender room of May 7, 1945.

From the Musée de la Reddition, it’s just a short walk away across a few roads and bridges to reach the Roman triumphal arch, which is another must-see attraction in Reims.

Dating all the way back to Roman times, the Reims Triumphal Arch was once the widest in the entirety of the Roman world. Well-preserved, the arch is reminiscent of triumphal arches in other parts of France such as that of Orange and was constructed during the 3rd Century CE. Today, the arch is the widest remaining Roman archway in the world.

Art-deco in architectural style and acting as the main covered food market for the city of Reims, the Halles Boulingrin are open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Wander in during opening hours and you can expect vendors selling sausages, cheese, and wine, as well as other local specialities from Eastern France.

As is the case with every city in France, Reims has its own town hall, bien sûr. Imposing and grand, the Hôtel de Ville can be found in the heart of the city and is adorned with French flags.

There has been a town hall on site since the end of the 15th-century. Various rebuilds over the years were destroyed for one reason or another and so the town hall you see today was built at the beginning of the 20th-century.

Named for a French aristocrat who lived in the city during the 16th-century, today the Museum of Vergeur houses a collection of period furnished rooms. One particular highlight of the small Reims museum that shouldn’t be missed is an original series of prints of Apocalypse and the Large Passion by Albrecht Dürer.

In operation since the middle of the 18th-century, the Fossier Biscuits and Confectionery manufacturing company produces a wide array of sweets, gingerbread, and marzipan-based sweets.

Situated a little way away outside of the city centre, the Foujita Chapel was built between 1965 and 1966. Named for the artist artist Tsuguharu Foujita, the chapel is well worth a trip to in order to enjoy all of the beautiful frescoes which cover the interior of the ecclesiastical building.

Hands down one of the most beautiful venues, the Café Palais is to be found in the very heart of the Champagne city and steps away from the iconic Reims Cathedral. The café has been family-run and owned since the 1930s.

You simply must visit Café du Palais at least once while in Reims, if only to stop for a quick coffee! After all, step inside at any given moment and you’ll soon be greeted by piece after piece of artwork from the private collections of the owners.

From a drawing by Marc Chagall to a late 1920s stained glass window adorning the ceiling of the establishment, there’s something to look at in pretty much every direction. If you’re looking for a delightful rest-stop on this Reims walking tour, look no further!

Imposing, grand, and situated in the very heart of the historic city centre, Notre Dame Cathedral is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture that’s a must-see while in Reims.

Stunning, and the place where no less than twenty-five French monarchs were crowned King of France, today the Cathedral is a must-see attraction in Reims and merits a visit of at least a few hours.

For more information, be sure to check out our Reims Cathedral guide. If you’re interested in learning more about the cathedral together with a local guide, book a guided tour like this one.

Best known for where many Kings visited, many of whom were coronated in the Reims Cathedral (which lies just steps away) , the Palais du Tau is probably best-associated with being the palace of the Archbishop of Reims.

Today, the iconic Reims attractions has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1991 and now operates as a museum. Purchase your Palace of Tau ticket here in advance.

Built in the Art Deco style with funds from the Scottish-American Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the Carnegie Library is one of over 2,500 such Carnegie libraries that were constructed in the latter half of the 19th-century and first half of the 20th-century. The Carnegie Library in Reims can be visited today and is used by members of the public for study purposes.

Romanesque and simply stunning, the Saint-Remi Basilica dates back to the 11th-century and is often touted as the largest Romanesque church in Northern France .

The ecclesiastical building is alleged to have been constructed on the site of the chapel of St. Christophe where St. Remi was buried and is now free to visit.

Following WWII, the city of Reims was largely destroyed and so was mainly reconstructed in the 1920s. At the time, Art Deco was the most popular architectural style and so many of the new buildings in town were constructed in this manner.

Today, some of the top Art Deco architecture in Reims can be found in the form of cinéma Opéra, the Lallement building, and Le cellier d’expédition Mumm.

Of course, it would appear as if every French city is equipped with its own stunning carousel and Reims is no exception. The Venetian Carousel of Reims is located on Place d’Erlon.

If you’re feeling particularly festive, then you may well want to visit the Reims Christmas Market , which takes place for around a month each year. Visit at night and you can expect to enjoy beautiful illuminations projected directly onto Reims Cathedral.

The Reims Christmas market boasts dozens of stalls that serve up traditional Christmas market food , not to mention that it’s home to a number of chalets which sell unique souvenir and gifts, many made in France.

If you’re looking for the ultimate Champagne experience while in Reims, then be sure to book yourself onto a guided visit to one of the many vineyards in the surrounding Champagne region.

For example, this Taittinger Champagne Morning Tour & Tastings is well-reviewed and will give you an insight into the history of Champagne in Reims. For a greater insight into Champagne production, check out these fun facts about Champagne .

Thanks to the size and popularity of this city, there’s no shortage of wonderful places to stay for almost any budget. For a more affordable yet comfortable option, check out  this hotel .

Otherwise, if you’re in Champagne to celebrate an extra special occasion, then consider booking a room at  this luxurious hotel , which boasts amenities such as a spa and air conditioning, as well as a restaurant onsite.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Reims? Pin this article now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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12 Best Things To Do In Reims, France

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: July 1, 2020  - Last updated: March 9, 2023

Reims is an easy day trip from Paris (less than an hour by TGV train), and one of the most exciting destinations in the Champagne Region . It is part of France’ Villes d’Art et d’Histoire” (Cities of Art and History), because of its rich history and culture as well as its impressive architecture.

In Reims, you’ll walk among centuries-old buildings and historic monuments , as well as fabulous cafes and restaurants. Reims is easily reached from Paris and you can explore its best attractions within a day.

However, Reims is also home to fascinating museums, elegant squares, and champagne houses.

This city is definitely a must explore and whether you’re on a day trip or staying for the weekend, make the most of it with this handy list of the best things to do in Reims, France.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Visit the Cathédrale Notre Dame in Reims

2. see the stunning royal collections at palace du tau (archbishop’s palace), 3. hang out in elegant public squares and see ancient monuments in reims, 4. see porte de mars, 5. visit musée des beaux arts in reims, 6. learn wwii history at the musée de la reddition, 7. visit the basilique st-rémi, 8. explore musée saint-rémi, 9. stroll along place drouet d’erlon and place royale, 10. musée hôtel le vergeur, 11. bibliothèque carnegie, travel tips and resources.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cathédrale Notre Dame was built in the 12th century. Numerous French kings have been crowned in this church, most famous of which was the coronation of Charles VII in 1429.

This stunning Gothic Cathedral contains some of the best things to see in Reims, such as the astronomical clock built in the 15th century, a Gothic organ case, and beautiful stained glass windows.

Located close to the cathedral is the equally impressive Palace Du Tau. This is home to the cathedral’s treasury which played a key role in the coronation rituals.

Palace Du Tau was also the venue for post-coronation banquets from 990 to 1825. The palace is home to some of the most important artifacts in French history.

These include Charlemagne’s 9th-century talisman and the Holy Ampulla which contained the anointing oil for every coronation from Louis VII in 1131 to Louis XVI in 1774.

Palace Du Tau also boasts of a stunning collection of reliquaries, statues, and tapestries.

Reims has several beautiful squares that are home to some historic buildings and monuments. One of them is the  Place du Cardinal-Luçon, where you’ll find the cathedral, the Palais de Justice (Law Courts), and a bronze statue of Joan of Arc statue.

There’s also the spacious Place de la République with its a well-maintained park and the 3rd century Porte de Mars. Towards the south of Place de la République is the 17th-century Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall).

The Place du Forum meanwhile, is where you’ll see another Roman-era monument, the Cryptoportique. This area is now a popular venue for summer music concerts.

A remnant from the Roman times, Porte de Mars is among the best things to see in Reims. It dates back to the 2nd century and is the largest Roman arch in the world.

Located in Place de la République, it features reliefs of Romulus and Remus, as well as Leda and Jupiter from Roman mythology.

Back in the day, Porte de Mars used to be a city gate and was also part of a medieval castle.

Said to be one of the best art museums in France, Reims’ Musée des Beaux-Arts is home to impressive collections.

The displays and exhibits cover  French and European artworks from the 16th to the 20th centuries, showcasing how art evolved from the Renaissance to the modern era. The pieces are comprised of antique furniture, drawings, paintings , and statues.

Some of the best things to see here are 19th-century landscape paintings, stunning religious art, and works by masters such as Monet, Pissarro, and Renoir.

A museum that’s dedicated to the German surrender in World War II, Musée de la Reddition is one of the best places to see in  Reims.

Here, you’ll find some fascinating items such as WWII artifacts, Allied battle maps, and exhibits of military photos. The museum is aptly housed in the historic building which was used to be a temporary base of US General Eisenhower.

Named after Bishop Remigius, this abbey church is another Reims’ attraction that’s worth visiting.

Marvel at its a stunning combination of architectural styles, which is predominantly Romanesque and early Gothic.

Step inside and see the 11th-century Romanesque nave and transept as well as the early Gothic choir gallery and chandelier that both date back to the 12th century.

After your church visit, see more of Reims’ history in the adjacent Musée Saint-Rémi.

Wander back in time as you explore Musée Saint-Rémi, one of the best places to visit in Reims.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this museum is housed in several rooms of the former royal abbey of Saint-Rémi. This architectural marvel boasts of a centuries-old cloister, a grand staircase, and the chapter house that features ornately carved 12th-century capitals.

The museum meanwhile, houses an impressive collection of fine art and antiquities, including artifacts from the Gallo-Roman era.

Reims has plenty of beautiful squares and if you fancy an early morning or evening stroll, head towards Place Drouet d’Erlon and Place Royale.

A picturesque tree-lined square, Place Drouet d’Erlon is a must-visit for its many brasseries and restaurants. The square is also home to the 16th century Eglise Saint-Jacques, the second oldest church in Reims.

Another square that’s one of the top attractions in Reims is the Place Royal. It is regarded as the most elegant square in Reims.

It is where you’ll find a bronze statue of King Louis XV at the center as well as beautiful Neoclassical buildings.

Reims has a lot of fascinating museums to visit and one of them is Musée Hôtel Le Vergeur.

Located in  Place du Forum, the museum’s collections are housed in a stunning 13th-century mansion. This house was owned by the Vergeur family until the 16th century.

The mansion was painstakingly restored by its previous owner, Hugues Krafft, who filled it with fabulous furniture and decor. He also has an impressive art collection, a lot of them sourced from his many trips abroad.

Spending time in this museum is now one of the best things to do in Reims, where you get to walk among great art and pieces that reflect Reims’ rich history.

One of the best things to do in Reims involves a visit to the library. Bibliothèque Carnegie was a gift from American philanthropist Andre Carnegie after the first World War.

The library is home to a great collection of incunabula (books printed before 1501), medieval manuscripts, and books printed during the Ancien Régime (the period from late Middle Ages until the French Revolution of 1789).

Bibliothèque Carnegie is an art deco marvel, with interesting mosaics in the reception, impressive geometric railings in the Salle du Catalogue, and stunning stained glass windows.

12. Champagne Houses

You can’t be in Reims and not visit a Champagne house, so set aside a few hours and visit at least once. Champagne houses have been around Reims since the 18th century, and a must-visit when you’re in town.

These places all date back to at least a hundred years ago, with a lot of them using cellars set in ancient quarries.

A visit takes you through the history, art, and science of making champagne – all with a taste of the famous bubbly as you complete your tour. The trick is to figure out which one to visit – Mumm, Ruinart, Tattinger, or Veuve Clicquot-Ponsardin.

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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The Best Things To Do in Reims in 1-Day

Reims is a French city and commune located 145 kilometers from Paris.

It is famous for having been the site of the coronation of the French kings, for its imposing architecture, and for its gastronomic offer, marked by its champagne vineyards.

Rich in history and culture, the origins of Reims date back to Roman antiquity, and there are traces of both that part of its history and the Middle Ages, its monuments and several remarkable and curious structures and infrastructures.

In addition, it has the honor of having been the city where the Second World War ended since the surrender of the German troops was signed in a building in Reims, where a museum dedicated to that period is now located.

As an extra fact, it is worth mentioning that it was in Reims where Joan of Arc attended the coronation of a king, Charles VII, so we will find the figure of this heroine in various parts of the city.

• Related: 1-day Trip to Champagne Region

Must-Visit Places in Reims

The cathedral of reims.

The Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims is the most famous monument in the city . Its imposing Gothic architecture, its height, its history of royal coronations (more than 30 kings were crowned there) and its rich statuary make it unique.

Head of the archdiocese of Reims, the cathedral dates from the 12th century and was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. In addition, this Cathedral is a survivor of the First World War, when it was bombed for its symbolic value,

Its Gothic façade, porticoes, galleries, stained glass windows, medieval tapestries and numerous statues (more than 2,000) make the Cathedral of Reims a work of art to be visited for its monumental character and its immeasurable historical value.

We recommend this tour: Reims: Entrance and Guided Tour of Notre Dame Cathedral

Tour the Palais De Tau

The Palais de Tau is right next to the Cathedral of Reims and its touristic interest is worthy of this vicinity. It is a medieval episcopal palace, whose use dates back to the 12th century, where the kings used to stay before the consecration ceremonies in the Cathedral.

It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Today, the Palais de Tau houses a collection of religious art, reliquaries and ceremonial objects of great interest to lovers of art, history and religion from Charlemagne to the 19th century.

• READ: 12 ideas for Road Trips in France

Visiting the Basilica of Saint Remi And Its Museum

The Basilica of Saint Remi dates back to the 6th century, although the oldest surviving part of its structure belongs to the 11th century. It is an abbey that houses the tomb of Saint Remi, patron saint of the city, whose relics have been preserved there since the 6th century.

A Unesco World Heritage Site , the Basilica of Saint Remi has a collection of sacred art in its museum and valuable tapestries on the history of Saint Remigius.

Together with the Cathedral and the Tau Palace, it forms the most representative religious and architectural triptych of the city’s history.

Tour the Place Royale

The Place Royal is one of the most beautiful in the city, especially for its surface and the surrounding environment of 18th-century houses. Designed in 1760, the Place Royale is typical of the time of Louis XVI: arcades, balustraded roofs, large surfaces, and monuments.

As for the statue of Louis XV, while the original was by Pigalle, the current one is by Cartellier, since the former did not survive the French Revolution (except for its base, which is still on display).

Finally, it is worth mentioning, among the surrounding buildings, the Hotel des Fermes, currently the headquarters of the prefecture.

Of course, the whole place is photogenic and worthy of the best postcards.

Tour the Fine Arts Museum

The Museum of Fine Arts of Reims was founded at the end of the 18th century. At the end of 2019, it was closed for works to completely remodel it, so its collections can now be found in other museums and places in the city.

The Museum of Fine Arts has an interesting collection of European and French works, including works by Poussin, Moroni, Matisse, Delacroix and Dufy, among others.

Its collections range from the Renaissance to the present and are divided according to time. It is advisable to check where the collections you want to see are located outside the Museum.

Explore Fort De La Pompelle

Fort de la Pompelle, also known as Fort Herbillon, is a very impressive historical site.

A strategic location during the First World War , collections of helmets and uniforms are preserved there, creating a very moving and realistic effect.

It is a place of memory about the war that tries to retell the experience of those who lived through those harsh conditions.

Everyday objects from the trenches, weapons, equipment, clothing and other materialize in the museum an idea of the experience and the conditions undergone by the protagonists.

Located on RD 944, on the Chalons-en-Champagne road, the Fort is open from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive from 10 am to 6 pm.

Visit a Champagne Cellar

Reims is the capital of the Champagne region , so you cannot leave without visiting one of the city’s famous champagne cellars. There are many to choose from: Mumm, Pommery, Clicquot-Ponsardin, Taittinger, Lanson, and the list is just beginning.

It is worth mentioning that this type of visit transcends the degree of understanding and/or taste about the specific drink, as it opens the way to proposals both touristic and gastronomic, historical and cultural, from which visitors leave enriched (and sometimes imbibed) to enter the world of champagne production.

Visit the Mars Gate

The Mars Gate is an ancient Roman gate is one of the few remaining structures from the Roman period in Reims. It dates back to the 3rd century and was partially restored in the 19th century.

Its style is Gallo-Roman, with 32 meters long, 6.5 meters wide and 13 meters high. It was declared a French historical monument in 1840.

Because of its importance, the Mars Gate was the scene of many historical events of manual, such as the passage of Emperor Augustus through the city.

From its architecture, it can be deduced that it was used to pass carts, animals and heavy equipment.

As for the central arch, its vault represents scenes of different months of the year and their work.

Explore the Chapelle Foujita

Located at 33 Rue du Champ de Mars, this chapel has a beautiful interior decoration by the Franco-Japanese artist Léonard Foujita (1886-1968), who designed and decorated it between 1965 and 1966.

Foujita, a painter of the Paris school, converted to Christianity in Reims in 1959 and it is in the Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix chapel that he blends his vision of Christianity with Japanese culture and references to the Italian Renaissance.

Foujita and his late wife Kimiyo are buried there.

The chapel was blessed in 1966. It is closely linked to the Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an important collection of artists.

Visit the Hotel Le Vergeur Museum

Located at 36 Place du Forum and open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm, the Museum Hotel Le Vergeur has a collection of art and historical objects related to the city of Reims.

Beautiful Renaissance facades, charming courtyards, furniture and works of art open to the visitor the sublime world of bourgeois interior spaces that became distinguished from the eighteenth century to the twentieth century.

Although the building was built in the 13th century, it is named after its 15th century owner, Nicolas Le Vergeur, who gave it the characteristics that define it today.

Get to Know the Carnegie Library

Located at number 2 Place Carnegie, this library is included among the Historic Monuments of France due to its Art Deco architecture.

Its origin dates back to the end of World War I when it was built with money donated by the businessman and philanthropist to whom it owes its name. It was inaugurated in 1927.

Open on Thursdays from 2pm to 7pm and on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 7pm, this library, which was the main library of Reims for a long time.

Inside, we can appreciate its reception with marble mosaics and a reading room with a zenithal window representing an open book with the arms of the city of Reims as highlights.

Eating Out at Les Halles Du Boulingrin

Located on the Place du Boulingrin, this covered market is a perfect place to enjoy the local products of the region.

It was built in 1927 by architect Émile Maigrot and engineer Eugène Freyssinet.

Classified as a historical monument, the covered market was recently renovated and restored for use in 2012 after having been closed since 1988.

Inside, we can enjoy the aromas, textures, colors and sounds of a typical local food market, with its characteristic animation and vitality.

Visit the Musée De La Reddition

Located at 12 Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, this museum is an important historical site, as it is where the surrender of Germany in World War II was signed.

In this museum you will find archives, uniforms, and objects that put into perspective the months that preceded the signing of the Nazi surrender in Reims.

The Signature Hall, the place where the event that ended years of atrocities and served as a kick-off for European memory took place, is like walking through a piece of history, as interesting as it is exciting.

Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., every day.

• READ: Day Trip to Champagne and Reims From Paris

Musée Automobile Reims Champagne

Located at 84 Avenue Georges Clemenceau, open from Wednesday to Monday from 10 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm, this museum is a must-see for car lovers, especially classic and sports cars.

The museum spans 110 years of automotive history and features nearly 230 vehicles. It is one of France’s most important automobile museums, where you can appreciate the automotive industry’s evolution.

This former factory building houses a permanent exhibition of cars of prestigious brands along with many forgotten brands, rare motorcycles and more than 5,000 miniatures and toy cars.

Tour the Parc De Champagne

Located at 10 Avenue du Général Giraud, this park is a perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy the views of the city and the Champagne region. Open daily from 10 am to 8 pm , although it depends on the season.

Created in 1999 by the Marquis de Polignac, the park has many varieties and species of trees that are a pleasure to walk through. In addition to its natural environment, it offers exhibitions, concerts and cultural events of various kinds.

Practical Information for Your Visit to Reims

Reims city pass.

Tourist cards like this one will save us time, lines and money, since they include the entrance to most of the monuments and museums most sought after by visitors to the city.

Among the various offers, we highlight the following, of one or two days duration, according to need:

1 day: 24 hour pass

This card includes admission to all Reims museums , the Fossier cookie factory and free public transportation as highlights. It also has discounts for some excursions, gastronomy and Champagne houses.

It is also worth clarifying that the pass is activated with the first use and from there its chronological duration counts.

2 days: Reims and Eperney

This 2-day pass to Reims and Eperney includes free access to public transportation, museums in Reims and Eperney and the Fossier cookie factory.

Like the 1-day, it also has discounts for some excursions, gastronomy and Champagne houses.

Trains to Reims From Paris

On weekdays, trains depart from approximately 06:58 to 21:28.

Saturdays and Sundays, from 07:58 to 21:28.

On average, there are about 18 trains per day between the two cities. They depart approximately every 38 minutes, operated by Alleo, TGV or OuiGO companies.

Prices for a single ticket start at £16.50.

From Paris Est to Reims, the TGV will take us in 45 minutes. From Paris Montparnasse, the OUIGO will do the same in 1 hour 45 minutes.

• Economic: Apart City Confort Reims Centre
• Medium: Hotel le Bristol
• Luxury: Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

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Best Things to Do in Reims, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Visit Reims, France

Reims is the capital of the Champagne region, a city brimming with history and culture. Between sipping champagne wine , visiting the main sites, and experiencing a memorable and moving visit to a critical piece of WWII history, there are many things to do in Reims. Besides, its proximity to the French capital makes for a super-easy day trip from Paris by train .

Whether you are considering Reims for a day trip or as part of a more extended Champagne road trip , here’s a list of the best things to do in Reims, France.

Are you planning your Reims trip last minute?

Below, are some of the best Reims tours, hotels, and more!

• Book your train tickets to Reims

Looking to travel around Reims independently?  Click here for the best rental car rates in Reims .

Top Experiences and Tours in Reims

• City Center Discovery Tour with Champagne Tasting
• Morning Champagne Tour with Tastings
• Champagne Villages Tour from Reims

Top Reims Accommodation and Lodging

• La Caserne Chancy Hotel & Spa (just in front of the Cathedral!),
• Grand Hotel des Templiers (a luxury experience in a historical building)
• La Demeure des Sacres (a former private mansion with a lovely garden)
• Domaine Les Crayères (spectacular château-hôtel 2.3Km from the center).

Don’t leave for Rems without travel insurance!

• SafetyWing , our trusted travel insurance policy for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days), covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too. 

What to Do in Reims, France

What to do in Reims? Here’s the list of the best things to do in Reims, France – places to visit and Reims attractions – with something for every traveler.

Visit Reims Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Reims Cathedral (or Notre-Dame de Reims) is a must for any Reims trip. The Cathedral was a critical place in the country’s history, as it was the location for the coronation of the Kings of France.

Visiting the Reims Cathedral is a great free thing to do in Reims. The Cathedral saw some damage during the French Revolution, but the effects of war took a much greater toll during WWI when the building suffered German bombardments.

The Cathedral has gone through numerous renovations, and, in 2011, the city of Reims celebrated the Cathedral’s 800th birthday! Don’t miss the stained glass windows, behind the choir, designed by Marc Chagall: they are stunning!

Tour a Champagne House

Reims is one of the two most-visited cities in the Champagne region, alongside Épernay, mainly because of champagne wine. The list of best champagne houses in Reims includes names like Taittinger , Mumm , and Veuve Clicquot . No visit to Reims is complete without experiencing a champagne cellar tour with tastings!

Here are the top champagne tours with tastings:

• Champagne Ruinart Tour with Tastings
• Champagne Veuve Clicquot Tour with Tastings
• Taittinger Champagne Tour with Tastings
• Champagne Vranken-Pommery Tour with Tastings

We opted to visit Taittinger due to its reputation for having the most stunning caves (picture above). The tour of Taittinger lasts an hour and there are different pricing tiers. You will visit the cellars, learn about the art of champagne wine production, and of course, sample to your heart’s content!

Stroll around Palais du Tau

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palais du Tau was formerly the residence of the Archbishop of Reims. Today, it houses a small art collection of stunning 16th-century tapestries as well as items from the Cathedral treasury and other items associated with the coronations of French Kings – the talisman of Charlemagne is even here!

Palais du Tau also hosts some of the city’s cultural events.

Address: 2 Place du Cardinal Luçon, Reims. Closed for works.

Check out Basilica Saint-Remi and Musée Saint-Remi

The Basilica Saint-Remi is always on the top of any list of Reims things to do. This is the largest Romanesque church in Northern France, with some parts dating back to the 11th century, and the second most important religious building in Reims.

The Basilica Saint-Remi hosts the relics of Saint-Remi, who baptized King Clovis (the first Christian King in France). King Louis IV is also buried here, among other lesser-known royal figures.

The interior of the church is just as exquisite as its exterior and is definitely one of the best things to see in Reims.

Housed in the former Abbey of Saint-Remi, attached to the basilica, the Musée Saint-Remi hosts a myriad of ancient relics and tapestries. The museum is divided into four sections. The first showcases the history of the abbey, along with a tapestry depicting the life of Saint-Remi. Next is the Gallo-Roman area, highlighting the ancient city of Reims. There is a permanent military exhibit, and finally, a collection of local items dating back to prehistoric times.

Address: 53 Rue Simon, Reims. The Museum is closed on Mondays.

Explore Fort de la Pompelle

Emblematic of the defense of Reims and WWI in northeast France, the Fort de la Pompelle Museum serves to remind us of crucial moments in its history, from 1883 to today.

Its impressive compilation of German helmets, uniforms, and everyday objects used by soldiers will submerge you in an impassioned place of remembrance that depicts the story of these men’s ordeals and the hardships of combat during WWI in the region.

Visit the Musée Automobile Reims-Champagne

Established in 1985 by Phillippe Charbonneaux, the Musée Automobile Reims-Champagne is one of the most interesting things to do in Reims. It showcases over 200 cars and motorcycles from 1908 to the present day.

In addition to displaying classic vehicles, the museum also strives to provide information regarding the rules and regulations regarding acquiring and driving classic cars.

Address: 84 Avenue Georges Clemenceau, Reims. Closed on Tuesdays

Get your Fine Art Fix at Musée des Beaux-Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts is one of the many museums in Reims worth visiting. It touches all bases, covering all of the major European art movements.

The museum was founded in 1794 with artifacts seized during the French Revolution. Most of the pieces are Flemish, Dutch, and French paintings.

The museum is currently closed for relocation purposes and plans to reopen in 2023. The project was entrusted to Francisco Aires Mateus architecture studio and we can’t wait to see the museum’s new look!

Address: 8 Rue Chanzy, Reims. Closed for works (reopening in 2025)

Visit the Roman Portal, Porte de Mars

Dating back to the third century, La Porte de Mars (or Champe de Mars) is an ancient Roman triumph arch. It is comprised of three arches, on which the original carvings are still visible. The arches show depictions of Romulus and Remus, an agrarian scene, and Leda and the Swan.

La Champe de Mars is a great free thing to do in Reims.

Experience Reims’ History at Musée-hôtel Le Vergeur

The Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur is one of the oldest buildings in Reims and is listed as a Historical Monument. The museum hosts a collection of decorative works of art depicting the illustrious history of Reims.

Here, you can see some of the Reims ruins as well! If you want to see an ancient Roman horreum (or granary), stop next door to check out the Cryptoportique.

Address: 36 Place du Forum, Reims. Closed on Mondays.

Place Royale

Place Royale is a magnificent square in the center of Reims, built in 1757 in honor of King Louis XV. There is a large bronze statue of him in the center of the square, with one hand extended, symbolizing the protection of his people.

Place Royale is surrounded by gorgeous buildings with arcades and balustraded roofs and it is a great place for people-watching.

Admire the Art-Déco style of Bibliothèque Carnegie

Built with donations from Andrew Carnegie, the American steel mogul, the Carnegie Library in Reims showcases some brilliant examples of art deco ornamentation – just check out that lighting fixture! There is a large, semi-cylindrical reading room with parquet floors and large, stained-glass windows.

Checking out the décor at Bibliothèque Carnegie is absolutely one of the best free things to do in Reims!

Address: 2 Place Carnegie, Reims. The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Sample Reims’ Original Biscuit at Maison Fossier

Fossier Biscuits have been around since the late 17th century, and are considered to be the original biscuit-makers of Reims. They offer a variety of types of biscuits, however, they are most famous for their Biscuits Roses de Reims (Pink Biscuits from Reims).

A stop at Maison Fossier is a must when you visit Reims, especially if you are a foodie. This is a must-add item to your list of best things to do in Reims!

Taste Reims’ Regional Specialties

There’s no shortage of great places to eat in Reims. In fact, the city has many of its own specialties that are worth sampling while you’re here.

In addition to the Biscuits Roses de Reims, be sure to try the jambon de Reims (Reims’ ham) and the moutarde de Reims (Reims’ mustard) as well! And don’t forget to sample the locally produced Chaource, a soft, semi-crumbly sheep’s milk cheese.

Les Halles du Boulingrin (50 Rue de Mars, Reims) is a good place to start your food explorations, this covered market is a food lovers’ paradise! There’s an abundance of fresh produce from the region, mouth-watering baked goods, and locally produced food items. The covered market is the perfect place to grab a few things for a picnic if you’re not up for eating at a restaurant. The market is open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

If you’re willing to shell out the cash, there are six Michelin-starred restaurants in the city ! Be sure to make reservations far in advance.

Visit the Room where Germany Surrendered during WWII

I’ve saved my personal favorite for last. Visiting Musée de la Reddition was by far the highlight of our trip to Reims. This is where WWII officially ended on 7 May 1945.

Discover this pivotal event that transpired secretly in the “map room” located in Lycée Roosevelt, in the Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe, directed by General Eisenhower. Documents, uniforms, and artifacts bring the months that foreshadowed the capitulation of the Third Reich to life.

Stepping foot into the signature room, a significant locality in European history, was incredibly moving. The room symbolizes not only the end of a tragic period in history but also the beginning of a long process of reconciliation.

The cost of admission is 5,50 EUR, but worth much, much more. Prepare yourself for tears.

Address: 12 Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, Reims. Closed on Tuesdays.

And there you have it, our suggestion on what to do in Reims, France, and our best tips to get the most out of the city. With so many things to do in Reims, we are sure you will want to book your trip after reading this list.

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How to make a day trip to Reims

21 September 2021 by Jo

Hi Frugalistas!  Reims (pronouned “rance” as in France) is an easy and convenient day trip from Paris, being only 45minutes away by TGV.  What most visitors will find surprising is that a day trip to Reims is about more than champagne.  Here’s my take on things to do in Reims on a day trip from Paris to Reims, that includes more than just champagne!

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Table of Contents

Starting your day trip to reims:  arriving in reims from paris.

It is easy to travel to Reims from Paris as it is only 45minutes by TGV from Gare de l’Est. When you visit Reims make sure you book a TGV rather than a stopping all stations train that will take you 2hours.  Also make sure you book your Paris to Reims train to Reims-Centre rather than Reims Champagne-Ardennes which is well away from central Reims.  If you are only there for the day, you don’t want to waste time on your Paris to Reims day trip getting there – it really is one of France’s most beautiful cities , as well as one of its most interesting.

You can book your Paris to Reims TGV ticket in advance by clicking here >>

Once you arrive, either head off on foot or take the Citadine bus or tramway into the old part of town.

Architecture in Reims

Reims was settled by the Romans (it is often erroneously credited with being named after Remus), was where 26 French kings were crowned and was decimated by World War I.  This gives Reims a unique architectural heritage that is well worth exploring.

A short walk from the Reims Centre station (turn left and walk along the pretty gardens), the Porte de Mars is an impressively intact Roman gate.  Look carefully, and find the wheel ruts under one of the gateways.  More Roman architecture is visible on the Place de la Forum in the form of an underground walkway.

Adjacent to the Roman is a medieval building, now a museum dedicated to old Reims.  Further afield, the Town Hall is the sole surviving example of Baroque architecture.

But it’s Art Deco that is the characteristic architecture of Reims.  After WWI (when only 60 building were left standing) there was a need to rebuild quickly.  In response to this need, Reims rebuilt in the newly emerging Art Deco style.  Whether it was due to this haste, lack of funds or just local tastes, the Reims style of Art Deco is a style of its own.  While my guide, Sophie, referred to it rather disparagingly as a pastiche, I rather like to think of it as just the result of early adoption of this newly emerging architectural style.  Wander around the town, and in particular along and around the Cours Jean Baptiste Langlet and admire this style in action.  For a more traditional form of Art Deco be sure to visit the Carnegie Library, just behind the Cathedral (it is still the town library, but you can go into the reading room and view its delightful stained glass windows if you are quiet and respectful).

I will be writing and showing more Reims architecture in an upcoming post.

Reims  Cathedral

Restored extensively following WWI, the pretty pink sandstone Gothic cathedral deserves your full attention during your Reims day trip from Paris (and really, a separate blog post).  At the entrance look out for the twin laughing angels – these have become somewhat of a symbol of Reims.  Inside the Cathedral is really all about the windows – a true delight!  The bulk of the stained glass windows are (restored) Gothic in style, but three more modern sets of windows really stand out.  First, a Chagall triptych, then a window by local glassmakers in the 1980s and finally six windows by German glassmaker, Imi Knoebel (a German was chosen specifically, as an act of reconciliation) to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the cathedral in 2011.

Eating and drinking in Reims

While there is not a great, specific Champagne cuisine, Reims is a fabulous place for foodies.  My recommendation is to make lunch your main meal for the day so you can enjoy the great food and local wine on offer.

Apart from champagne, make sure you try the local red wine Bouzy, which is light and flavorsome (often served lightly chilled).  I also tried the local aperitif, ratafia, which was very pleasant, with a grapey, vaguely peppery flavour.

Food in Reims is really all about the biscuit rose (pink biscuit, pronounced biskwee roze) a local biscuit developed to be dunked in champagne like a biscotti.  You can buy biscuits roses in all sorts of flavors and styles from Biscuits Fossier (Cours Jean Baptiste Langlet).  In restaurants, biscuits rose are made into all sorts of luscious desserts.

For a fantastic lunch I can recommend both Brasserie Flo at the corner of Place Drouet d’Erlon (with a delightful courtyard dining area) and the very traditional, family-owned Cafe du Palais (just oppposite the Grand Theatre at place Myron Herrick).

Go for a wander and find some great artisan food shops for your afternoon tea, or for a special snack on the train home.  Apart from the market (undercover, just near the Roman gate), try Aux Gourmets des Halles for charcuterie items, Fromages et Vins du Boulingrin if cheese is more your thing and L’Atelier d’Eric for gorgeous gateaux (all on rue de Mars, just along from the market).  Even though it doesn’t really go with champagne, chocoholics can get their fix from La Petite Friande on cours Jean Baptiste Langlet (just near Maison Fossier) – keep an eye out for their champagne cork and bubbles chocolates.

Champagne in Reims

I know, you’ve probably been thinking, “but what about the champagne?”  And indeed, no day trip to Reims from Paris would be complete without a visit to a champagne house and a tour of its caves (cellars).  All the big houses have tours, usually with a tasting afterwards (most don’t just offer tastings).  At Taittinger (where I visited) the caves are particularly historic, having been created originally as chalk pits by the Romans, then used for wine by monks in the Middle Ages, and then more recently used for protection during WWI.

Book from a wide range of Reims Champagne experiences here >>

Head back to the station, and make sure you’ve booked your return train as late as possible, to make the most of this wonderful city.

While Reims makes a great day trip from Paris , I do suggest you stay over night and linger longer in this lovely city.  There are so many things to do in Reims France that don’t involve champagne.  You can also explore more widely on a day trip to Champagne from Paris .

Plan your daytrip or short stay in Reims:

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Book day trips to Champagne from Paris here >>

Book Reims train tickets here >>

 Private tours of Reims are available by searching here >>

Stay overnight in Reims:

Search for Reims apartments here >>

Search for Reims hotels here >>

Author’s note:  I was a guest of Reims Tourisme during my visit to Reims, but you know I wouldn’t recommend anything I didn’t like, and that all my opinions are definitely my own.

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17 November 2013 at 3:38 pm

Next time I’m in Paris I will follow your advice.

17 November 2013 at 7:32 pm

Jo, Reims sound like a fantastic place to visit, so I am happy to hear that you had a fabulous visit. The food looks gorgeous, and it was interesting to hear about the champagne caves.

I have done the tour at Domaine Chandon which is near Melbourne in Australia which shows how their champagne is made, but they are in a more modern facility which doesn’t have the historic interest of the cave systems.

17 November 2013 at 8:58 pm

great article, thanks for showing Reims is more than Champagnes ::)

17 November 2013 at 8:59 pm

Yes, do. It makes a great trip!

17 November 2013 at 9:00 pm

Thanks, Anne. The champagne caves were really interesting, and I’ll be posting more about them in the future

17 November 2013 at 9:01 pm

You’re welcome. Glad you enjoyed it!

18 November 2013 at 2:46 am

What a lovely place to visit! If/when I’m next in Paris I may just have to add Reims to the itinerary.

18 November 2013 at 6:12 am

Stay tuned Jessica, I’ll be posting more in the coming weeks. Glad you enjoyed the first post!

18 November 2013 at 7:22 am

Reims is a favorite of mine traveling France, and of course, the champagne is divine!

18 November 2013 at 7:53 am

Isn’t it just?

20 November 2013 at 11:26 am

Thank you Jo for such a helpful post on Reims. Have always meant to go but somehow never got around to it. Now it’s definitely on the list for next year! Really appreciated all the interesting info: architecture, history, stained glass etc. We always just tend to think about champagne and food and not about all its other attractions. That said though will definitely try one of your recommended restaurants. Do you know if you need to book in advance or can you just walk in around 12ish and get a table? In addition have a question about the champagne tours. The cellars have always sounded fascinating but I now have a disability and walk with a stick. I’m worried the stairs may be difficult for me (particularly if they’re steep and don’t have stair rails). Are there lots of stairs at Taittinger? If so, can you visit without going down into the cellar? Also like the sound of walking from the station to the Roman gate and past the gardens – but a bit worried about how far the walk is into central Reims. How long did it take you? Looking forward to the rest of the posts on Reims. Best wishes, Pamela

20 November 2013 at 8:44 pm

Hi Pamela, many thanks for your kind words. You should be able to get a table for lunch at either of the restaurants I mentioned without booking. We did have bookings, but neither were completely full.

At Taittinger we did go down a spiral staircase. It was long , but not particularly steep. When I visited Taittinger I was given a private tour of the caves, so I’m not sure whether the normal tour would use them. You need to ring to book a tour anyway, so just ask. The reception staff speak beautiful English and were very nice.

Reims is flat, so the walking is not difficult. It’s about 7mins from the station to the Roman gate, then about 10-15 into the centre of town depending on the route. Take the bus or a taxi to go to Taittinger, as its a bit further.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the posts.

27 November 2013 at 9:56 pm

Lovely photos, great write up and its the perfect day trip for Champagne tasting from Paris isn’t it?! I always find the people so friendly…

28 November 2013 at 6:32 am

Thanks Janine. Yes, as an extra bonus the people are friendly!

27 January 2016 at 6:51 am

I loved the angels, the reason I made my husband stop at Reims! It is a fascinating place. Wasn’t Reims the place where Joanne of Arc met the king or something along those lines? I remember it being an important place in the Hundred Year War history. Anyway, thank you for the recommendations. I hope I’ll come back one day.

17 November 2017 at 9:52 am

The Reims Cathedral looks dazzling Jo. Gorgeous. Cool how laughing angels greet you too. Who wouldn’t love that? 😉

1 December 2017 at 7:21 am

The angels are just the best, aren’t they Ryan?

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Top Things to Do in Reims, France

Erica Forster Last Updated: November 18, 2022

While drinking champagne might be all you think about while in Reims, we promise there’s a bit more to this city. Read on to discover what to see and do there!

Top Things to See and Do in Reims

With most train rides from Paris to Reims lasting less than an hour long and at affordable prices, Reims is an ideal day trip option for many travelers visiting France. The city is, perhaps most importantly, the capital of the Champagne region, but there’s more to it than that. Reims has over 2,000 years’ worth of history in its streets! From museums to cathedrals and everything in between, find out why this city is mistakenly underrated.

9. Musée de la Reddition

The Musée de la Reddition, or The Surrender Museum, is a top spot in Reims for history buffs. On May 7th, 1945, German armed forces signed the official declaration of surrender which ended World War II in Europe in front of American, British, French, and Russian officers. The signing happened in the Musée de la Reddition, which actually served as General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s headquarters during World War II. The room where the signing took place has been preserved to look exactly as it did on that day back in 1945 and is clearly viewable through glass panels. Exhibits of press reports, uniforms and more war memorabilia are available for viewing in the museum as well.

Touring this museum is an interesting and educational experience, but also a very moving one. Seeing the spot where one of the world’s worst wars finally came to an end is something not easily forgotten. It will only take you about an hour or so to tour the museum but for only five euros, it is well worth the stop.

Address: 12 Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, 51100 Reims

Price: 5€ for adults, free for under 18

Hours: Every day, 10AM – 6PM

8. Jardin d’horticulture Pierre Schneiter

Sometimes it’s nice to unwind in a calm, green space while traveling. The Pierre Schneiter Park has been around since 1841 and is much more than your average park. It features a pond with a wooden bridge, plenty of flowers, a rose garden and even a waterfall. You’ll also see an example of an English Garden and a French Garden constructed inside. Locals are known for taking wedding pictures in this park because of its stunning beauty. This is a true zen space in Reims and a great spot for a picnic or simply to rest your feet for a little bit. Plus, it’s free!

Address: 50 Boulevard Louis Roederer, 51100 Reims

7. Porte de Mars

Built at the end of the 2nd century, the Porte de Mars is a stunning ancient Roman triumphal arch. The Porte de Mars is made of three distinct arches, which all miraculously have fairly elaborate details still intact. In total, it measures 32 meters long and 12 meters high! At one point, it was even the widest arch in the Roman world.

Finding treasures like this dating back from Roman times is not always this easy in France. The Porte de Mars is located very close to the train station, and situated practically in the middle of the street, at the end of a nice park. It’s great to view at any time and also lights up at night. While this isn’t a site you’ll need to spend hours visiting, it is a must-see while touring Reims and a real historic treasure.

Address: Place de la République, 51100 Reims

6. Palais du Tau

Another historical wonder in Reims that too many tourists end up missing. The medieval Palace of Tau dates from the late 4th century, and from the 8th century onwards it served as an Archbishop’s Palace. This was where the Kings of France stayed during their coronations, which famously took place in the Reims Cathedral right next door. If you’re interested in visiting the Palace of Tau, we recommend visiting the palace first and then the cathedral. Why? Inside the palace, you’ll be able to see an explanation of the coronation ceremony, regalia, treasures, and more. This will give you the perfect background to imagine the whole coronation scene when you visit the cathedral afterward.

One tip if you plan to visit: most of the written descriptions of the exhibits are not translated into English, so we suggest choosing an audio guide (which is available in English) to learn more about what you are seeing.

Address: 2 Place du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims

Price: 8€ for adults, free for under 18

Hours: Tues – Sun 9:45AM – 12:30PM | 2PM – 5:30PM

5. Taste the Pink Biscuit of Reims

You shouldn’t leave Reims without trying the city’s famous Pink Biscuits. The Biscuit Rose (Pink Biscuit of Reims) dates from the 1690s, and it’s really a bit more like a cookie or ladyfinger than a biscuit. To make these treats, a special dough is used that is cooked once, then left in the oven while still hot to be cooked twice. The pink color of the cookies is thanks to carmine, a natural red food dye. The best part? It’s customary to dip these pink biscuits in champagne!

The best place to find these delicious specialties is at Maison Fossier, the oldest biscuit factory in France that has been making Biscuit Rose for more than 250 years. Before being called Maison Fossier, the biscuit factory was even the official French monarchy’s biscuit supplier, and its biscuits were presented at the Coronation of Louis XV. Nowadays, it is recognized as a true piece of French culture and has been honored as a Living Heritage Company, a mark of recognition put in place to reward French firms for the excellence of their traditional and industrial skills.

The address we’ve listed below is for the store closest to the Reims Cathedral, but if you really want to learn more you can also visit the biscuit factory too, which is located in Reims.

Address: 25 Cours Jean-Baptiste Langlet, 51100 Reims

4. Explore Champagne Vineyards

Tasting champagne in the Reims city center is a must, but for many what’s even more fun is exploring the vineyards where this famous sparkling beverage begins. There is an official Route du Champagne, which provides an easy and mapped-out guide to touring the vineyards (there are over 80,000 acres of vineyards here!). There are actually five different circuits to explore, all tracing across the Champagne region. This is a fantastic way to meet small-scale, local producers who can teach you more about champagne and to learn more about the local terroir. Along the Route du Champagne, you’ll pass picturesque villages, churches, and farmland which will give you a different perspective of France.

If the thought of renting a car and exploring on your own seems a little daunting, our Day Trip from Paris to the Champagne Region is a great option. We’ll arrange the transport and tastings so you can sit back and relax.

3. Saint-Rémi Basilica

Most travelers visit the Reims Cathedral, then sadly bypass the city’s basilica. While the exterior is not as impressive as the cathedral, the basilica boasts incredible history and a beautiful interior. The basilica is named after Saint Rémi (sometimes also known as Saint Remiguius), who was buried at this site in 533 and is the patron saint of France. While an archbishop, Saint Rémi converted the Merovingian king, Clovis, to Christianity and declared him the King of Franks, which was a key milestone in France’s history. His relics are actually housed inside the basilica, in the center of the choir.

Inside the basilica, you’ll admire 12th century stained glass windows and a massive candelabra showcasing a whopping 96 candles (one for each of Saint Rémi’s 96 years). If you want a truly impressive view inside, there’s a small machine located near the entrance where you can insert two euros and illuminate the church for ten minutes. It gives great lighting for pictures!

Address: Rue Saint-Julien, 51100 Reims

Hours: Every day, 9AM – 7PM

2. Reims Cathedral

The Reims Cathedral is absolutely stunning and by far the top monument to visit in the city. It is also a vital part of French history – the cathedral was the site of the coronation of 31 French kings, beginning with Louis VIII in 1223! Perhaps the most famous coronation held at the site was the crowning of Charles VII in 1429, which was done in the presence of Joan of Arc. The cathedral has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and should not be missed.

Besides its incredible history, the Reims Cathedral is generally considered to be one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Europe today. It was damaged during both World War I and World War II, and while it still maintains some of its original materials, it’s also been able to blend a bit of modernity into the structure. In 1974, for example, the same man who designed part of the ceiling of Paris’s infamous Opera Garnier, Marc Chagall, designed the stained glass in part of the Reims Cathedral.

Seeing this cathedral is especially worthwhile at the moment since the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is currently unable to be visited for at least the next few years. These cathedrals are similar in many ways and this is a great “substitute” cathedral to visit in place of the one in Paris.

Address: Place du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims

1. Taste Your Way Through Champagne Houses

Coming in at number one on our list of top things to do in Reims…taste some champagne! Sixteen champagne houses are located in the city center, and plenty more are situated not far outside the city. There are over 150 miles (250km) of cellars here, so you have plenty to see. One of our personal favorites is Taittinger, which we tour on our Day Trip from Paris to the Champagne Region . Other famous houses in the city include Veuve Clicquot and Pommery. There’s also a wide range of smaller champagne houses, which can be just as fun and interesting.

Visiting champagne houses is not just about tasting champagne. These houses are very proud of their products and their French heritage, and guests learn a lot about the production process. In most champagne houses you’ll also be invited on an underground cellar or cave tour, which is a great experience. We recommend touring more than one champagne house so that you can get a well-rounded perspective. Plus, that means more champagne!

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• Paris to Reims Day Trip: 7 Juicy Tips for the Ideal Day 

by Nichole | Last updated Nov 10, 2023 | Best Wine Europe , France

I love planning the best ways to visit travel destinations. Our travels tend to focus on exceptional foodie and outdoor experiences that have good value for the money. Let me save you hours of research by following my tips on one of the best ways to build an itinerary for your Paris to Reims Day Trip. 

* Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are from first-hand experience that I feel will deliver value to you! Thank you for your continued support.

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01- Go to the Trainline Website

02- reims vs. epernay, 03- visit a champagne house and have a plan, 04- book an exceptional lunch at a bargain cost, 05- enjoy tastings at the coolest wine shop, 06- how to craft this perfect day trip to reims, 07- join a highly-rated champagne tour, final thoughts, related content.

Reims Ville train station

Yes, you can do this day trip on your own via a 45-minute high-speed train ride. You do not need an “official tour” unless you prefer that option ( more on that later ).

If you don’t speak French, Trainline is a lifesaver! It’s super user-friendly.

Here’s how to book your train ticket from Paris to Reims:

Trainline App

→      Type in Paris Gare de l’Est as your “from” location.

→      Type in Reims Ville station as your “to” location (this location puts you in the city center).

→      Pick “TGV INOUI” DIRECT, which is the high-speed train.

→      Select the “Standard” ticket. There’s also an option for “First Class.”

Standard vs. First Class : There’s not a huge difference between the two. First Class offers a little more legroom, the ability to select your exact seat, and the option of selecting seats facing each other if you are a couple. It also might be a little quieter. No food or drink is included in the price for either class. If it’s a few more euros, select First Class. If there’s a significant price difference, the Standard ticket is perfectly fine for such a short trip.

→      Click “Pick by Card” and you’re done! Your e-ticket is ready to go! Easy breezy.

In addition to using Trainline to go from Paris to Reims, we also used it in Burgundy to get around when we did a self-guided bike tour through the vineyards .

Trainline also gave us live updates and guidance on which train platform to use.

Reserve tickets in advance.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Reims, France

Know there are two hubs in the Champagne region to use as your base: Reims and Epernay.

How do you choose between the two ?

Reims is the more popular one to visit as a day trip. The town is larger than Epernay but still walkable with more sightseeing, shops, and restaurants.

Reims has the iconic Cathedral of Notre-Dame, where the kings of France were crowned. Reims is also home to many of the large Champagne houses like Veuve Cliquot, Ruinart, Pommery, and Taittinger.

Moët & Chandon in Epernay, France

Epernay is very charming but smaller and more concentrated.

It has the Avenue de Champagne, the famous street lined with Champagne houses such as Moët De Chandon and Mercier. Some suggest it could potentially rank as the world’s priciest street due to the abundance of stored Champagne bottles.

Epernay is about 1 hr 15 min from Paris, so a little farther than Reims.

Given the choice between Reims and Epernay to visit as a day trip, I would advise Reims. However, if you are spending multiple days in the Champagne region, stay in Epernay.

We enjoyed several days of Champagne tasting and used the adorable boutique hotel, Le 25Bis , in Epernay as our base. It’s owned by Leclerc Briant Champagne House , which means exceptional Champagne every day for breakfast. Yes, please!

Paris to Reims Day Trip: Book a wine tour and tasting at Ruinart

There are some wine regions like Napa where you can walk in and enjoy a tasting without an appointment. The Champagne region is not one of them. Book an appointment ahead of time. Some you may even have to reserve months in advance. 

Exploring one of the prominent Champagne estates is an essential experience in Reims. There are many Reims Champagne houses to choose from, but let me save you hours of research.

Select Maison Ruinart , known for providing one of the finest Champagne tours. We booked our tour 2 months in advance. They do sell out!

Walking downstairs into the chalk cellars at Ruinart Champagne House

The tour includes a visit to the historic chalk cellars, which are a UNESCO world heritage site, and two exceptional Champagne tastings.

If Ruinart is booked, I have heard Taittinger also provides an incredible wine tour & tasting experience too.

Domaine Les Crayères in Reims

There is a stunning, elegant hotel called Domaine Les Crayères in Reims that is decorated in the classical French style. It is particularly known for its 2-star Michelin restaurant Le Parc Les Crayères thanks to Meilleur Ouvrier de France chef Philippe Mille.

Did you know though that Domaine Les Crayères also has a little sister restaurant, Le Jardin Les Crayères ?

Headed up by the same Chef, enjoy a lovely 3-course tasting menu on a charming terrace at a fraction of the cost (39€!). The wine selection is incredible.

Gazpacho at Le Jardin Les Crayères in Reims

Reserving in advance is essential for securing a lunch experience of this kind. The restaurant is a 45-minute walk or 8-minute taxi ride from the Reims train station.

Trésors de Champagne Boutique in Reims

I was almost scared to share #5. When you discover a gem of a place, you sometimes want to keep it all to yourself.

You may have heard of “grower Champagne,” which means Champagne produced by the SAME winegrower. In contrast, the large Champagne houses blend grapes from MANY winegrowers. Eater does a fantastic job of describing grower Champagne .

There is a wine shop in Reims that showcases some of the best grower Champagne producers called Trésors de Champagne Boutique . A visit to this shop is worth a day trip to Reims alone!

In this inviting boutique, you’ll find an extensive display of winegrower photos and wine bottles adorning the walls, while an array of eclectic, illuminated wine bottles decorates the ceiling.  

Wine tasting at Trésors de Champagne Boutique in Reims, France

We walked in and did an impromptu wine tasting led by their friendly staff. I noticed though they now have “Book a Tasting” on their website. Best to check with them first if an appointment is needed.

The best part? You can order your favorite Champagne bottles to be shipped back home at a reasonable cost.

Trésors de Champagne Boutique wine tasting

Domaine Les Crayères in Reims, France

How do you construct the perfect day trip to Reims?

→      8:27 am : Direct train to Reims. Arrive at 9:14 am. Good option if you want to walk around Reims first before lunch. Take the 10:27 am direct train and arrive at 11:14 am if you are planning to go straight to lunch.

→      11 am : Walk by the Cathedral of Notre-Dame and some of the bigger Champagne houses like Veuve Cliquot and Taittinger.

→      12 pm : Lunch at Le Jardin Les Crayères * It was a beautiful day so we made the casual 45-minute walk from the Reims train station to Le Jardin Les Crayères. If it’s raining or hot, then take an 8-minute taxi from the train station.

→      2:30 – 4:30 pm : Champagne tour at Ruinart

→      5 – 6:30 pm : Wine Tasting at Trésors de Champagne Boutique. 10-minute walk from the shop back to the train station.

→      7:15 pm : Direct train back to Paris. Arrive in Paris at 8:05 pm.

Champagne region in France

My husband and I love self-guided exploration of travel destinations. I realize though that some may prefer to take out all the stress and join a highly-rated tour.

If you fall in that camp, then don’t miss a day with My Winedays . They will scoop you up from your hotel in Paris, chauffeur you around some of the best small and big wine producers, and drop you back off.

Their exceptional reviews speak for themselves:

My Winedays Tour Ratings

Tripadvisor

There are some travel destinations I consider as “repeaters,” meaning we will definitely be back. If you love exceptional wine, incredible food, and charming ambiance, the Champagne region is your happy place. A day trip to Reims will certainly give you a taste of what it has to offer, but I guarantee it will leave you eager to return for an extended stay on your next visit.

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Champagne Dreams: Day Trip To Reims From Paris

Thinking of taking a day trip to Reims from Paris? Great idea! Reims is one of the major hubs in the Champagne Wine Region of France, so it’s a great place to learn more about champagne (and maybe to taste some). It’s also a vibrant, historical, confident city in and of itself, so it’s a lovely place to explore, even if you’re not into champagne.

I took a day trip from Paris to Reims in April 2023 and it really was the perfect day! I travelled there by train, explored the city and did a champagne tour where I learned loads and tasted some exquisite champagnes. When I got back to Paris, I felt enriched, inspired – and I wasn’t exhausted at the end of the day. You can’t ask for much more than that from a day trip!

In this post, I’ll show you how to get to Reims from Paris, what to do there (I’ll suggest an itinerary for one day in Reims) and how to get back to Paris. I’ve also included an annotated map of Reims.

And because I visited the Veuve Clicquot champagne house (because it’s my favourite champagne), you can also use this specifically to learn how to do a day trip from Paris to Veuve Clicquot.

Feel free to use the contents to jump to the info you’ll find most useful.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

About Reims And The Champagne Region

Reims is a city in the northeast of France. It is the biggest city in the department of Marne and lies within the Champagne Wine Region of France.

There’s been a settlement here for more than 2,000 years, when it was founded by the Remi tribe, before being taken over by the Roman Empire. It has historical significance for being the place where the Kings of France were consecrated for hundreds of years.

The Champagne Wine Region is best known for the production of champagne, the sparkling white wine that bears the region’s name. Wine has been produced in the region since the middle ages, but champagne production became really popular in the 18 th and 19 th centuries.

EU law and the laws of most countries dictate that only wines that come from this region can use the name ‘champagne’. Any sparkling wine that is not from the Champagne Wine Region is not actually champagne.

There are two main cities in the Champagne Wine Region where you can do champagne tours or experiences: Reims and Épernay . Of the two, I think Reims is the best option for a day trip to Champagne from Paris because it is quicker to get there.

How To Take A Day Trip To Reims From Paris By Train

Getting to reims from paris.

You have some options. You could hire a car and drive there, but if you want to taste champagne, you wouldn’t be able to drive for a while afterwards.

Another option is to take an organised tour that picks you up in Paris and takes you to Reims by bus. This could be a good option if you don’t want to worry about the logistics of making your own way there. 

However, I recommend taking the train to Reims because it’s easy and fast. This is the route I took and it worked really smoothly. I’ll talk you through how to do it.

Paris To Reims Train Tickets

The best train to take to Reims from Paris is a TGV train because this is the fastest option. TGV trains depart from Paris Gare de l’Est and the high-speed trains take 46 minutes to get to Reims.

I recommend booking in advance to get the best prices and also to guarantee that you can take the train you want because they do get busy. Bookings come with a seat reservation, which you should stick to (don’t sit in any seat – sit in the one you’ve been allocated).

You can book tickets on the official French railway website (SNCF Connect, which has prices in Euros). Or, if you prefer, Omio  lets you choose from a number of currencies, including €, £, and US$.

The start of your journey is Paris Gare de l’Est and the end is Gare de Reims / Reims Ville station. NB. Don’t pick a train that goes to Reims-Maison-Blanche station, because this is not in the centre of the city and the journey will take longer (and requires a change of trains).

There are several trains from Paris to Reims throughout the day, but not every train will be high-speed, so pay attention to the journey duration. For my day trip to Reims from Paris, I took a 10:28 TGV train, which arrived in Reims at 11:14 am.

Paris To Reims Train

When taking the train from Paris to Reims, arrive at Gare de l’Est a little early. You need to give yourself enough time to scan your ticket bar code on the electronic barriers, find your carriage and take your seat well before the departure time. The train doors close up to 2 minutes before departure, so don’t leave it too late!

Once you’re on board, take your seat, settle in and enjoy the speedy ride across northern France!

One Day in Reims – The Perfect Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary for how to spend your one day in Reims, based on my own delightful visit.

Morning – Explore Reims City Center (Centre Ville)

If you arrive late morning, as I did, start off by strolling from the train station into the city centre, which is only a short walk. Here are some of the things to look out for in the town centre.

Square Colbert

Right next to the station, you’ll walk past or through Square Colbert to get to the city centre. It’s a nice green park with a statue of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, a Reims native who was France’s First Minister of State in the Louis XIV era.

Place Drouet d’Erlon

This wide, attractive boulevard is lined with café bars and terraces and features a large, ornate fountain topped with a gold statue of Victory, depicted as a winged angel. This is Subé Fountain , built in 1906.

Fontaine de la Solidarité

Another nice fountain is the Fontaine de la Solidarité . Built in 1977, it is smaller and more modest than the Subé Fountain and is nicknamed “the ball fountain”.

Covered Passages: Passage Talleyrand & Passage Subé

Similar to the covered passages of Paris , Reims also has some covered passages containing a variety of independent shops. Passages Talleyrand and Subé form a cross shape under vaulted glass ceilings and create a nice space to browse or shop.

Hôtel de Ville (Reims Town Hall)

Unfortunately, the Hôtel de Ville was under renovation when I visited, so I couldn’t see much of its façade. But the 17th-century building looks very grand from photographs I have seen from before the scaffolding went up!

Place Royale

This square is a Monument historique , meaning it’s a heritage site in France. Place Royale has some smart government buildings fronted with columns and a statue of Louis XV in the middle.

Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Reims

Now we come to the architectural showpiece of Reims! Even if you’re not particularly interested in churches and cathedrals, it’s hard not to be struck by the intricately detailed carvings that adorn Reims Cathedral.

It’s also big: the two elaborate Gothic towers dominate the centre of Reims, so it kind of demands attention.

Architecturally, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Reims is considered a masterpiece in Gothic architecture, displaying some of the most innovative 13th-century techniques.

But it’s not just a spectacle to look at. The cathedral is historically significant for a couple of reasons.

First, it was where the kings of France were crowned from the time of Philippe II Augustus (anointed 1179) to that of Charles X (anointed 1825). The cathedral hosted thirty-three sovereign coronations in just over 1000 years!

And secondly, in 1962 the Franco-German reconciliation and signing of the Elysée Treaty was preceded by a mass at the Cathedral, attended by both the German Chancellor, Konrad Adenauer, and French President, Charles de Gaulle.

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame was built between 1211 and 1515 (although some renovations were made subsequently) and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

If you want, you can take guided tours of Reims Cathedral .

La Pierre d’Heures

A little way south of the cathedral, there’s a giant sculpture or sundial on one of the pavements. I haven’t been able to find out too much written about it, but I thought it was pretty cool.

Le Four à Bois

This boulangerie (bakery) just opposite the sundial had a line outside both times I passed it when exploring Reims. The people lining up were speaking French, so there’s a good chance they were locals, rather than tourists. And they say you should pay attention to where locals eat because it’s likely to be good.

So, I joined the queue and grabbed a tasty pain au chocolat, which was the perfect balance of flaky and gooey.

Basilique Saint-Remi

This is another medieval church in Reims; this one is said to be the largest Romanesque church in northern France. It has a lovely churchyard, which is a good place to sit if you need a rest during your exploring

Other Things To Do In Reims

Here are some other things to do during your day trip to Reims from Paris, which I personally skipped, but which might interest you:

• La Porte de Mars – a Roman triumphal arch that dates from the third century AD, and was the widest arch in the Roman world
• Carnegie Library of Reims – a public library, built in the 1920s in the Art Deco style
• Musee des Beaux Arts de Reims – a museum of fine art. But this is currently closed for renovation and is due to re-open in 2025
• Palais du Tau , which was once the grand residence of the Archbishop of Reims
• Musée Automobile Reims Champagne – a motor museum exhibiting 230 cars and motorbikes dating from 1908

Reims City Pass

Now, if you’re tempted to pay for any tours or museums in Reims, you might want to check out the Reims Epernay Pass for Reims and Épernay. It’s available from Viator and it can be bought for one, two or three days. Access gives you a few benefits, including:

• Unlimited access to public transport
• Reims to Epernay round trip by train (with the 48h and 72h passes)
• Free activities, including a tour of the Cathedral Notre-Dame and Musée Automobile Reims Champagne
• Lots of discounts at cafes and experiences in the towns
• Champagne tasting benefits, eg discounts on some tours & free extras on others

The Reims Pass will only be worth paying for if you think you will use the benefits, so it’s worth reading the details before signing up. I personally didn’t use it on my day trip to Reims from Paris.

There are some excellent options for lunch in Reims, including Le Condorcet in the City Centre, which was very chilled out when I went.

I also heard good things about Restaurant La Fontaine and Le Square , which are both a little further out of the centre, towards many of the Champagne houses.

NB. These family-run places close during August, like some French businesses tend to.

Afternoon: Get Your Bubbles On!

After lunch, with your stomach full, it’s time for the highlight of your day trip to Reims from Paris: a champagne tour!

Reims Champagne Tour – The Champagne Houses

There are tours of vineyards near Reims and in the town there are also various champagne houses that offer cellar tours and tastings, including well-known brands like Ruinart , Taittinger , Veuve Clicquot and Pommery .

I chose to do a cellar tour with Veuve Clicquot , mainly because if I’m going to splash out on champagne, that’s my brand of choice.

Veuve Clicquot Tour

There are different options for doing tours with Veuve Clicquot. For example, Get Your Guide offers a tour that combines a cellar tour of Veuve Clicquot, another winery and lunch .

You also have several shorter options you can book directly with Veuve Clicquot on their website.

I chose to do the ‘Only One Quality – The Finest’ cellar tour, which lasts 1.5 hours. I booked this directly with Veuve Clicquot, where the tickets were non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

The Veuve Clicquot cellars are about 25 minutes’ walk from the centre of Reims and I was told to arrive 15 minutes before the start of my tour. It’s an easy enough walk, but you could get a taxi if you didn’t feel like doing it.

Veuve Clicquot Cellar Tour

My tour started by descending the many stairs into the cellar, which is deep underground. It is 24 km long and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site for Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars in the Champagne Wine Region.

The cellar is kept between 10 and 12 degrees C and 95% humidity, so make sure you have an extra layer of clothes, in case you get chilly down there.

I thought the cellar tour was excellent. During the hour or so we toured the cellar, the tour guide skillfully taught us about the basics of champagne production. And she interspersed this with the history and story of the brand, and its ground-breaking founder, The Grand Dame of Champagne, Madame Clicquot.

I didn’t know anything about Madame Clicquot before I did the tour and I came away inspired by the story of how she took over the champagne house at a time when women were rarely running businesses. And she not only ran it successfully, but she grew it and also invented several things which are established in champagne making today. There should be a movie about this bold, innovator!

Veuve Clicquot Champagne Tasting

After the tour, but still in the cellar, we got to taste some champagne ! This was great because we had a lesson about different types of champagne as we did it.

We tasted four wines, with a mix of vintages and blends and we were encouraged to identify the varying flavours within each one – which I was not brilliant at, but I did OK.

I did really enjoy the champagnes, but I was definitely feeling the buzz as we ascended the stairs to come out of the cellar… Maybe I shouldn’t have finished every glass, haha!

The exit steps are pretty cool: they’re lit up in the signature Veuve yellow, one step for each vintage year.

Veuve Clicquot Shop

After the tour, we were able to use the toilets and browse the gift shop – and this was probably the most disappointing aspect of the experience.

Not the toilets – they were fine! The gift shop was disappointing. It was just very geared towards high-end items and pricey souvenirs that I didn’t think were worth paying for.

I would have been in the market to buy a bottle of one of the wines we tasted, but everything seemed overpriced. It’s not that they were more than I was used to paying – it’s that they were the same price, which is odd given the prices I’m used to in the UK include a hefty import tax.

It wouldn’t have been convenient to leave with a bottle, but I might have been tempted to do it if there was a bargain to be had. As it was, there wasn’t so I didn’t buy anything.

I did, however, spend a little time in the café.

Veuve Clicquot Café

Seeing as I was feeling the buzz from the booze, I figured I should take my time before heading back into the streets of Reims. I had a coffee and a bite to eat in the cafe , relaxing on their nice outdoor terrace for a while.

The menu was limited, but I had a really tasty burger!

Other Reims Champagne Tours

I arranged my Reims champagne tour independently, meaning I had to get to the Champagne cellar myself.

However, if you prefer to have someone else worry about the logistics and the transfers, there are some ‘all in’ tours which might be a better fit, including these highly-rated tours on Get Your Guide:

• From Paris: Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch
• From Reims: Pommery Champagne Morning Tour & Tastings
• From Reims: Champagne, Epernay, and Family-Run Wineries Tour .

Returning To Paris After a Perfect Day Trip to Reims

After your champagne tour, wander back towards the train station, making any sightseeing stops in the city you missed earlier.

On my day trip to Reims, I made a point of revisiting that bakery ( Le Four à Bois ) to grab some snacks for the train. I bought some mini Financiers, which were perfect for the journey home. They were moist and light – so moreish!

Reims To Paris Train

Again, I’d recommend booking your return journey back to Paris in advance and arriving at Reims station 5-10 minutes before your train is due to depart.

I took the 5:15 pm train, which arrived in Paris at 6:01 pm.

Before Your Day Trip To Reims From Paris

At the risk of repeating myself, I do recommend you book some things in advance of your day trip to Reims, rather than trying to do them on the day (which risks disappointment).

Specifically, you should book the following ahead of time:

• Train tickets – Omio  can help you find the best-value tickets for your dates.
• Champagne tour , if you want to do one. If you don’t have a specific champagne house in mind, Get Your Guide has several options, as does Viator .

Tips For A Day Trip To Reims From Paris

Having made a day trip from Paris to Reims, I have a few tips for others doing the same:

• Wear comfortable shoes , as there’s a fair amount of walking (unless you opt to use public transport or taxis)
• Don’t overdo the champagne on your champagne tour. Know your limits and stick to them. After all, we all know too much wine can lead to bad decisions. If you feel the buzz, take your time before doing anything risky and, obviously, don’t drive.
• Don’t stay too late – it can be tempting to try to do everything in a place if you only have one day there, but one of the things that really worked on my day trip to Reims was not cramming too much in. I came back late afternoon, meaning I was back in Paris for dinner. I felt like I’d had a full, exciting day – but I wasn’t totally worn out, which is a good thing, I think.

If You Want To Stay Overnight In Reims…

I did a day trip to Reims from Paris, ie there and back in one day. So that’s the first-hand experience I’m sharing in this post.

I didn’t stay overnight in Reims, but I do understand that some people might prefer to spend one day there and stay overnight.

Based on a little research, it looks like they have some well-rated and centrally-located hotels there, including:

• 5-star: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection
• 4-star: Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix
• 3-star: Hôtel Azur

I mainly use Booking.com to book hotels because I appreciate the loyalty benefits and the ability to pay on departure, rather than when you book. Feel free to search for a hotel for your dates:

Map Of Reims

I’ve mentioned a lot of places in this article, so I imagine it helps to clarify where they all are in relation to each other. Here’s a map of Reims with markers for the things to do I have mentioned in this article.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

FAQs – Day Trip To Reims From Paris

How far is reims from paris.

Reims is approximately 144 km (90 miles) east of Paris.

Is Reims Worth Visiting?

I definitely think so. I’m a big city person and I love Paris deeply , so spending a day away from Paris isn’t something I do lightly – but I thoroughly enjoyed my one day in Reims.

Reims gives you a chance to experience some of the finest wines in the world in their place of origin and to learn about them from experts.

Added to that, the city itself is charming with some extravagant Gothic architecture. And even beyond the cathedral, there are plenty of attractive architectural flourishes around Reims.

I did this day trip as a solo traveller in Paris and had a great time on my own. I could also see that this could be a good thing to do if you’re in Paris as a couple because the champagne aspect can be seen as romantic.

When To Visit Reims?

I think you could go year-round, but it is likely to be busiest with tourists in the summer months.

Having said that, locals might be somewhat scant in August when many French people go on their summer holidays. In checking some details for the article during August, I noticed some local businesses were closed for August, and there were also fewer fast trains running.  

I did my day trip to Reims from Paris in Spring : mid-April. This was a pretty good time of year to go because the city wasn’t very busy, but the weather was mild enough to walk all over. And there were some lovely cherry trees in bloom in the churchyard of Basilique Saint-Remi .

Ps. If you’re interested in Spring blossoms I have a whole post on the best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris.

How To Get Around Reims? / Is Reims A Walkable City?

Yes, I found it to be very walkable. It’s not a big city, so it’s totally possible to walk around.

As I normally do, I used CityMappper app to help me plot a walking route to where I wanted to go, including between the city centre and the champagne houses.

There are buses, which are included in the Reims Pass , and there are also taxis if you prefer not to walk everywhere.

How Much Time Do You Need For Reims?

I found a day to be the perfect amount of time. And, as you’ll have gathered by my timings, I didn’t make it a long day: I arrived late morning and left just after 5 pm. And that felt spot on for me.

Obviously, if you want to see more things in Reims, you could start earlier and finish later than me.

Is Champagne Cheaper In Reims?

I only looked in the Veuve Clicquot shop and I didn’t think the prices were cheaper than I can get at home: they seemed about the same to me.

There might be champagne merchants in the city where you can get better deals, but I didn’t buy from any.

How Is Reims Pronounced In French?

Well, to my non-French-speaking surprise, it is NOT pronounced ‘Reems’, nor ‘Rhymes’. It’s something closer to ‘Ruhms’ or ‘Rams’, but with the R rolled and with little emphasis on the M and S.

But don’t take my word for it. The best way to know how to pronounce Reims (or anything else in French, for that matter) is to use the ‘play audio’ function in Google Translate, which will play a French person pronouncing it (look for the speaker icon). You can download Google Translate to your phone as an app.

Wikipedia also has an audio of the pronunciation of Reims here (press on ‘listen’).

The Last Word

I hope this article has given you some helpful info and inspiration about doing a day trip to Reims from Paris. I’ll say it again: I loved doing this day trip and I would recommend it to anyone looking to complement their time in Paris with some other nearby places in France.

If you need any other ideas for day trips, I have a whole post with ideas of day trips from Paris by train , including to places in France, Belgium, Luxembourg and even the UK.

And if you need any ideas about Paris itself, have you checked my guide to Paris for first-timers and also Paris off the beaten path ?

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

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for Solo Travel Over 50

Champagne Day Trip from Paris to Reims Without a Car (2023)

UPDATED 9/23/23

Have champagne taste on a beer budget but really want to explore the Champagne region from Paris? Yes, Paris can eat up that travel budget, but there is no reason why you can’t be sipping bubbly, touring champagne caverns, and enjoying more of France’s food, architecture, history, and UNESCO World Heritage sites inexpensively. I did so myself with my epic, self-guided Champagne day trip from Paris to Reims without a car (or Paris tour group).

This day in Champagne from Paris is budget friendly and eco-friendly travel.

Seriously, if you’re questioning whether or not to put a Paris to Champagne day trip into your Paris solo travel itinerary because of finances, stop questioning.

If you don’t visit Reims for all it has to offer, you’re going to kick yourself. I would hate for you to go home from Paris with any regrets. Let’s prevent that.

Use my Champagne itinerary and tips on how to get the best of Reims in one day from Paris by train that won’t break your Paris travel budget. Keep reading.

As you’ll notice from the tips throughout , this Paris to Reims itinerary is intentionally written for the first time , solo traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been traveling solo FOREVER). Yet, anyone can use this travel itinerary it to plan and book a fabulous, budget Champagne day trip from Paris.

Like this? Share it with others!

This post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. For products, the goal is to first provide direct links to eco-friendly, ethical, and sustainable companies, and then to those same type (i.e., Climate Pledge Friendly Certification ), of brands that use Amazon, if possible. Therefore, you may see multiple links for one option. Should you make a purchase through any link, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. See my Disclaimers & Disclosures and Privacy Policy for more information.

France Travel Packing Essentials

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Here some travel essentials ideal to making your solo travel in France easier, if not more eco-friendly.

Oh, my goodness, yes. There is a lot of history in the quaint city of Reims, France .  I included a Reims day trip in my last Paris visit, and was so glad I did. It made for my best day trip from Paris during my 4 days Paris .

I don’t know about you, but I don’t need anyone with me to enjoy some champagne in Reims. Call me Marylin Monroe. 

Also, Reims is so close to Paris, it makes an ideal Paris day trip. Here is how I did it on a budget.

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Reims, northeast of Paris, is situated on the Vesle River and the unofficial capital of the wine-growing, Champagne region (Champagne-Ardenne region) where the beautiful bubbly gets its name. Sparkling wine is sparkling wine, but only French sparkling wine can be called Champagne.

The Champagne wine region has been a rich agricultural area of France going back to the rule of Charlemagne and produces approximately 300 million bottles of champagne a year.

Champagne is home to over 1900 municipalities, but only Reims can boast the Cathédrale of Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims Cathedral), a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is one of Europe’s most historic, Gothic churches and the site of French king coronations. Reims is also where the Germans surrendered to the Allies in May 1945 to end WWII in Europe.

If you like champagne and history, again, it would be a complete shame not to put Reims on your visit list while traveling single in Paris.

You can certainly spend more than a day in Champagne. If you do, make Reims a home base while you tour the Champagne region. 

If you don’t multiple days, however, Reims is definitely doable day trip from Paris. The fact that you can do a Champagne day trip to Champagne region from Paris without a car is a major bonus. Hence, this blog post.

For this self-guided Champagne itinerary, plan for at least 8 hours in Reims.

Why did I choose Reims over Épernay or any other Champagne city? It wasn’t just the Champagne Houses, it was also the Reims Cathedral , which I learned so much about in art school and was on my bucket list ever since.

The Reims Cathedral is just one of the things to do in Champagne, France for your Champagne solo travel.

A great thing about doing a self-guided Paris to Champagne day trip? The Paris to Champagne train time is only 45 minutes if you ride the TGV train to Reims . Catch the train from the Paris Gare de l’Est.  

Round trip Paris to Reims train tickets online are inexpensive. The train from Paris to Reims runs all day so you have multiple Paris departure/arrival options.

CORR Travel Tips

There are tickets available with train changes, but purchase a direct Paris to Reims train ticket to save travel time.

I also recommend reserving a seat in high season and downloading your ticket to your phone. To save some money, get your ticket online in advance .

To see more than Reims while visiting Champagne from Paris without a car, you can also access Epernay and Châlons-en-Champagne by train. However, this self-guided day trip itinerary only allows time for Reims (and it’s enough, trust me).

Trainline has Cheap Train and Bus Tickets

Reims is very walkable.  It’s flat with much to see in close proximity. This itinerary is purely on foot, and you’ll never be walking more than 30 minutes (max) at a time. 

However, if you wish to get some more Reims in on your day trip or just rest your feet, Reims’ public buses and trams can help meet your needs. It’s inexpensive, too.

Champagne Day Trip Itinerary

This self-guided Champagne itinerary assumes you’ll return to Paris in time to relax and have dinner. That said, departing Paris before 9am with a direct train ticket is ideal.

Champagne Houses open 9:30am to 10am.  I know what you’re thinking. No, it’s never too early in the day to enjoy champagne.

You always have the option to dine in Reims for dinner to extend your day trip, of course.

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Doing a walking Reims champagne tour is beneficial so you can get fresh air between bubblies. You won’t be as sleepy so you can enjoy more of the Reims sights.

Plus, let’s be real: you’re eating and drinking a fair bit of champagne, so walking is a great way to work off the calories.

The closest Champagne Houses open for tasting and touring are Champagne Charles de Cazanove and G.H. Mumm, with Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot being on the farther end of this Reims itinerary.

Stepping out of the Reims station, turn left and within 5 to 15 minutes you’ll hit your first tasting, depending on your preference. 

Just next to the station is the first possibility, Champagne Charles de Cazanove , at 8 place de la République. If you’re on a budget, keep your money for the guided tours later in the day and pop in here for a tasting. It’s not as good as Mumm, in my humble opinion, but what do you have to lose by trying it?

If not, walk 10 minutes further to G.H.Mumm, 29 Rue du Champ de Mars . Enjoy a 90-minute Cordon Rouge experience (or other experience) while learning about Mumm’s champagne history. Check for tasting and guided tour hours and availability in advance. Times differ during the year.

Now that you’ve tickled your nose and are in the Reims vibe, head towards the city center to see Reims’ crowning (pardon the pun) glory, Reims Cathedral , just a 10 to 15-minute stroll away.

The Cathedral of Reims , Place du Cardinal Luçon, was the site of over 25 French king coronations and the center of the European reconstruction efforts in 1962. Taking over 200 years to build and completed in the 15 th century, it was built in the classic, Gothic style with flying buttresses, ribbed arches and tall windows. It became a UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1991.

The cathedral is open 7:30am to 7:30pm except Sundays (check for hours), and free to enter.

If you want, take a guided tour to learn more about the cathedral’s history, book online at least two weeks in advance. I did not do the tour and, instead, strolled the vast interior provided by stunning ribbed arches while soaking in the architectural details and light from the colorful, rosary trace windows.

Feel free to forgo one of the champagne tastings on this itinerary and tour as much of the cathedral as you please. Audio guides are available for self-paced tours and tower tours available at certain hours. Make sure you’re ready to take on the 200+ stairs.

After spending an hour or so, or when you feel like you got enough pictures of the cathedral and enjoyed the open aired plaza, now’s the time to relax with a wonderful lunch with perhaps some more bubbly or glass of wine.

The goal is to find a place close to the cathedral or along the way to the next tasting, Veuve Clicquot . For your convenience, here are some sumptuous dining recommendations that vary depending on your budget or tastes:

• Les Jardin Crayères , 7 Avenue du Général Giraud 
• Il Gusto , 48 Rue Dieu-Lumière
• Le Parc Crayères , 64 boulevard Henry Vasnier
• Au Plat du Jour, 217 Rue du Barbâtre

I decided to turn south from the cathedral for a 20 minute walk down the Rue des Capucins towards the beautiful Basilique Saint-Remi , another UNESCO World Heritage site . It’s free to enter and admire its lovely 11th century Romanesque nave.

I ended up at Il Gusto, just around the corner from the Basilique Saint-Remi, where I enjoyed a savory Italian meal. From there it was a mere 3-minute walk to Veuve Clicquot.

Pop into the Reims Touristic Office , 6 Rue Rockefeller, across from the Reims Cathedral plaza for more cuisine recommendations. They also provide Champagne House and accommodation recommendations.

Reims champagne tasting would not be complete without a Veuve Clicquot tour , 1, Rue Albert Thomas. I adore Veuve Clicquot, and adored the guided tour of this famous champagne’s caverns even more. 

The 90-minute Clicquot Signature tour is no longer available, but the Yellow Card 60-minute tour (in English) with two tastings looks to be very similar (confirm tour details with Veuve Clicquot), and at a reasonable price. I booked my tour just before lunch, and it was a small group probably because I was there in the off season, which I recommend. It felt like a more personalized tour.

Although you can reserve your tour on site, I would advise reserving in advance , especially in peak tourist season.

The skilled and courteous tour guide leads you to the stunning underground cavern where you get a brief introduction to the champagne with the tour and tasting. Our champagne tour guide was pleasant and patient with the many champagne questions while also providing information on the history of the Champagne House and its caverns.

The caverns have not just housed the champagne, but they also served as underground access for the Allies during WWII.  Here you can see a Red Cross sign marking the way to the hospital for the wounded.

This Champagne House was my favorite tour on this champagne day trip.

Equally breathtaking, informational, and tasty is the Taittinger champagne tour experience. Located at 9, Place St Nicaise, Taittinger is just an 8-minute walk back towards the city center from Veuve Clicquot.

Again, I booked my champagne guided tour onsite. I relished the L’Instant Rosé tour with two tastings (I love Rosé). Tattinger offers a variety of champagne tastings with your tour. Note, they close at 5:30pm with the last champagne tour offered at 4:15pm.

* Tattinger’s cellar tour and tasting is reopening in 2024.

After a brief overview of the House, you descend down winding stairs 18 meters down to their historical, chalk quarry caverns, also an UNESCO World Heritage site . These caverns have housed champagne first made by Benedictine monks and have survived the French Revolution when the abbey did not.

The champagne is lovely and the staff very accommodating.  A very pleasant experience for sure. 

One more for the road? After Taittinger, it’s only a 15 to 20-minute walk back to the city center. By now you’ve finished your 8-hour Paris to Champagne tours in Reims and tasted at 2 to 4 champagne houses, all within walking distance.

Before your Reims to Paris train, walk through the Place Drouet d’Erlon , sightsee or shop if that’s your thing. You’re bound to find a lovely space to sip another glass of champagne before your Champagne to Paris train departs.

If you’re not in a hurry, have dinner in Reims.  There are multiple dining options in the vicinity.  Perhaps try one of these:

• Le Bocal , 27 Rue de Mars
• Le Boulingrin , 31 Rue de Mars
• Le Crypto , 14 Place du Forum
• Le Foch , 37 Boulevard Foch

I hope you truly enjoy your self-guided Champagne day trip from Paris to Reims without a car.

What time of year you visit Reims, what tasting/tours you choose, your lunch and Paris Reims train ticket will vary your total Champagne day trip from Paris budget, of course.

As a ballpark estimate, here is what you could expect to pay to plan your Champagne day trip from Paris budget (max estimate prices at time of writing):

• Round-trip Paris Reims (direct) ticket bought in advance : 30€
• Mumm Cordon Rouge Experience (1.5hr tour and tasting): 28€
• Reims Cathedral (no tour): Free
• Lunch of your choosing: 35€
• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Card (1-hour tour with two tastings): 35€
• Taittinger Cellar Tour (with 4 tastings): 35€

Again, these are estimates, but how does roughly 175€ sound for a full day in Champagne with three champagne house tours and tastings, sound?

Do a budget lunch and forgo a champagne house and you still have an amazing day in Champagne without a car for your travel budget.

Overall, while it may not be the most luxurious Champagne experience, it is still possible to have a great Champagne day trip from Paris to Reims on a budget using this self-guided Paris day trip itinerary and complete your Paris solo travel. You only live once, and regret sucks .

Sold on the idea of taking a Champagne day trip from Paris but want to take a tour instead? I hear ya. Sometime’s it’s nice to break up the solo travel and meet people. No problem, I totally understand.

The good news is you can get a Paris Champagne tour to Reims (or a day trip to Épernay from Paris tour) that could suit your Paris itinerary. If you are going to pay for a Paris Champagne tour, I would stick to a small group tour for the best value.

Here are some highly rated, options I would consider the best Champagne tours from Paris because they are small group tours and reasonably priced. I would consider doing one of these tours while traveling France.

Also included are some other tours in Reims for convenience. Just book early if you’re traveling during the high season.

Best Champagne Tours from Paris & Reims Tours

Perhaps you’re thinking now one day in Champagne just not enough. Here you can find a complete listing of Champagne’s Champagne Houses for informtion on how to visit each, with a Champagne region of France map to those champagne houses that allow tours of their champagne cellars.

Again, the Reims Tourist Office can assist or help you book a tour in English.

With trains running between Reims, Châlons-en-Champagne, and Épernay , it is possible to expand upon your Paris to Champagne region tour without a car.

Let Me Hear From You

I hope you truly enjoy your Champagne day trip from Paris to Reims without a car for budget and eco-friendly travel in France. Write me a comment below to let me know how much fun you had.

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A Day trip to Reims from Paris: Champagne & History

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Are you keen on taking a day trip to Reims from Paris? Then this post is for you. Because taking a day trip is fun. Organizing it? Not so much. Especially if you are unsure about train tickets, schedules and where to even start planing your Reims day trip from Paris .

My husband and I did a day trip from Paris to Reims, so I will tell you first-hand everything about it. I will share with you how to get best from Paris to Reims, where to book your tickets and what’s there’s to do to in Reims. Other than tasting the most delicious Champagne, of course.

At the end of this article, I will give you our exact itinerary. Feel free to copy!

Tip: Experience a stress-free adventure by booking an all-inclusive Champagne & Sightseeing Day Tour from Paris to Reims !

Salut, I am Lena – travel planning expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷

Visiting Reims from Paris is an ideal adventure if you want to explore a French wine region without the hours of travel time. In fact, it’s one of the easiest and most accessible day trips from Paris. The train ride takes only 40 minutes, whisking you away to a city that seamlessly blends history, champagne, and culture.

Is Reims worth visiting?

The fact that I took the time and write an article about my day trip to Reims from Paris gives it already away: Of course, Reims is worth visiting. Let me tell you why.

Firstly, Reims as a huge historical significance, as the city stands as a symbol of France’s royal heritage. It’s the very place where French kings were traditionally crowned, adding a layer of regal grandeur to its streets and landmarks.

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Beyond its royal past, Reims boasts a profound Roman history, evident in its architectural remnants and underground crypts. Walking through its ancient streets feels like a journey through time.

However, what truly sets Reims apart and is the No.1 reason is obviously Champagne. Reims is the Champagne capital, after all.

It’s here that you can savor the world’s finest bubbly at renowned champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Pommery. You can explore the famous Champagne cellars, sample rare vintages, get insights into the art of champagne-making, and buy a few bottles at a good price for your personal stock.

In short, a day trip from Paris to Reims makes for an ideal getaway if you are fascinated by French history, are a wine enthusiast, or just fancy exploring more of France without committing to extensive travel. You are all of the above? Then Reims is simply perfect.

Paris to Reims Day Trip: Where is Reims?

Reims, pronounced as “Rance,” is nestled in the northeastern part of France , in the heart of the Champagne-Ardenne region , now part of the Grand Est Region. Reims is known as the capital of the Champagne wine-producing region. It also boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times.

Did you know that only Champagne, made from grapes harvested in the Champagne region, is legally allowed to be called Champagne?

Distance Paris to Reims

➲ Book your train to Reims here

Its location, approximately 144 kilometers (90 miles) east of Paris, makes it a super convenient destination for a day trip. Mostly because of the fantastic French high-speed train TGV . It reduces the travel time to an unbelievable 40 minutes. You are literally there in no time.

But even if you decide to drive from Paris to Reims or join one of the many excellent Reims day tours from Paris , you won’t spend overly much time on transport.

Tip: Experience a stress-free adventure by booking an all-inclusive Champagne & Sightseeing Day Tour from Paris to Reims ! Hotel Pick up included 🙂

How to get to Reims from Paris

Getting from Paris to Reims is a breeze. As it’s only 144km (90 miles) east from Paris, it’s an easy-to-access destination. Overall, you have 3 options:

#1 Paris to Reims by Train: The TGV

If you decide to organize your Paris to Reims day trip , taking the train is by far your best option. The high-speed TGV trains run regularly between Gare de l’Est in Paris and Reims Center, with a journey time of around 40 minutes to an hour.

It’s best to book your tickets in advance to secure the best prices and availability. Once you arrive at Reims, you find the train station just a few minutes from the city center.

Reims is compact and easily navigable on foot, so you don’t have to worry about getting from A to B.

#2 Book a Reims Day Tour with Transportation included

➲ Book your all-inclusive day tour to Reims for a stress-free adventure

An organized day tour from Paris to Reims with transportation offers you a hassle-free solution. With everything expertly curated, from transportation to guided tours of Reims and champagne house visits, it’s the perfect option for you if you want a stress-free getaway.

Some tours offer day trips from Paris to Reims that are even extending the adventure to Épernay. This town is the second most significant Champagne city, allowing you to explore the vineyards and savor the region’s finest offerings. This is one of the most booked tours to Champagne , that covers both.

With minimal planning and maximum enjoyment, these tours are the ultimate way to make the most of your day trip from Paris to Reims

Reims and Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour

• visit 2 Champagne Houses
• Taste bubbly Champagnes
• Enjoy a 3-course Lunch
• visit the Cathedral of Reims
• visit vineyards in Épernay
• Hotel pick up & drop off
• English-speaking guide
• Small Group & Mini Van

Here’s for you a selection of the most popular tours from Paris to Reims and the Champagne region:

• Day Trip to Champagne with 8 Tastings & Lunch ➲ view prices and schedules
• Small Group Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings ➲ view prices and schedules
• Reims & Champagne Tasting Full-Day Tour ➲ view prices and schedule
• Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims & Family Winery ➲ view prices and schedul es
• Veuve Clicquot Tour from Paris ➲ view prices and schedules

#3 Drive to Reims from Paris with a (rental) car

➲ Book your rental car here

Driving to Reims by car , a journey of 144 kilometers, takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for maximal flexibility and wish to embark on a scenic road trip through the picturesque vineyards.

However, careful planning is crucial to avoid wasting time. Importantly, keep in mind that the alcohol tolerance for drivers in France is exceptionally low and is it’s of course, a dangerous endeavor if you plan to attend champagne tastings.

This option is advisable only if you have a designated, sober driver at the wheel.

Best Things to Do on a Reims Day Trip from Paris

Now that you’ve arrived in Reims, it’s time to dive into the city’s top attractions. Here’s a list of the best things to do during your day trip from Paris to Reims.

#1 The Cathedral of Reims

➲ Book your guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims here

The most impressive sight you’ll see on your day trip to Reims from Paris is the the awe-inspiring Reims Cathedral. Officially the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims .

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and played a pivotal role in French history as the place where the French monarchs were crowned from the 12th century on. Well, all French kings, except two: Louis VI and Henry IV.

It’s a stunning piece of architecture. And eve though it’s not the Cathédral de Notre Dame de Paris, it is a great alternative to visit, knowing that Notre Dame is still under restoration.

#2 The Wine Cellars of Veuve Clicquot

➲ pay less with the Reims City Pass

No visit to Reims would be complete without indulging in some exquisite champagne. Head to the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne House , where you can explore their historic cellars and learn about the champagne-making process.

From the center of Reims, you can walk to the Veuve Clicquot Visitor’s Center. That’s at leaset what we did. It takes 30 minutes from the Cathedral of Reims and it is an ok walk. But that’s being said, you can also take a bus (20 min) or simply hail a taxi.

Regarding Veuve Clicquot I might be a biast, though. Because my husband and I went to Reims on our wedding anniversary, as Veuve Clicquot was our wedding Champagne. So, of course, I loved everything about our visit.

It was fantastic, and visiting the cellar, trying Champagne and then spending a little fortune on champagne from the birth year of your children. It’s one of my fondest memories.

# 3 Wine Cellars of Vranken Pommery

Right next to Veuve Cliquot lies – very conveniently – the wine Cellars of the Champagne House Vranken Pommery . Perfect to seamlessly continue your champagne odyssey in Reims without missing a beat.

Pommery is the second-largest Champagne group. So, if you plan to visit their cellars, you can expect a top-notch experience.

Their estate is massive. A surface more or less like the Louvre , the Tuileries Garden and the Place de la Concorde combined. This is without considering the underground maze of caves: more than 18 km of cellars and chalk pits, some of them date back to the Romans. And did I mention that they have an Art Deco Villa that is almost a castle?

Other Champagne houses you can visit in the City of Reims:

• Champagne Mumm
• Champagne Taittinger
• Champagne G.H.Martel & Co.
• Champagne Lanson

# 4 Basilica Saint-Remi

After savoring the effervescent pleasures of champagne, take a step back in time with a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Remi. The basilica dates back to the 11th century and holds the relics of Saint Remi, the patron saint of the city.

Moreover, during the era when kings were still being crowned in the nearby Cathedral de Notre Dame, the Basilica Saint-Remi safeguarded the sacred oil.

Like the Cathedral de Notre Dame de Reims and the Palace de Tau, the Basilica Saint-Remi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you are not a French history buff, it might not be worth it to walk down here. But, if you are visiting the Champagne Houses on your day trip from Reims to Paris and are therefore in the neighborhood, the Basilica is definitely worth a brief visit.

You find here as well the Musée de Reims, if you are keen on knowing more about your destination.

# 5 Musée de la Reddition

➲ free with the Reims City Pass

For history and World War 2 enthusiasts, the Musée de la Reddition, is a must-visit on your Reims day trip from Paris. This unassuming building served as the site where the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany was signed on May 7, 1945.

Explore the museum’s exhibits, including artifacts from World War II, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s role in this pivotal moment in history.

# 6 Palais du Tau

The Palais du Tau is an absolute must-visit in Reims, conveniently situated right in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Cathedral de Notre-Dame de Reims. The Palais du Tau was the palace of the Archbishop and today, it proudly holds the distinction of being Reims’ third UNESCO Heritage Site.

The Palace was also the venue for lavish banquets hosted for French monarchs, who resided here before and after their crowning ceremonies.

In present times, this elegant building showcases an impressive array of sculptures, tapestries, and treasures from the cathedral.

#7 Cryptoportique of Reims

The Cryptoportique de Reims it’s one more of the Roman Ruins sites that you find all over Reims. It comprises three semi-underground corridors dating back to the year 100 AD. Originally serving as grain storage, it also doubled as a covered market and shelter from the elements.

Today, it offers free access to visitors and often hosts events and markets, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s ancient history and versatile use over the centuries. As it’s located right in the center of Reims, you can easily put it on your day trip itinerary.

# 8 Place Drouet d’Erlon

For a taste of local life, make your way to Place Drouet d’Erlon. Honestly, you can’t miss it, really. When you leave the train station, you will walk right onto it. It’s a cute and central square, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops.

It’s the perfect spot to savor a leisurely lunch or sip on a coffee while people-watching. If you’re visiting during the evening, the square comes alive with vibrant nightlife.

# 9 Place Royale

As you stroll through Reims, take a moment to explore the elegant Place Royale. It’s one of this typical massive squares that you find in many French cities. Decorated with statues and sculptures, honoring kings and emporers. It’s a picturesque spot for taking photos.

# 10 Porte de Mars

Wrap up your day trip with a visit to Porte de Mars, one of the city’s remaining Roman gates. This ancient structure dates back to the 3rd century and is, in fact, the largest existing Roman arc.

Until the 16th century, the Porte de Mars was the entry gate to Reims, connected to the ramparts of the city. It’s pretty impressive to see how well the details and sculptures on the gate are preserved.

Copy our itinerary: A Day trip to Reims from Paris

➲ or book a premade tour for less organization and stress

As promised, I share with you now a quick break down of our Paris to Reims day trip. It was very straightforward and if you are in for a good and hassle-free time in Reims, feel free to copy it.

#1 Transportation: Paris to Reims by Train

My husband and I traveled to Reims by train, and the journey, lasted 45 minutes. This was mind-blowing because it took us actually longer to reach Gare de l’Est from our home in Paris than it did to get from Paris to Reims.

Usually, there are 7 directs trains between Paris and Reims. The first train leaves Paris at 7:30 in the morning and to come back from Reims, your latest train is at 19:15.

You can book here on omio. It’s an English-speaking page that’s very easy to use. They send you your tickets right into your mailbox.

#2 Champagne Tasting in Reims

We did the Veuve Clicquot tasting and cellars tour loved every second of it. We booked our tour ahead of time with Veuve Clicquot directly . They offer different tours, but we took the basic one that included a cellar tour and a Champagne tasting.

Following the tour, we decided to enhance our experience with some extra tastings, available for an additional cost at their shop.

My tip: Our timing turned out to be a bit unfortunate. With better planning, we could have seamlessly continued our journey with a visit to Champagne House Pommery, which is located right next to the Veuve Clicquot House.

#3 Sightseeing in Reims

Our day trip from Paris to Reims felt like a leisurely stroll from the train station to the Veuve Clicquot Cellar. Along the way, we explored all the city’s sights, including a delightful lunch stop.

What made it exceptionally convenient was that all the attractions are in the city center, allowing us to visit them one after another at a relaxed pace.

What we saw in Reims:

• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Reims
• Palais du Tau (the outside)
• Place Royal
• Place Drouet d’Erlon
• Cryptoportique
• Porte de Mars
• Veuve Clicquot
• Basilica Saint-Remi

#4 Lunch in Reims

Reims boasts an abundance of fantastic restaurants. Given that it was our wedding anniversary, we did a lot of research and opted for a Michelin-starred dining experience at Racine .

Wait! Dining? I thought we’re talking about Lunch! That’s true, but my husband and I spent one day in Reims, but left only the next morning. So we had dinner there. But Racine offers as well a Lunch Menu, which is – by the way – by far not as expensive as the dinner menu.

Anyway, Racine was an exquisite choice, with absolutely delicious cuisine. I wholeheartedly recommend it for a memorable culinary experience.

Racine serves a unique fusion of Japanese and French dishes in a simple, cozy setting with only 15 seats, which makes it a very intimate dining experience. It felt very private and the service was excellent.

Voilà, now you have everything at hand to plan your fantastic day trip from Paris to Reims. Whether you are venturing out there on your own or joining an organized tour, you can be sure to make memories for life.

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FAQ: Day Trips from Paris to Reims

Yes, absolutely. Especially if you are interested in French History and Champagne. Reims is the capital of the Champagne Region and you can visit some of the most important Champagne Houses in the city of Reims. Reims has also an important historical significance, as it was in the impressive Cathedral, Notre Dame de Reims, where the French Kings got crowned. But also in more recent history, Reims played a key role. It’s here where the Nazi Germany surrendered in WW2.

The city center of Reims is rather small and most sights are located close to each other. Hence, if you spend one day in Reims, you will be able to see all sights and visit one or two Champagne Houses. If you are keen on visiting more of the Region and exploring as well the vineyards and villages around, it’s best to stay the night or join a day tour from Paris to Reims. Those are very efficient and allow you to see most of the area in as little as a day.

Reims is wonderful, if you are interested in French history AND Champagne. If you are visiting the Region solely for Champagne, then head out to Épernay.

Reims is a walkable city and it takes 30 minutes on foot to walk from the train station to the Champagne Houses Veuve Clicquot and Pommery. Some smaller wineries are located closer to the center. This being said, there is also a bus that runs by the Champagne houses.

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All you need to know about taking a trip from Paris to Reims

Things to do in Paris Day Trips from Paris Paris to Reims Day Trip

Referred to as the ‘Coronation city’, Reims (pronounced like "rance") has witnessed the making of French history right since the dawn of the millennium. The city is also the base to explore the beautiful Champagne trail of ‘Montagne de Reims’, where the world’s best champagnes come from!

From the Reims Cathedral to the vineyards and cellars of the champagne houses, there is a lot to explore in Reims, which is why it gets over 1.5 million visitors each year. A mere 145 km away from Paris , it is ideal for a day trip to enjoy the treasures of Reims. Move it to the top of your list of day trips from Paris.

Paris to Reims - In a Nutshell

Distance: 144 km (89.5 mi), duration : 1 hr 40 min, best time to visit : june-september, best way to travel : train/car, approximate budget/head : €104 ($110) per day, the champagne region of reims.

Did you know that Champagne, the bubbly everyone loves to celebrate is named after a region in France, a quaint town located 90km outside of Paris.

And since the birth of Champagne happened right here, all the famous Champagne brands like Moet and Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, GG Mumm, and Pierre Paillard have cellars and vineyards in this region!

The term "Champagne" refers to a type of bubbly, made according to specific standards, within one of the sub-zones of France's Champagne region.

Champagne is made up five wine producing districts within the historical province: Aube, Côte des Blancs, Côte de Sézanne, Montagne de Reims, and Vallée de la Marne.

The towns of Reims and Épernay are the most famous, especially Reims for it's world famous cathedral, the venue of the coronation of the French Kings.

Know that Reims and Épernay are not that close by and all these 5 districts are quite far flung. If you were to arrange a cab to take you from Reims to Épernay, it should cost you around 100€!

You'll see the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

Drive along the countryside and enjoy the scenic view.

Savor the ‘Red Ribbon’ champagne at the Mumm Champagne house!

What Makes Reims Special

Reims holds a special place in the history and culture of France. The city that has been around for two millennia has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Cathedral of Notre-Dame , the Palace of Tau , and the old Abbey of Saint-Rémi. But there is more to Reims than the towers of the Cathedral and the cellars of the champagne houses.

The city played an important in the World Wars and has a legacy of Art-Deco architecture and modern development. It is also known for its fine-dining with Michelin-star restaurants that stir up great food to accompany the excellent champagne of Reims.

Day Trips From Paris to Reims

Looking for tours that take you from Paris to Reims? Here are the 2 most popular Paris to Reims tours on the internet! Grab them soon before they sell out on the dates you've planned.

Top Things To Do In Reims

A day in Reims will involve you going through some of these iconic attractions. Here’s what you should expect during your excursion:

1 Reims Cathedral

The first chapter of almost every French king’s history played out at the Reims Cathedral. The 13th century Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals and the site of coronation of over 30 French kings. The sun shines through its brilliant rose windows and stained glass, which were painted not only by ancient artists, but even by the 20th century genius Marc Chagall.

2 Palais Du Tau

The walls of the Palace of Tau speak of the gaiety and celebrations of the coronations of kings. The palace hosted the ceremonial banquets after the coronation in the nearby Reims Cathedral. A fixture on every Paris to Reims day trip, the Palace is today maintained as a museum and contains the coronation objects like the Talisman of Charlemagne and the Chalice of coronation.

3 Montagne De Reims

The mountains of Reims offer the sweet bubbly that people across the world celebrate with – Champagne! The Montagne de Reims are one of the four regions of Champagne district AOC, where houses have the right to call their sparkling wines ‘champagne’. A Reims champagne tour will definitely take you through the Montagne de Reims to discover the sunlit vineyards that produce the famous sparkling wine.

4 Abbey of Saint Rém

Saint Rémi is the patron saint of the city of Reims and holds importance as the Bishop who converted Clovis, the King of Franks, to Christianity. His relics are still preserved at the Abbey, beside which is the grander Basilique Saint-Remi. The basilica competes with the Reims Cathedral in size and has been built in classic Gothic style.

Going From Paris to Reims

Distance From Paris : 144 km (89.5 mi) Time Taken : 1 hr 40 min

Paris to Reims Day Trip Transport Options

Best time to take your trip from paris to reims.

Reims is a beautiful city to explore and while one might want to see and experience everything there are often constraints that need to be taken into consideration.

• Season : A day trip to Reims is best from May to October when the weather is just right. The summer season is from June to August when it’s warm and the weather is perfect for a visit to the Champagne country. The vineyards can be a delight when the sun is out. All the attractions are open and several festivals and keep happening through this period making Reims a very lively and tourist-friendly place.
• Time in Reims : Reims in Champagne region is a historic city with a splash of nature to enjoy. Ideally, visitors can spend an entire weekend in Reims exploring the city and its many offerings. However, if you are in Paris only for a short duration, a champagne tour of Reims is the best way to explore the city within a day. Almost all the champagne tours in Reims design the tour in such a way that you get to see the historic bits as well as the champagne trail.

Tips For Your Paris To Reims Tour

• Logistics in the Champagne region can be quite frustrating since public transport is patchy. Taxis are very expensive and calling for a pick-up from beyond the city limits require you to pay not only for your journey, but for however long it takes for the taxi to arrive, too. The best way to go about these regions are an organized tour or self-driving. Since these tours sell out quickly, it's best if you book an organized tour that has tickets for wine tasting and vineyard tours included.
• The Cathedral can be photographed in all its glory from the street ‘cour Anatole France’ that is right behind the cathedral.
• You can go up the towers of the Cathedral from April to October.
• The facade of the Reims cathedral is beautifully lit up in a light show every summer. Known as the Reve de Couleurs it will run from 1st June to 10th September 2018. There is also another light show that takes place at the Abbey of Saint Remi every Saturday at 9:30 PM until October 7th.
• Champagne cellars are cool at any given time of the year. The temperatures can go down to ten degrees Celsius, it is best to carry warm clothing on this segment of the tour.
• The Boulingrin Market is an old covered market in the city and opens on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings. You can find all sorts of local delicacies including Reims Pink Biscuits, ham and mustard.
• Reims has got 9 Michelin stars restaurants that you can visit - L'Assiette Champenoise, The Domaine des Crayères, Le Foch, Le Grand Cerf, The Millennium, and Racine.
• If you wish to explore the Art Deco architecture, visit the Carnegie Library and the Reims Opera House.
• There are also Roman remains in Reims; you can explore them at the Cryptoporticus and the Mars Gate.

Other Day Trips from Paris

Paris to giverny.

Art and nature come together in the picturesque village of Giverny . The village made famous by the legendary impressionist artist Monet, is where he spent the last 40 years of his life and created his most iconic paintings. It is here that Monet lovingly created a home and studio, from where he would paint the vivid colors of his Clos Normand garden, the lotus pond, and the Japanese garden. Just 75 km away from Paris, Giverny is an ideal stop to explore the muse and inspiration of generations of Impressionist artists and Monet himself.

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Giverny .

Popular Tours From Paris to Giverny

Paris to Loire Valley

If you looking for an extravagant getaway within France, Loire Valley is just a train ride away from Paris. This picturesque stretch nestled between the frontiers of Northern and Southern France was once best known for its strategic importance. Apart from its rich yesteryears, Loire Valley still attracts several visitors who wish to catch a first hand experience of culture, art and splendour in a single trip. Moreover, wine tasting in Loire Valley is quite the fad, and Loire Valley Wine Tours from Paris are immensely popular.

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Loire Valley .

Popular Tours From Paris to Loire Valley

Paris to Normandy

Drama is writ large across the countryside of Normandy . From the dreamy woodlands to the stunning beaches, Normandy is a spectacular region with just the hint of drama and history. It’s most important part in recent history was played out on the D-Day beaches, where the Allied forces marched to victory, defeating the Germans during the World War II. The poignant war memorials and cemetery reflect upon the sacrifices of the war. A day trip to Normandy will also cover a tour of the countryside and the views of the English Channel from the cliff of Pointe du Hoc.

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Normandy .

Popular Tours From Paris to Normandy

Paris to Mont St. Michel

Travel back in time to the medieval ages with a day trip from Paris to Mont St. Michel. Mont St. Michel has a magnificent abbey built in the 8th century, which was once also used as a stronghold and prison. The Abbey forms a dramatic scenery, seemingly rising out of the flat sea. The interiors of the abbey are just as stunning as the exterior, and tell stories of warding of attacks and sieges over centuries. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, more than 3 million travelers visit each year making it one of the most popular destinations in France.

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Mont St. Michel .

Popular Tours From Paris to Mont St. Michel

Paris to versailles.

Versailles is one of France’s largest palaces, and has an immense cultural and historic significance. Experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site at its finest via a luxury coach from Paris, with special skip-the-line access to both the Palace and its beautiful gardens . Not only was Versailles once home to Kings of France Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis XVI as well as Queen Marie Antoinette, but it was also plays host to the Hall of Mirrors with its 17 windows and 350 mirrors. Explore all this with a friendly guide and handy headsets via this tour!

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Versailles .

Popular Tours From Paris to Versailles

Paris to Champagne

The birthplace of the favorite bubbly drink, Champagne, the Champagne region is a must-visit from Paris, especially for those willing to engage in spirited champagne tasting sessions. Find all your favorite Champagne brands here: Moet and Chandon, Veuve Cliquot, GG Mumm, and Pierre Paillard, among others. Dedicated cellars and lush vineyards dot the scenery of the Champagne region, making it an idyllic day trip destination from Paris, one you must definitely take up!

Read all about taking a day trip from Paris to Champagne .

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Manisha Choudhari

If there's one thing Manisha loves more than cake, it's travelling. While studying in London, she fell in love with the city, and decided that she wanted to combine her two interests - writing and travelling. Having made London her home, she now travels through Europe during summers, spends winters under ten blankets, and writes about her adventures in between.

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A drive up to Mt Charleston worth it - Las Vegas Forum

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A drive up to Mt Charleston worth it

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4 replies to this topic

We like the drive - lots of nice trees, often see deer,

its easy to combine red rock canyon and mt. charleston in a day trip.

Sure why not?

if a fan of nature I would do it, otherwise would sit by pool or in ac

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I paid $1,700 to visit Iceland. Horrible weather meant I couldn't see the Northern Lights, but I found 5 other ways to have a good time.

Posted: May 11, 2024 | Last updated: May 11, 2024

• I traveled from Baltimore to Iceland to see the Northern Lights.
• I spent about $1,700 on flights, hotels, and activities like whale-watching and snorkeling.
• I didn't see the Northern Lights, but I had a great time and would return to Iceland in a heartbeat.

Seeing the Northern Lights in person has always been on my bucket list. So, when I learned that 2024 is one of the best years to see them , I knew I had to take a trip to Iceland as soon as possible.

I booked a Northern Lights tour through Gray Line Iceland and paid $66 for a ticket that was valid for several days. But unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the scheduled tours were canceled each day I was in Iceland.

Although I was disappointed after spending $1,700 on hotels, flights, a rental car, and activities, I was still able to have a great time.

Here are five activities that made my trip to Iceland worth it.

My first stop was the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa.

My first stop was the Blue Lagoon , a famous geothermal spa with temperatures ranging from 98 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

Getting in a bathing suit and swimming in freezing weather might sound horrible, but the water was quite comfortable. I paid about $95 for this experience.

I took a virtual tour of the country through FlyOver Iceland.

My next stop was FlyOver Iceland, an attraction I learned about through an advertisement I saw at the airport. The $42 experience started with lectures and videos about the history of Iceland, mythology, and the land.

Next, we were led to a theater full of chairs with handlebars along the side, similar to the seats on a roller coaster. When everyone was seated, the chairs lifted, suspending each person in the air.

A screen at the front of the room displayed vivid videos of Iceland's beautiful natural landmarks . The seats moved as we watched the videos, and wind and scents to match the projected scenes blew around the theater. Mist hit my face as I saw videos of waterfalls, making it seem like we really were flying over Iceland.

This was a great alternative to physically seeing parts of the country I couldn't drive to because of the inclement weather.

The next day, I made a spur-of-the-moment decision to go whale-watching.

While in Iceland, I wanted to find an excursion that didn't require me to get on the road, so I spent about $120 to go whale-watching . I booked the last-minute adventure at a brick-and-mortar Gray Line Iceland location in downtown Reykjavík.

The mountain views , beautiful ocean, and the whales putting on a show were amazing. The boat had plenty of space, and the staff served coffee and hot chocolate.

After I got off the boat, I headed to the Geysir hot-spring area.

The weather lightened up during the three-hour whale-watching expedition, so I made the spur-of-the-moment decision to drive to the Geysir hot-spring area. The geothermal area was free to the public and featured geysers that could shoot water over 100 feet in the air .

Most geysers I encountered were inactive, but I saw a fountain-like hot spring, Strokkur, erupt twice.

Next, I headed to Thingvellir National Park for a snorkeling adventure.

Though it was freezing, I was excited to go snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. I paid $150 to go snorkeling and $30 for a diver to snap photos with a company called Dive.IS .

Once I got in my wetsuit, which was surprisingly warm, the instructor taught me about how the tectonic plates shifted. Then, we set out on the 30-minute snorkeling journey.

The buoyancy of the wetsuit made it easy to stay afloat, and I fully enjoyed the clear, refreshing water.

Even though I didn't see the Northern Lights, the trip was worth the money.

Overall, I still think the $1,700 I paid to travel to and explore Iceland was well spent.

Due to the snowy, cloudy weather, I never went on the Northern Lights tour I'd booked. Though my heart was set on seeing the streaks of blue, green, and purple flash across the sky, my stay showed me plenty of things to see and do in Iceland.

I got out of my comfort zone by whale-watching and snorkeling and had an amazing time learning about the country's rich history.

Gray Line Iceland, the company I booked the $66 Northern Lights tour through, offered customers who didn't see the lights the option of getting a refund or a ticket to use in the future. I opted for the ticket.

I'll definitely return to Iceland to try to see the lights again soon.

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Stage set for Donald Trump rally in Wildwood, NJ

WILDWOOD, New Jersey (WPVI) -- There are signs all over Wildwood that former president Donald Trump will be in town.

City officials say over 20,000 tickets have been issued so far for the rally on Saturday.

"New Jersey's not even a Republican state, it shows you that he's thinking about everybody," said Mario Simione of Point Pleasant Beach. "Even if he knows he's not going to win the New Jersey vote."

Most voters we spoke with on Friday say border security and the economy are their biggest concerns this election cycle.

The campaign stop falls in the middle of Trump's ongoing hush money trial.

"I'm not worried about the trials, I'm not worried about the cases. He's innocent," said Danielle Ridorfino of Trenton.

The gates open at noon Saturday ahead of the rally on the beach.

Trump is expected to speak around 5 p.m.

Some folks started lining up on the boardwalk Wednesday night.

"This is my 52nd rally. So we go to a lot of them. We're part of the front row Joe's," said Sharon Anderson of Etowah, Tennessee at the front of the line.

Tickets have been available on the Trump campaign website.

City officials say parking will be tight this weekend, with several other events going on in addition to the rally.

Parking meters will be enforced, starting a week earlier than usual.

Officials add camping out is not necessary to get a spot inside.

"If you want to be up front, then you gotta get there early. But I'm telling people - there's plenty of room. It's not like Convention Hall the last time he was here - it had 8,000 seats. We have plenty of areas for people to sit in," said Mayor Ernie Troiano, a Republican.

He says this rally is a boom for the shore.

"Any time that you can have a president or a candidate for president come to your community, it's a win-win. It's an economic feast for the businesses," said Troiano.

The Biden-Harris campaign held a press call ahead of the rally, pointing to Trump's negative impacts on New Jersey.

"He really undermined the economic viability of Atlantic City," said Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat. "That he didn't pay workers, he didn't pay contractors, he had small businesses going out of business because of his failed promises."

There will be a designated protest space on the beach at Roberts Avenue. Groups who want to protest are supposed to get a permit from city hall.

The mayor says multiple police and law enforcement agencies will be on hand to help with security.

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