Best Time to Visit
May to October
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
French
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Discover Reims
Reims isn't just a city; it's the living heart of French history and the undisputed capital of champagne. Here, you can literally walk in the footsteps of kings within the soaring Gothic nave of the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where 33 French monarchs were crowned, before descending into the cool, chalky cellars of legendary maisons like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger to taste the world's most celebrated sparkling wine.
Beyond the bubbles and the basilica, Reims reveals a sophisticated, art deco soul. Stroll the streets of the city center, rebuilt with elegant geometric flair after WWI, and discover vibrant squares like Place Drouet d'Erlon, buzzing with café terraces. This is a city where every corner tells a layered story, from ancient Roman foundations to modern champagne innovation, all served with authentic northern French charm.
Why Visit Reims?
Walk Through Royal History: Stand beneath the 2,300 statues of Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO site where French kings were crowned, and explore the adjacent Palais du Tau to see the coronation regalia.
Taste World-Famous Champagne at the Source: Tour the historic crayères (chalk cellars) of prestigious houses like Pommery and Ruinart, and meet small-grower producers in the surrounding vineyards for authentic tastings.
Marvel at Art Deco Architecture: Discover one of France's largest collections of 1920s-30s architecture, including the stunning Carnegie Library and the geometric façade of the Villa Demoiselle.
Explore Ancient Foundations: Delve into history at the Cryptoporticus, a 3rd-century Roman gallery, and the grand Saint-Remi Basilica, another UNESCO site housing the tomb of the city's patron saint.
Experience a Lively, Walkable City Center: Enjoy the vibrant café culture on Place Drouet d'Erlon, shop at the covered market 'Les Halles du Boulingrin', and easily explore major sites on foot.
Discover a Dynamic Food Scene: Savor regional specialties like jambon de Reims (pink champagne ham) and biscuit rose de Reims (pink biscuits) paired, of course, with local champagne in traditional bistros.
Reims is Known For
Ready to explore Reims?
Reims Neighborhoods
Cathédrale & Centre-Ville
The historic and geographic heart of Reims, centered around the magnificent cathedral. This area is a bustling mix of monumental history, high-end shopping, and lively café terraces, all set within elegant, reconstructed art deco buildings.
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Saint-Remi
A quieter, more residential neighborhood anchored by the majestic Saint-Remi Basilica. It has a village-like atmosphere with charming streets, local bistros, and proximity to some of the city's major museums.
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Les Hautes Promenades / Art Deco District
An elegant district showcasing Reims' remarkable post-WWI reconstruction. Wide boulevards are lined with stunning art deco and art nouveau villas and public buildings, offering an open-air architectural museum.
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Place Drouet d'Erlon & South
The city's main social and dining hub. This long, pedestrianized square is packed with restaurants, brasseries, and champagne bars, buzzing from morning coffee to late-night drinks. It's the epicenter of Reims' convivial spirit.
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Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Book champagne house tours well in advance, especially for prestigious names like Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart; slots fill up weeks ahead during peak season.
- •For a more intimate and often better-value tasting, visit a 'récoltant-manipulant' (grower-producer) in the nearby villages like Verzenay or Bouzy; many require a call ahead.
- •The Reims City Pass offers free public transport and discounts to major sites and some champagne houses; calculate if it's worth it based on your itinerary.
- •Visit the cathedral early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds of day-trippers and tour buses.
- •On Saturday mornings, don't miss Les Halles du Boulingrin market for local cheeses, charcuterie, and produce—perfect for a picnic.
- •Many shops and smaller museums close for a long lunch break (roughly 12:30-2:30 pm); plan your shopping and visits accordingly.
- •The light show on the cathedral façade ('Regalia') is spectacular and free; check times as it varies by season, usually in the evening.
- •While French is key, staff at major champagne houses and tourist centers speak excellent English. Learning a few basic phrases is always appreciated.
- •Public fountains in the city center provide clean, drinkable water—bring a reusable bottle to refill.
- •For a unique perspective, take the electric shuttle bus 'Navette' that loops around the main tourist sites; it's an inexpensive way to get oriented.
Reims Food Scene
Reims' cuisine is robust, northern French fare, perfectly designed to pair with champagne. Think terrines, hearty dishes, and the famous local ham. The city boasts everything from traditional bistros (estaminets) to contemporary brasseries and, of course, elegant champagne bar dining.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Bistro (Estaminet)
- • Le Bocal
- • Au Petit Comptoir
- • Café du Palais
Look for 'Ficelle Picarde' and 'Potée Champenoise' (a meat and vegetable stew) on the menu for authentic regional dishes.
Champagne Bar & Fine Dining
- • Racine by Kei Kobayashi (2 Michelin stars)
- • L'Assiette Champenoise (3 Michelin stars)
- • Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage
Champagne bars often offer tasting flights, allowing you to compare different houses and styles without committing to a full bottle.
Brasserie & Café
- • Brasserie Le Boulingrin
- • Café de la Paix
- • Les 3 Brasseurs
Place Drouet d'Erlon is lined with terraces perfect for people-watching over a coffee, beer, or glass of champagne.
Markets & Street Food
- • Les Halles du Boulingrin (covered market)
- • Saturday morning market at Place du Boulingrin
- • Local bakeries for pastries
Grab ingredients from the market for a picnic in the Parc de la Patte d'Oie or on the cathedral square steps.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Reims
Spring
Spring sees the city and surrounding vineyards awaken. Days are mild, flowers bloom, and the tourist crowds are still manageable before the summer peak.
Pros:
- + Pleasant temperatures for walking
- + Vineyards turn green
- + Fewer crowds than summer
- + Hotels often have better rates
Cons:
- - Weather can be unpredictable with rain showers
- - Some outdoor café culture is still limited by cooler evenings
Summer
Warm, sunny days with long evenings perfect for terrace dining. This is peak tourist season, with festivals and maximum activity, but also the biggest crowds.
Pros:
- + Ideal weather for exploring
- + Vibrant outdoor café and street life
- + Festivals and events like 'Fêtes Johanniques'
- + Long daylight hours
Cons:
- - Largest crowds at major attractions
- - Highest accommodation prices
- - Champagne tour bookings are most competitive
Autumn
Arguably the most beautiful season, with the vineyards turning brilliant shades of gold and red. Harvest ('vendanges') occurs, and the air is crisp.
Pros:
- + Stunning vineyard scenery
- + Harvest season energy
- + Moderate crowds and prices post-summer
- + Excellent food and champagne pairing weather
Cons:
- - Days get shorter and cooler
- - Higher chance of rain in late autumn
- - Some seasonal attractions may wind down
Winter
Cold and quiet, with a festive atmosphere around Christmas. While some vineyards sleep, the city's champagne bars and cozy restaurants come into their own.
Pros:
- + Lowest tourist crowds
- + Magical Christmas market at the cathedral
- + Cozy atmosphere in bistros and wine bars
- + Best hotel deals
Cons:
- - Short, cold days (can be below freezing)
- - Some smaller attractions have reduced hours
- - Vineyard tours are less scenic
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Day Trips from Reims
Épernay
30 min by train or car
The other capital of Champagne, home to the prestigious Avenue de Champagne, a stunning street lined with the headquarters of Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and more, sitting atop miles of cellars.
Verdun
1.5 hours by car
A profoundly moving journey into World War I history. Visit the battlefields, forts, and memorials that define this pivotal site of the Great War.
Troyes
1 hour 15 min by train or car
A beautifully preserved medieval city known for its half-timbered houses, stunning Gothic cathedral, and status as the historic capital of the Champagne region.
Reims Budget Guide
Reims is moderately priced for France. Major costs are champagne experiences and dining, but sightseeing and transport can be very reasonable.
Budget
€60-90 per person for hostels, market meals, free sights, and public transport.
per day
Mid-Range
€120-200 per person for a comfortable hotel, bistro meals, a few paid attractions, and a champagne house tour.
per day
Luxury
€300+ per person for 4/5-star hotels, fine dining, private champagne tours, and high-end shopping.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •The Reims City Pass can save money if you plan to visit several museums and use transport.
- •Lunch menus ('formule' or 'menu du jour') at bistros offer much better value than dinner.
- •Buy champagne directly from smaller producers in villages for better prices than in city shops.
- •Many major sights, like the cathedral exterior and basilica, are free to enter.
- •Consider staying just outside the city center for lower hotel rates, as the center is very walkable.
Reims Hidden Gems
Musée de la Reddition (Surrender Museum)
The small schoolroom where the German High Command signed the unconditional surrender ending WWII in Europe on May 7, 1945.
A powerfully preserved moment in history that feels frozen in time, often overlooked by visitors focused on older history.
Faux de Verzy
A unique forest near Reims famous for its dwarfed, twisted beech trees, some over 1000 years old, creating an enchanting, fairy-tale landscape.
A magical natural wonder just a short drive from the city, offering a completely different experience from champagne and cathedrals.
Planétarium de Reims
A modern planetarium located in the Parc de la Patte d'Oie, offering immersive astronomy shows under a 15-meter dome.
A fantastic, family-friendly activity that provides a break from historical tours, with some shows available in English.
Chapelle Foujita
A small, strikingly decorated chapel designed and painted by the Japanese-French artist Léonard Foujita in 1966.
An unexpected artistic treasure with breathtaking frescoes in a unique, intimate setting, often quiet and contemplative.
Caves Colbert
Not champagne cellars, but a network of 2km of historic chalk quarries beneath the city, used for mushroom cultivation and as air-raid shelters.
Offers a fascinating underground history tour distinct from the champagne narrative, revealing another layer of Reims' subterranean world.
Reims Culture & Customs
Reims culture is deeply proud of its dual heritage: the solemn, historical weight of the coronation city and the joyful, celebratory essence of the champagne capital. Locals (Rémois) are generally friendly but reserved, valuing good food, good wine, and a certain 'art de vivre' (art of living).
Cultural Etiquette
- •Always greet shopkeepers and staff with 'Bonjour' upon entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving.
- •Champagne tasting is a respected ritual; it's polite to listen to the guide's explanations before drinking.
- •Dining is not rushed; meals are social occasions. You may need to ask for the bill ('l'addition, s'il vous plaît').
- •Dress smart-casual for champagne house tours and nicer restaurants; avoid overly casual beachwear.
- •Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated for good service.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Reims
How many days do I need in Reims?
Two full days is ideal. Dedicate one day to the cathedral, Palais du Tau, and exploring the city center/art deco architecture. Use the second day for a deep dive into champagne, with tours at one or two major houses and perhaps a trip to a nearby vineyard village.
Is it better to stay in Reims or Épernay?
Reims is larger with more non-champagne attractions (cathedral, history, museums), dining, and accommodation options. Épernay is smaller, more intimate, and focused almost entirely on champagne along its famous avenue. Choose Reims for a fuller city experience, Épernay for a immersive champagne retreat.
Can I visit champagne houses without a reservation?
For the major houses (Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery), reservations are mandatory and should be made online weeks in advance. Some smaller houses or grower-producers may accept walk-ins, but it's always safer to call or email ahead, especially for non-French speakers.
What should I wear for a champagne cellar tour?
The cellars are cool (around 10°C/50°F) and damp year-round. Bring a sweater or light jacket. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as floors can be uneven. Smart casual attire is recommended—avoid shorts, flip-flops, and sportswear.
Is Reims Cathedral free to enter?
Yes, entering the main nave of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is free. There may be a charge to access special areas like the treasury or to climb the towers (when offered), and donations are welcome to support its upkeep.
What is the best way to get to the Champagne vineyards from Reims?
The Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne vineyard areas require a car for flexibility. Alternatively, book a guided tour from Reims that includes transport, or take a local train to a village like Épernay or Ay and rent bikes or join a local tour from there.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in almost all hotels, restaurants, shops, and champagne houses. It's still wise to carry some euros (€20-50) for small purchases at markets, bakeries, or very small establishments.
When is the Reims Christmas Market?
The Marché de Noël typically runs from late November until just after Christmas, centered around the cathedral. It features wooden chalets selling crafts, local food, and mulled wine (vin chaud), creating a festive atmosphere against the stunning Gothic backdrop.
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