Reims

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling in Reims

Reims, the beautiful city in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, is a must-visit destination for any traveler. Known for its stunning cathedral, rich history, and world-class champagne production, Reims has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your trip to Reims, from places to visit and activities to enjoy, to where to eat, stay, and get around the city.

Places to Visit

1. Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims)

  • Address: Place du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • This magnificent Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous landmarks in France.

2. Palace of Tau (Palais du Tau)

  • Address: Place du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
  • This former archbishop’s palace is now a museum showcasing art and artifacts from the cathedral and the history of Reims.

3. Champagne cellars (Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, etc.)

  • Address: Various locations in Reims
  • Hours: Varying hours depending on the cellar
  • Take a guided tour of one of the many champagne cellars in Reims to learn about the production process and taste some of the best champagnes.

4. Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)

  • Address: 12 Rue Simon, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
  • This museum features a collection of European art from the 16th to 20th centuries.

5. Porte de Mars (Mars Gate)

  • Address: Place de la République, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Always accessible
  • This ancient Roman gate is one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks in Reims.

6. Reims Museum of History (Musée d’Histoire de Reims)

  • Address: 12 Rue Simon, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
  • This museum tells the story of Reims’ rich history, from prehistoric times to the present day.

7. Parc de la Patte d’Oie

  • Address: Avenue de Laon, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Always accessible
  • This beautiful park is perfect for a stroll or picnic and offers stunning views of the city.

Activities

1. Champagne tasting and wine tour

  • Take a guided tour of a champagne cellar and learn about the production process while sampling some of the best champagnes.
  • Cost: Varies depending on the cellar and tour
  • Duration: Typically 1-2 hours

2. Reims Cathedral audio-guided tour

  • Explore the stunning cathedral with an audio guide, learning about its history and significance.
  • Cost: €6 (approximately $7 USD)
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour

3. Bike tour of Reims

  • Take a guided bike tour of the city, exploring its historic center and surrounding countryside.
  • Cost: €30-€50 (approximately $35-$57 USD)
  • Duration: Typically 2-4 hours

4. Hot air balloon ride over Reims

  • See Reims from a new perspective with a hot air balloon ride over the city and champagne vineyards.
  • Cost: €200-€300 (approximately $230-$350 USD)
  • Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Where to Eat

1. Le Grand Café

  • Address: 28 Place Drouet-d’Erlon, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to midnight, Sunday from 9 AM to 11 PM
  • This beautifully decorated café serves a range of French classics and delicious pastries.

2. Le Jardin des Crayères

  • Address: 16 Rue des Crayères, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 2 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM, Sunday from noon to 2 PM
  • This Michelin-starred restaurant serves creative, seasonal dishes in a beautiful garden setting.

3. Le Bistro des Halles

  • Address: 23 Place des Halles, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from noon to 2:30 PM and 7 PM to 10:30 PM, Sunday from noon to 2:30 PM
  • This cozy bistro serves a range of French classics at reasonable prices.

4. La Maison de la Truffe

  • Address: 22 Rue des Étuvés, 51100 Reims
  • Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM, Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
  • This charming shop and café specializes in truffle-based products and serves delicious sandwiches and pastries.

Where to Stay

1. Grand Hôtel des Templiers

  • Address: 22 Rue des Étuvés, 51100 Reims
  • Prices: From €100 (approximately $115 USD) per night
  • This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of Reims and offers beautifully decorated rooms.

2. Hotel de la Paix

  • Address: 9 Rue Buirette, 51100 Reims
  • Prices: From €60 (approximately $69 USD) per night
  • This charming hotel is located in a quiet area just outside the city center and offers comfortable rooms at reasonable prices.

3. Ibis Reims Centre Gare

  • Address: 28 Rue Raymond-Guyot, 51100 Reims
  • Prices: From €50 (approximately $57 USD) per night
  • This budget-friendly hotel is located near the train station and offers clean, comfortable rooms.

Things to Know

1. Language

  • While many people in Reims speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic French phrases to help you navigate the city.

2. Currency

  • The Euro is the official currency of France.
  • You can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices, or withdraw Euros from ATMs.

3. Weather

  • Reims has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters.
  • Be sure to pack accordingly based on the time of year you plan to visit.

4. Safety

  • Reims is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Transportation

1. By Air

  • The closest airport is Reims-Champagne Airport (RHE), which offers flights from several European cities.
  • From the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus into the city center.

2. By Train

  • Reims has a central train station with frequent trains to Paris and other French cities.
  • You can also take a train from Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris to Reims.

3. By Car

  • Reims is accessible by car via several highways, including the A4 and A26.
  • Parking is available at various locations throughout the city center.

4. On Foot or Bike

  • Reims is a very walkable city, and you can easily explore the historic center on foot.
  • You can also rent bikes at various shops in the city to explore the surrounding countryside.

Tips

1. Buy champagne directly from the cellar

  • Many champagne cellars offer direct sales, which can be cheaper than buying from a retailer.

2. Visit during off-peak season

  • Prices for accommodations and tourist attractions tend to be lower during the off-peak season (usually November to March).

3. Learn about champagne production before visiting a cellar

  • Understanding the production process will make your visit to a champagne cellar more enjoyable and informative.

4. Take a guided tour

  • Guided tours can provide valuable insights into the history and significance of Reims’ landmarks and attractions.

Other Things of Interest

1. Festivals and Events

  • Reims hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Fêtes Johanniques (June) and the Reims Jazz Festival (July).
  • Check the city’s events calendar to catch one of these exciting events during your visit.

2. Nearby Attractions

  • The beautiful champagne vineyards surrounding Reims are perfect for a day trip or bike tour.
  • You can also visit the nearby city of Épernay, known as the “Capital of Champagne.”

3. Local Products

  • Reims is famous for its champagne, but you should also try some of the local specialties like boudin (a type of sausage) and biscuit de Reims (a sweet cookie).

With this comprehensive guide, you’re ready to plan your trip to Reims! From exploring the stunning cathedral and champagne cellars to enjoying delicious French cuisine and drinks, Reims has something for everyone.