What to do in Reims? Wonder no more! Reims is a beautiful little city that really has so much to offer. Think incredible history, beautiful buildings, champagne houses. Read on to discover my favourite things in this wonderful city in France.
Where is Reims?
Reims is located 144km from Paris. It is slightly north east of Paris, heading toward the Belgium border. The city is moderately sized with a population of approximately 200,000 people. It takes about 45 minutes by train from Paris to Reims, or an hour and a half by car.
Is Reims worth visiting?
Reims is definitely worth visiting! It is an easily walkable city that has a lot to offer. There are countless champagne tastings to be done, historic buildings and the beautiful city centre to discover.
How many days for Reims?
We stayed for four days and loved it but you could choose to do 2-3 days if you don’t have longer available.
Is Reims a good day trip from Paris?
Absolutely! If you don’t have the time to stay in Reims it makes an easy day trip from Paris as it is only 45 minutes by train. It is an absolute must to sit in the finest champagne houses and sample them. Reims is such a lovely city you will find it easy to fill a day trip here. There are many organised tours to Reims from Paris, check them out below. We always use Get Your Guide for tours when we travel. They are well priced, well organised and I love being able to read the reviews so I can see what others thought of the tour.
When should I go to Reims?
The summer is always the higher season, between June and August but May and September are lovely too. The weather can be a little colder and rainy on either side of the high season.
Where to stay in Reims?
We found the best places to stay. Right in the centre of town and near the beautiful fountains. From here you can walk the city and see all the highlights! We stayed in this location and loved it. Reims isn’t cheap when looking to stay right in the centre. There are cheaper options further our near the train station (not that far of a walk) or beyond. We really wanted to be in the centre, these are the best we found.
Budget: Hypercentre 200M Cathedrale, LUX Cathédrale, Mid-range: Le Petit Jacques, Luxe: Saint Jacques, Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix
What to do in Reims, France?
Champagne Tasting
This was my favourite thing to do in Reims, and honestly why we visited! There are so many great Champagne houses in Reims that it is a must while here. We loved visiting as many different houses as possible and comparing the differences between them. We visited Veuve Cliquot, Pol Couronne and Pommery.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims is incredible. The sheer size of it is amazing and the detailed sculptures on the outside are so intricate. Inside the majestic Cathedral is lined with information about its history. 33 Kings of France were crowned here between 816 and . You can book a tour of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims, it is really affordable and a great way to learn about its rich history.
Basilique Saint-Remi
The Basilique Saint-Remi is another must visit church in Reims. Built in the 11th century to honour Saint Remi who was the patron saint that baptised Clovis, the first king of the Franks. Although smaller and less known than the Cathedral it is well worth the visit.
Église Saint-Jacques
The Église Saint-Jacques is a little Catholic Church in the centre of Reims. If you can visit while it is open it really is a hidden gem. There are beautiful stained glass windows in this quaint church.
Place Drouet d’Erlon
Place Drouet d’Erlon is a pedestrian square full of al fresco dining. There are many cafes and restaurants here that are busy with people enjoying the food and people watching. It is especially popular in the early evening for aperitif and dinner.
Subé Fountain
Located at the Place Drouet d’Erlon this fountain is stunning. It is topped with a gold angel and has incredible floral displays around it. We stayed right here overlooking the fountain and loved it!
Opéra de Reims and Old Opera House
Both opera houses are worth visiting. Unfortunately we couldn’t time it right to be there when they were open but I really want to come back and see inside, it looks beautiful.
Place Royale
A city square in Reims. In the centre is a bronze statue of king Louis XV of France with lovely buildings in the background.
Cryptoportique
The remains of three semi-buried galleries which formed the Gallo-Roman cryptoporticus. Built around the year 100, these galleries, could have served as a covered market. Now the site of a garden and area for concerts.
Statue de Jeanne d’Arc
The statue commemorating Joan of Arc is right near the Cathedral. The patron saint of France, legendary warrior, mystic, martyr, and saint who saved the city of Reims from the English army. She was instrumental in the Hundred Year War and the coronation of Charles VII of France, whom she led to Reims.
Carnegie Library of Reims
This little library sits in a lovely garden right in the centre of town. Beautiful Art Deco décor in the reading room and a small exhibition on the right as you enter. It is used as a public library and is worth the visit.
What to do in Reims itinerary:
How to plan your time in Reims for a 3 day itinerary.
Day 1: Go to the historic sites in Reims
Tour the Cathedral, visit the churches, opera house, library. It is all very central. Eat at the Place Drouet d’Erlon. Visit Cave des Sacres for the best knowledge to help you purchase wine and Biscuiterie de Reims Centre Ville for the famous Reims biscuit.
Day 2: Champagne tasting day!
Visit as many champagne houses as you can. Our favourites were Veuve Clicquot, Pommery and Villa Demoiselle, Tattinger and Pol Couronne.
Day 3: Day trip to Épernay
This is the tiniest little town full of incredible champagne houses. A day trip here is a must! Visit the Avenue de Champagne where you will find the houses for Moët et Chandon, Champagne Perrier-Jouet Boutique, Le 19 avenue de Champagne, Pol Roger Champagne, Atelier 1834 – Champagne Boizel, Champagne Paul-Etienne Saint Germain, Château Comtesse Lafond and Champagne Mercier. These houses all offer tours and tastings.
We will return to Reims and Épernay and update our blog as we visit each house! There is also an Épernay tethered baloon experience that looks incredible! Viewing the champagne vineyards and town from the sky.
You can take day tours from Reims or tours while in Épernay, check out these favourites from Get Your Guide! They have excellent reviews and
Check out our champagne tasting blog to see what we thought of our experiences. Reims is such a wonderful and beautiful city. We loved spending time here and soaking it up. I can’t wait to return to experience more of the champagne houses. Let us know if you are planning a trip to Reims, we are happy to help with any questions.
We have spent time in Colmar, Strassbourg, Saverne and of course Paris. France is a place we will always return and I can not wait to visit agian.
