ReimsNeighbourhoods of Reims
- Cathédrale QuarterHistoric, compact centre for sightseeing and daytime cafés, ideal for visitors wanting cathedral and Champagne tasting.
Dining: Bistros Nightlife: Busy Shopping: Souvenirs Stays: Mid-Range- Cathédrale Notre‑Dame de Reims: Stunning Gothic cathedral, centrepiece for Reims’s history and ceremonies.
- Palais du Tau: Former archbishop’s palace turned museum beside the cathedral.
- Place du Cardinal Luçon: Cathedral forecourt lined with cafés.
- Champagne HousesArea of major Champagne maisons offering cellar tours and tastings, suited to wine lovers visiting wineries.
Dining: Tasting Nightlife: Calm Shopping: Luxury Stays: Luxury- Champagne Pommery: Grand cellars with contemporary art displays in the domaine.
- Taittinger (visitor centre): Guided tours with tastings in the visitor centre.
- Veuve Clicquot (visitor experiences): Historic cellar visits paired with tastings.
- Saint‑Remi & ParcQuiet area of basilica, museum and park, good for history buffs and families seeking space.
Dining: Cafés Nightlife: Quiet Shopping: Museums Stays: Mid-Range- Basilique Saint‑Remi: Important Romanesque basilica that includes a museum.
- Musée Saint‑Remi: Museum of archaeology and regional heritage.
- Parc de la Patte d’Oie: Leafy green space beside the basilica.
- Place Drouet d’ErlonLively square of terraces, bakeries and restaurants, best for dinner and pre-theatre drinks.
Dining: Bistros Nightlife: Lively Shopping: Shops Stays: Mixed- Place Drouet d’Erlon: Square of bars and restaurants that livens up in the evenings.
- Restaurants and pâtisseries: Concentration of bakeries and restaurants popular with locals and visitors.
- Close links to tram stops: Close tram links make it easy to get around town.
Reims at a Glance
Costs: Typical daily budget: $120-220 - champagne tastings and tours push budgets higher; midrange dining is common.
Safety: Generally safe - low violent crime; watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Best Time: April-September - mild weather and peak Champagne-house visits; festival season runs in spring and summer.
The capital of Champagne - a historic French cathedral city where kings were crowned, and the gateway to the world’s most famous sparkling-wine cellars beneath its streets.
Why go / don’t miss: the Gothic Reims Cathedral (coronation church of French kings, UNESCO) and its Chagall windows, the Palais du Tau, and - above all - tours and tastings at the great Champagne houses (Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery).
Neighborhoods: the centre around the cathedral; with the Champagne cellars around the city.
Getting around: the centre is walkable; a car or tours for the Champagne route.
When to go: spring to autumn (autumn for the harvest).
Where to stay: the centre near the cathedral.
Dining: Champagne-region fare - the fizz itself, plus biscuits roses, ham and Chasource cheese.
Local tips: tour a Champagne house and its chalk cellars, admire the coronation cathedral, and it’s an easy TGV hop from Paris.
Why Visit Reims?
Champagne country brings travelers to Reims for world-class cellars, monumental history and grand Gothic architecture. Visitors tour celebrated maisons like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, and Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral showcases coronation history with soaring stained glass. Champagne-paired cuisine and local specialties such as the pink biscuit of Reims complement vineyard day trips, making the city an elegant base for exploring Grand Est wine culture.
Who's Reims For?
Foodies
Reims is a culinary stop for Champagne-pairing meals and bistronomy: tasting menus near Place Drouet d’Erlon and local brasseries focus on regional produce. Expect mid- to high-range pricing at major maisons like Veuve Clicquot and small plates in bistros.
Luxury
Maison visits and private tastings at top Champagne houses (Taittinger, Ruinart) plus upscale hôtels particuliers and Michelin-starred dining make Reims a luxury weekend. High-end experiences are concentrated near the cathedral and Avenue de Champagne in Épernay.
Couples
Strolling the cathedral, candlelit tastings and château picnics in the Marne valley create romantic days. Short drives to vineyard viewpoints and dinner in the pedestrian centre suit special-occasion trips.
Nature Buffs
Montagne de Reims Regional Park offers vineyard walks, forest trails and scenic drives through pinot noir slopes. Day trips along the Marne and smaller village trails provide quiet outdoor escapes.
Plan Your Visit to Reims
Best Things to Do in Reims
Palace
Palace of Tau
Archbishop's palace containing coronation regalia and tapestries
Religious Site
Reims Cathedral
Gothic cathedral in Reims famed for royal coronations
Church
Basilica of Saint-Remi
Historic Reims basilica housing medieval royal relics
Stadium
Stade Auguste Delaune
Reims stadium hosting football and large events
Historical Site
Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims
Gothic cathedral and coronation site for French kings
Historical Site
Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars
Vineyard slopes, historic cellars and Champagne production sites
Reims Bucket List
Don't Miss
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims - Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned, magnificent stained glass and sculptural program.
Basilique Saint-Remi - Romanesque-Gothic basilica housing Saint Remi’s relics and a peaceful medieval crypt.
Palais du Tau - Former archbishop’s palace with coronation treasures and art tied to the cathedral.
Maison Veuve Clicquot - Historic champagne house offering cellar tours and tastings beneath chalk cellars.
Porte de Mars - Massive Roman triumphal arch fragment, a tangible link to ancient Reims.
Hidden Gems
Musée de la Reddition - Small museum in the German surrender building showcasing World War II documents and uniforms.
Villa Demoiselle - Early 20th-century Art Nouveau mansion recently restored, offering elegant interiors and tours.
Cryptoportique gallo-romain - Network of underground Roman galleries beneath the city visible through guided archaeological displays.
Les Halles du Boulingrin - Art Deco covered market where locals shop for produce, charcuterie, and pastries.
Musée Automobile Reims-Champagne - Extensive vintage car collection housed in an elegant building outside central Reims.
Day Trips
Épernay - Champagne capital with Avenue de Champagne and major houses such as Moët et Chandon.
Hautvillers - Quaint village where Dom Pérignon worked; panoramic vineyard overlooks and intimate champagne cellars.
Parc naturel régional de la Montagne de Reims - Rolling vineyards, beech forests, and viewpoints; ideal for hikes and vineyard drives.
Châlons-en-Champagne - Historic town with canals, a peaceful cathedral, and atmospheric old-town streets.
Verdun - WWI battlefields, memorials, and the Douaumont Ossuary reachable by train or car.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Reims
Late spring and early autumn (May-June, September-October) are the best times to visit Reims, when temperatures are mild, vineyards are green and champagne cellars hum with tastings. Summers can be warm and crowded, while winters are chilly and quieter, better for museums and lower prices.
Winter
Cold, quiet winter brings frosty mornings and lower prices; museums and cellars are open but vineyards are dormant, so expect fewer outdoor activities and occasional snow.
Spring/Autumn
Late spring and early autumn are ideal: mild weather, blooming or harvest-time vineyards, fewer tourists than summer, perfect for cellar tours, picnics, and cycling through Champagne’s countryside.
Summer
Warm, lively summers bring festivals and busy champagne houses; long daylight is great for outdoor terraces, but expect crowds and occasional heatwaves-book tasting tours and accommodation early.
Reims's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (616 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 0° - 6° | -1° | 44 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
| February | Poor | 0° - 7° | 0° | 41 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.4 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 2° - 11° | 4° | 50 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 4° - 15° | 7° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.6h |
| May | Good | 8° - 19° | 14° | 61 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.2h |
| June | Very Good | 11° - 23° | 17° | 59 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.0h |
| July | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 57 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 3.3 m/s | 1.4 high | 15.6h |
| August | Very Good | 13° - 25° | 19° | 50 mm | overcast | 74% | 3.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 14.2h |
| September | Very Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 52 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 52 mm | overcast | 85% | 3.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.6h |
| November | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 52 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.9 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| December | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 54 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.0h |
How to Get to Reims
Reims is easiest to reach by train from Paris - regular SNCF TGV/TER services call at Gare de Reims and the nearby Champagne‑Ardenne TGV station in Bezannes. The nearest major international airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG); Reims also has a small regional airport (Reims-Prunay) with limited services.
Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG): From CDG you can reach Reims by train from the Aéroport Charles de Gaulle 2 TGV station (direct TGV/TER services to Champagne-Ardenne TGV or Gare de Reims). Typical journey times are ~40-60 minutes; advance TGV fares from Paris/CDG are often in the €15-€40 range. Coaches (BlaBlaBus/FlixBus) also run CDG↔Reims taking ~90-120 minutes with fares from about €6-€20; taxis or private transfer take ~45-70 minutes and cost roughly €90-€120.
Reims - Prunay / Reims Champagne (RHE): This small regional airport handles limited and seasonal services. If you arrive here, expect a short taxi ride into central Reims of about 15-25 minutes costing roughly €25-€45; there are no frequent scheduled shuttle trains, so plan for a taxi or pre-booked transfer.
Train: Reims is served by Gare de Reims (in the city centre) and Champagne-Ardenne TGV (Bezannes) on the LGV Est. High-speed and regional SNCF services link Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims in about 45 minutes; fares typically range from €15-€40 depending on how far in advance you book. If you arrive at Champagne-Ardenne TGV, local TER trains or short buses connect to Gare de Reims in ~10-15 minutes.
Bus: Long-distance coach operators (FlixBus/BlaBlaCar Bus) run frequent services to Reims from Paris and other French cities - journeys are typically 1.5-2 hours from Paris with fares from about €5-€20. Within the metro area, the Citura bus network covers the city and suburbs; single tickets and day passes are sold on-board, at kiosks and via the local app.
How to Get Around Reims
Reims is compact and best explored on foot for central sightseeing, with SNCF trains the quickest option for getting to and from Paris or for regional day trips. Use local Citura buses or a rental car if you plan multiple winery visits outside the city; taxis and coaches fill the gaps where trains are infrequent.
- SNCF (TGV & TER) (€15-€40) - TGVs and regional TER trains are the most convenient option for arriving and making day trips (Paris ~45 minutes). Gare de Reims is in the city centre; Champagne‑Ardenne TGV (Bezannes) is south of town and linked by short local services. Book SNCF tickets in advance for the best fares and expect €15-€40 for typical Paris-Reims journeys.
- Citura buses (local) (€1.60-€4.10) - The city and suburbs are served by the Citura bus network - useful for reaching attractions outside the pedestrian core and the Champagne houses farther out. Tickets can be bought on board, at vending machines or via the operator app; services are frequent on main corridors but check timetables evenings/weekends. Single fares are inexpensive and day passes are available for multiple hops.
- Intercity coaches (€5-€20) - FlixBus and BlaBlaCar Bus provide low-cost links to Paris, Lille and other cities; coaches are slower than TGVs but often much cheaper. Buses stop at the Reims coach hub or near the train station - typical Paris journey time is 90-120 minutes, with fares commonly €5-€20 if booked early.
- Taxi & Rideshare (€8-€120) - Taxis and app-based rides are plentiful at Gare de Reims and Champagne‑Ardenne TGV; expect straightforward door‑to‑door service for short trips in town. Short journeys in the centre are usually €8-€20; airport transfers (CDG↔Reims) are substantially more (roughly €90-€120). In peak hours fares can rise and wait times increase.
- Car rental (€35-€75/day) - Renting a car is handy for exploring the Champagne vineyards and smaller villages around Reims. Several international and local agencies operate at the train station and nearby; prices vary seasonally but expect roughly €35-€75/day. Note that parking in the historic centre can be limited and many streets are restricted to buses/pedestrians.
- Walking - The city centre of Reims is compact and very walkable - most major sights (Cathedral, Palais du Tau, main champagne houses) are within short walking distance of Gare de Reims. Walking is usually the fastest way to move between attractions in the heart of town and lets you enjoy the architecture and cafés at a relaxed pace.
Where to Stay in Reims
Budget
Near Gare & City Centre - €50-100/night
Basic hotels and budget chains near the station and city centre; practical for short stays and Champagne tours.
ibis Reims Centre Gare - Simple, near the train station.
MEININGER Hotel Reims - Budget chain, shared rooms available.
Mid-Range
Cathédrale & Boulevard Lundy - €90-170/night
Comfortable 3-4-star hotels around the cathedral and pedestrian streets; good value with breakfast and easy Champagne house access.
Mercure Reims Centre Cathedrale - Close to cathedral and shops.
Novotel Suites Reims Centre - Spacious rooms, good for families.
Luxury
Near City Centre & Parc de la Patte d’Oie - €160-350/night
High-end properties and country estates outside the centre offer refined dining and spacious grounds for Champagne-region stays.
Domaine Les Crayères (Reims) - Fine dining, large grounds.
Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix - Upscale, near TGV station.
Best for First-Timers
Cathédrale & Centre - €90-220/night
Stay near the cathedral or boulevards; easy walking to museums, Champagne houses, and the train station for day trips.
Mercure Reims Centre Cathedrale - Walkable to cathedral and museums.
Domaine Les Crayères (Reims) - Classic Champagne-region experience.
Best for Families
Centre & Parc - €100-200/night
Look for family suites and hotels with larger rooms; parks and pedestrian streets make exploring with children easy.
Novotel Suites Reims Centre - Family suites, flexible bedding.
Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix - Spacious rooms, central location.
Best for Digital Nomads
Place Drouet d’Erlon & Centre - €90-200/night
Choose hotels with stable Wi‑Fi and business centers; cafés near Place Drouet d’Erlon offer decent daytime workspaces.
Mercure Reims Centre Cathedrale - Good Wi‑Fi, business facilities.
Domaine Les Crayères (Reims) - Quiet grounds for focused work.
Where to Eat in Reims
Reims is Champagne country at its most approachable: splurge at a house like L’Assiette Champenoise or Les Crayères for tasting menus, but spend equal time on Place Drouet d’Erlon and the Marché du Boulingrin for market produce, brasseries and simple regional plates. Classic Champagne-region cooking features freshwater fish, charcuterie and vegetable-driven sides that pair perfectly with local bubbles. Expect a mix of elegant dining rooms and busy terrace cafés where locals linger over a bottle.
Local Food
Reims mixes Champagne house finesse with hearty Champagne‑region cooking; try local trout, and terroir-driven tasting menus.
- L’Assiette Champenoise (Tinqueux) - High-end tasting menus celebrating Champagne flavours.
- Brasserie Excelsior - Classic Reims brasserie dishes and local wines.
- Marché du Boulingrin - Morning market stalls with Champagne-region produce.
International Food
Around Place Drouet d’Erlon you’ll find global bistros, reliable Italian spots and casual Middle Eastern cafés.
- Cafés on Place Drouet d’Erlon - Varied international bistros and terrace dining.
- Middle Eastern cafés - Casual falafel and mezzes near the city centre.
- Italian trattorias - Reliable pasta and pizza around the pedestrian streets.
Vegetarian
Vegetarian choices are increasingly common, from markets to modern bistros that highlight local produce.
- Cafés on Place Drouet d’Erlon - Vegetarian salads, tartines and quiches.
- Local market stalls - Seasonal vegetables and prepared veg dishes.
- Contemporary bistros - Modern tasting menus often include vegetarian options.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Reims’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Reims
Reims is best known for Champagne-nightlife here mixes classy champagne bars and lively cafés around the city centre. Place Drouet d’Erlon is the main after-dark hub, packed with bistros and bars through the evening. Most places are relaxed but weekend crowds mean reservations help; many bars close around 1-2am. If you love tasting rooms and late dinners, plan to hop between tasting bars and restaurants.
Best Bets
- Place Drouet d’Erlon - Main square lined with bars, cafés and late-night restaurants.
- Champagne bars & tasting rooms - Numerous houses and independent bars for tastings and bubbles.
- Bars & wine bars in central Reims - Small wine bars for relaxed evenings and local charcuterie.
- Streets around the cathedral - Cluster of cafés and late-night spots popular with locals.
- Local cocktail bars - Cocktail-focused venues near the city centre - check openings.
- Late-night restaurants - Many restaurants stay open late for dinners and champagnes.
Shopping in Reims
Reims mixes Champagne culture with a compact shopping core - think elegant department stores, specialist wine boutiques and a lively covered market. The Marché du Boulingrin is the iconic covered market for fresh produce, Champagne and regional specialties; Rue de Vesle and Rue Chanzy are the main shopping streets with a blend of independent shops and national chains. For bottles and souvenirs, head to specialist maisons and boutiques near Place Drouet d’Erlon. Expect fixed prices in most shops; markets are the place to barter a little on non-food items.
Best Bets
- Marché du Boulingrin - Historic covered market for Champagne, charcuterie and produce.
- Rue de Vesle - Main shopping artery with boutiques and cafés.
- Galeries Lafayette Reims - Department store with fashion, beauty and regional gifts.
- Place Drouet d’Erlon area - Restaurants and wine shops - handy for Champagne boutiques.
- Rue Chanzy - Good for independent shops and everyday shopping needs.
- Champagne houses & wine boutiques - Specialist shops selling labelled bottles and tasting advice.