Visiting Reims
Welcome to the city of kings. As the main hub of the Champagne region, Reims is a prime destination for a weekend getaway or a full week of exploration. It hits the mark for history buffs and culture seekers, as well as anyone who appreciates a glass of fine champagne.
A city dedicated to the kings of France
The most iconic structure in Reims is, without a doubt, its cathedral. The Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its aesthetic and historical weight. Built between the 13th and 14th centuries, it held a prestigious role as the site for the coronations of French kings, hosting 33 ceremonies over the course of a millennium. A guided tour provides the best way to uncover its secrets, from the stained glass windows designed by Chagall to the various statues, including the famous Smiling Angel.
Another landmark you cannot miss, the Palais de Tau served as the residence for kings visiting for their coronations and as the home of the bishops of Reims. Also a UNESCO site, it houses a museum with 2,300 pieces dedicated to the cathedral and the history of French royalty.
The third UNESCO-listed site is the Saint-Remi Basilica, which rivals the scale of Notre-Dame in Paris. Its cloister is home to the tomb of Saint Remi, the figure who converted Clovis to Christianity. Right next door, the Saint-Remi Museum covers a vast timeline from Prehistory to the Renaissance.
Fine bubbles and pink biscuits
Reims is a walkable, pleasant city. The partially pedestrianized downtown area features beautiful Art Deco facades and Gallo-Roman ruins, such as the Porte de Mars and the Cryptoporticus. For outdoor strolls, check out the Pierre Schneiter park with its unique twisted trees, or the expansive 20-hectare Parc de Champagne.
You cannot visit without stopping at one of the many champagne cellars that built the city's reputation. The Sainte-Nicaise hill, once a site for chalk quarries, is now home to houses like Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, Martel, Charles-Heidsieck, Pommery, and Taittinger. Booking a guided tour that ends with a tasting is a standard experience here. For a sweet treat, head to the Maison Fossier to try the famous pink biscuit, the city's signature culinary export.
When to go
Plan your trip between May and September. The weather during the rest of the year can be damp and cold, which makes outdoor sightseeing less enjoyable. Additionally, the vineyards are bare during the winter months, offering a much less scenic landscape than the lush green rows found in late spring and summer.
How to get there
Taking the train is the most efficient way to reach Reims. From Paris, the TGV ride takes only 45 minutes. With a connection in the capital, you can reach Reims in 4 hours from Lyon or Nantes, 2.5 hours from Lille, and 1.5 hours from Strasbourg. You can also drive by car if you prefer the flexibility of having your own vehicle once you arrive.
I went to Reims for the crime film festival that takes place in early April. I came for the movies, but I really liked this very quiet and well-maintained city with beautiful green spaces. The cathedral, which is very impressive, remains the main point of interest, though the central street also offers good restaurants where you can easily sit out on a terrace. Even if Reims lacks a bit of excitement, it is a good place to stop by to stock up on local specialties, including pink biscuits, ratafia, and champagne.