The unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims has luxury in its regal veins, not to mention bubbly. Many of the world’s top Champagne houses—including the likes of Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Pommery—are headquartered here, and descending into their UNESCO-listed, Roman-era chalk cellars (some up to 131 feet, or 40 meters, deep) for a degustation session is among the top things to do in Reims. The High-Gothic Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned, is another unmissalbe UNESCO-listed site, although don’t leave without indulging in a fine-dining experience, complete with flutes of local fizz.
Reims is at its warmest and busiest in summer, when travelers are primed to toast their vacations with ample glasses of Champagne. The deep chalk caves can be pleasingly cooling when temperatures hit highs of 77°F (25°C). But to enjoy a slightly calmer side of Reims and the wider Champagne region, come in autumn to see the vineyards turn golden (though avoid harvest, when many smaller producers may be too busy to do tastings).
The Reims Station (Gare de Reims) is the city’s main transit hub, and connects it directly to Paris. Reims has a public transportation network, including trams and buses. Central Reims itself is easily walkable and quite compact, though cars or taxis may be needed to reach some of the outlying Champagne houses or wineries. Guided tours offer an easier way to tour the region’s vinous destinations.
The Champagne region is dominated by big houses—names such as Veuve-Clicquot, Moët-Chandon, and Dom Pérignon—that are worth visiting, but check out "grower Champagnes," or those made and bottled by independent producers who cultivate the grapes, too. (Most big-name Champagnes are blends of grapes grown by dozens, if not hundreds, of farmers in the region.) Reims’ Trésors de Champagne tasting room brings together 28 regional producers, and offers the chance to try the broad spectrum of Champagnes being made today.
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The city is famous for Reims Cathedral, originally dating from the 13th century. It was heavily damaged in World War I but has been restored and is one of the most elaborate Gothic cathedrals in the country. Reims is in the Champagne region, so the tipples are nice here, too.
...MoreYes, the Reims Cathedral is reason enough to visit. It’s where French kings and queens were crowned in the past. Throw in churches, old palaces, and the labyrinth of Champagne cellars below your feet, and you’ve got a city that’s the perfect retreat.
...MoreStart at the cathedral in the old city and learn about former monarchs who were crowned there. They’re not the only famous people linked to Reims. Quasimodo from Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was purportedly inspired by a bellringer at Saint-Remi Abbey. In the afternoon, book a Champagne tasting.
...MoreIt depends on your preferences. Epernay is much smaller than Reims. If you’d like to stay in the heart of the Champagne vineyards and explore them on foot from your accommodation, stay in Epernay. If you prefer a city, with a choice of cuisines, bars, and hotels, opt for Reims.
...MoreYes, the center of Reims is very walkable—you can see some of the city’s top attractions like Palais du Tau, Reims Cathedral, and Porte de Mars without even breaking a sweat. That said, if you want to explore some of the town’s adjacent vineyards, you’ll need to take a car or city bus.
...MoreReims has plenty of evening entertainment. It’s got a university, and with that comes an abundance of clubs, bars, and food joints. It’s not just about Champagne, either. Reims has a solid beer scene—head to Place Drouet d’Erlon for a choice of watering holes and a young crowd.
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