France travel guide

Reims

The heart of the Champagne region – an elegant, historic city where grand architecture, gastronomy and world-famous champagne come together.

Reims lies in north-eastern France and is an ideal destination for a weekend break filled with culture, fine flavours and a classic French atmosphere. The city is easy to reach from Paris by high-speed train, and combines deep history with lively urban life, broad boulevards and beautiful squares made for relaxed walks.

The city’s most iconic landmark is the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims, a Gothic masterpiece where almost all the kings of France were crowned. The cathedral is one of the country’s most important historic monuments and gives the city a special sense of grandeur, surrounded by elegant façades, museums and traces of a rich past.

Reims is also inseparable from champagne. Several of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses are based here, and beneath the city lies a network of chalk cellars – the famous crayères – where bottles mature in perfect conditions.

City guide

Experiences

10 things to do

Reims combines royal history, monumental architecture and some of the world’s most famous champagne experiences. Fill your days with Gothic masterpieces, underground cellars, good restaurants and quiet breaks in parks and elegant streets.

Visit Reims Cathedral – the impressive Gothic cathedral where almost all French kings were crowned, and one of the city’s great symbols.
Explore champagne cellars – discover the underground crayères at renowned houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger or Pommery.
Walk through the elegant city-centre streets – enjoy the atmosphere between beautiful façades, small squares, boutiques and café terraces.
Visit Palais du Tau – the former archbishop’s palace, with royal treasures and a strong link to the coronation history of France.
See Porte de Mars – a Roman triumphal arch and one of the oldest monuments in Reims.
Taste local specialities – try jambon de Reims, regional cheeses and classic French dishes in a traditional bistro.
Experience Musée des Beaux-Arts – an art museum with works from the Renaissance to the modern era.
Take a break in Parc de Champagne – a calm green space that works perfectly between visits and tastings.
Explore Saint-Remi Basilica – a less-visited but highly impressive church with deep historical roots.
Take a day trip through the Champagne region – visit vineyards and small villages around Épernay for a complete sense of the area.

Gastronomy

Restaurants

Food experiences

Reims is an excellent destination if you want to combine champagne with memorable food experiences. The city offers everything from refined Michelin restaurants to stylish bistros, classic brasseries and modern places with views of the cathedral. It is easy to vary between grand tasting menus, long lunches and more relaxed evenings.

Here you can explore classic French cuisine, more contemporary expressions and restaurants that give you a clear taste of the Champagne region.

Arbane – A modern gastronomic restaurant led by Philippe Mille, with creative dishes inspired by the Champagne region.
Racine – An exclusive restaurant with elegant French-Japanese fusion and one of the most exciting kitchens in Reims.
Le Parc – A gourmet restaurant at Domaine Les Crayères, known for classic French haute cuisine in luxurious surroundings.
Le Millénaire – An elegant city-centre restaurant serving refined tasting menus based on seasonal ingredients.
Le Foch – A popular gastronomic restaurant with modern French cooking and excellent champagne pairings.
L’ExtrA – A creative and inclusive restaurant with modern French dishes and a clear focus on local ingredients.
La Grande Georgette – A stylish restaurant in the heart of town, serving classic French dishes with a lovely terrace near the cathedral.
Le Crypto – A modern bistro on Place du Forum with a seasonal menu and relaxed atmosphere.
La Table Saint Thomas – A traditional restaurant serving regional Champagne specialities in warm surroundings.
Brasserie du Boulingrin – A historic art deco brasserie, perfect for classic French dishes and a livelier atmosphere.
Gabrielle – A restaurant with a rooftop terrace and fine views, a good choice when you want to combine dinner with a look over the city.

Tip: Try jambon de Reims, regional cheeses and dishes that pair well with champagne for a clearer taste of the city and its surroundings.

Travel guide Three-day champagne itinerary in Reims

Reims itinerary

Reims is a city where history and luxury meet. Start the day with Gothic architecture and royal history, continue with a guided tour through underground champagne cellars and end the evening with an elegant dinner accompanied by the region’s most famous export.

The Champagne region in north-eastern France is perfect for a long weekend filled with history, wine and French elegance. With Reims and Épernay as your base, you can experience both the iconic champagne houses and smaller family producers – all within short distances.

What you can experience

Historic sights, Gothic architecture and royal history in Reims.
Champagne houses, cellar tours and tastings with both large and small producers.
An itinerary with both budget-friendly suggestions and a more luxurious alternative.

Welcome to a complete champagne trip in Reims, with ideas for both value-conscious travellers and those who want a more luxurious stay.

Champagne region Long weekend

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