12 Fabulous Fun Things to Do in Reims France
Love drinking champagne, and wondering what other interesting things there are do in Reims, France? A whole lot actually!
How about walking in the footsteps of global leaders who signed the unconditional surrender in May 1945, officially ending World War 2? Or Reims cathedral where centuries of royals were crowned?
Yes, champagne flows in Reims but there’s a whole lot more in this city to explore. Here’s how to do it, including easy train connections from Paris.
Top Activities In Reims
There are 2 ‘hub areas in Reims which we suggest are the best way to group any itinerary as an independent traveler. Here’s a map showing them:
We found Champagne Houses dotted around Reims in small clusters. We suggest you visit several close together to make the best use of your time here. Below are the ones we personally visited in the two parts of the city interwoven with other great activities.
- Central – Cathedral Area
- Southern – Saint Remi Area
Things To Do Around ‘Cathedral’ Area Of Reims
As many of us visitors to Reims arrive by train, let’s start our itinerary with things to do near to the main railway station.
Musee De La Reddition – (Museum of Surrender)
Getting There: Google Maps Link to Museum of Surrender
Entrance Fee – Euros 5.50 and Euros 3.00 for 18-25 year olds and those 65+. Open 10am-6pm. Closed on Tuesdays.
It was here, in Reims, that the ‘secret’ signing of the German unconditional surrender that ended World War 2, took place at 2.41 am on 7 May 1945. Many of us have seen footage of the signing in Berlin. However, this was actually a second signing a day later that included Russian leaders who were not present in Reims.
You can visit the actual headquarters of the Supreme Allied Expeditionary Force which was tucked away in a town school. Amazingly, this school continued operating throughout the war times. Today, this is still a school, now called Franklin Roosevelt after the US general in charge of this historic signing.
After watching a short but very informative film, you can tour the facility on your own. As you enter the signing room (map room), the table and chairs are set out just as they were on that date almost 80 years ago. It’s quite a feeling to realize the history of where you’re standing.
Guided tours are available. We suggest you pre-book if your time is tight as this is a popular place to visit.
Charles de Casanove Champagne Tasting Room
8 Pl. De La Republique, 51100, Reims – Location (Google Maps)
This is one of the oldest Grand Houses of Champagne in Reims producing bubbles since 1811.
Daily tours with 3 tastings are offered. This is the perfect location for a ‘first’ or ‘last’ tasting as it’s literally a couple of minutes walk from the railway station.
It was quiet when we visited at the end of the day on a Tuesday but enjoyable to sit in their courtyard. While not perhaps quite as ‘modern’ a champagne house inside as other venues we visited, we enjoyed the experience.
Staff were friendly and they did have good deals on champagne if you’re looking to bring a few back home with you.
Porte De Mar Roman Arch
Location – Pl. de la République, 51100 Reims.
While there isn’t a lot to ‘visit’ here you will see a magnificent ancient structure up close! It was undergoing some renovation work when we walked by so it was fenced off but its scale and stature are impressive.
When you stand in front of this UNESCO site, you’re looking at the widest Roman era arch structure left in the world. The details on the arch are still amazing when you consider how long they have been in existence.
Also at this spot when you are facing the Porte De Mar, on your right will be a tram stop and also adjacent to this a long green park strip. Here are benches and areas well shaded if you want somewhere to rest and perhaps have a picnic.
The plaza in front of the Porte De Mar is used for events, so don’t be surprised if something is going on when you visit!
From here follow the signs for Rue de Champs de Mar, and this short walk (10-15 mins) will take you to the following sights:
Foujita Chapel
Closed Tuesdays.
Designed by a French-Japanese architect in the 1960s this chapel is loved for its massive 200m square fresco and stained glass.
G.H. Mumm Champagne House
Just across from the chapel are the large premises and tasting rooms of G.H. Mumm. Don’t get confused with the mansion house on this street- that’s their admin offices. Directly opposite, is a large entrance and signage to their visitors area.
There is a large courtyard area for outdoor tasting and in the sunshine, it’s a perfect afternoon spot. Their shop is full of beautifully presented bottles and worth a visit.
Continue walking down Rue de Mars and you will pass by the stunning Town Hall (Hotel de Ville) located at 9 place de l’Hôtel de Ville – Esplanade Simone Veil 80036, 51722 Reims
It’s a beautiful building which served many purposes over the years, including a library, city archives, bank and police station.
Nearby is the Taittinger Tasting House with a gorgeous facade. The massive green door is a work of art on its own. If you look up, you can see fresco/mosaics depicting centuries old ways of life.
The main Taittinger Visitor Center nearer to Saint Remi area in Reims is re-opening in July 2024 after a major refurbishment. From what we saw we imagine this will be a beautiful facility to visit.
The street where Taittinger is then opens up onto a square surrounded by a beech hedge. This is a lovely spot to grab a coffee or refreshment throughout the day or into the evening. A number of restaurants and cafes are also located around the square.
You will likely already see the spires of the cathedral from this point. So just keep walking past the old royal palace and soon you will reach the majestic structure.
Reims Notre Dame Cathedral
Open daily for visits except when services are ongoing. Free to enter but tours and the tower climb have a charge.
The cathedral is an amazing example of gothic architecture. It was the cathedral where many French kings were crowned in centuries past. Today’s huge structure is the 3rd one built here and is adored with statues!
Inside you will see exquisite stained glass features and if you are interested, you can take a tour up the towers of the cathedral.
At night, the building is lit up and is truly beautiful as you stroll past.
The Palais du Tau is next to the cathedral. This is where royalty stayed when in Reims. Formal banquets and celebrations took place after events like royal coronations. It is full of treasures from days gone by. The palace is undergoing a major renovation and is closed until 2025.
Things To Do Around SAINT REMI Area of Reims
You will now be at the second hub in our suggested tour of Reims and we suggest this is a great outline for Day 2 of your visit.
Indulge in Fresh Produce At A Reims Farmers Market
There is a well advertised covered main market called Boulingrin at 50 Rue de Mars in Central Reims. It is supposedly open Fridays, Saturdays and Wednesdays. However when we passed by on a Wednesday morning, there was only one stall open in the entire place.
Don’t worry though. There are many small open air markets dotted around the city’s squares. Come to one of these for some of the best local seasonal foods. Pack yourself a picnic or stock up if you’re staying in an Air B&B and planning to do some cooking!
We enjoyed a local market held in the small square next to the FRAC Champagne-Ardenne contemporary art gallery. This one operates daily until 3pm with a wide range of fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, meat and cheese.
What’s nice to see are original wooden crates and virtually no use of plastic boxes or wrappers – very environmentally friendly!
Saint Remi Basilica & Museum
Free to Enter. Basilica Location and Directions.
When we first walked by here in Spring, the basilica was almost hidden by leafy trees. But as you enter the grounds you’ll experience the beauty of this 11th century Roman-Gothic styled abbey church which is another UNESCO gem in Reims.
This is where you will find Saint Remi’s tomb and a unique collection of art works. It’s not to be missed if you love history and art!
There is also an incredible museum here featuring 17 rooms with a rich mix of exhibits from local life around the Reims region. Entrance fees for the museum are 5.50 Euros.
G.H. Martel & Co Champagne House
Location and Visit Information.
25 Euros for Tour and 3 Tastings. Easy to book on-line!
If you are coming here for an early morning tour, stop by a small boulangerie up the street called Patisserie Julianne, serving coffee and croissants. There’s no seating inside but you can bring these back to Martel’s ‘Tasting Room 1’ 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time and enjoy as you wait for your tour.
Our guide Jade led our small group of 10 down several sets of stone stairs until we were 20-30 feet underground in what are known in Reims as chalk caves.
You will learn that these chalk caves have the perfect blend of humidity and temperature. Together with a lack of UV light this combination allows champagne to mature perfectly. We learned millions of bottles sit underground around Reims maturing this way – Fascinating!
As you walk through these underground caves, Jade explained the full process of champagne making and how it has evolved over the years. You can see some original equipment on show here – tour is around 45 minutes.
Reims was under constant enemy fire for over 900 days during world war 2, people actually lived down in the chalk caves. As a result, when you tour around, you may see carved messages and names from that era.
🎒 TPOP Tip:
These caves can be chilly. Bring a sweater and wear sturdy shoes for going down and up the fairly steep stairs.
Vranken Pommery Champagne House
Vranken Pommery – Location and Ticket Information
25 Euros for Self Guided Tour and Tasting
This is a very different experience and a lovely combination with G.H. Martel in this part of town. Firstly, it’s a much larger site with a huge entrance and grounds, full of whimsical fun art. From a giant set of welly boots to a cornucopia of fruits, you walk up the driveway into the grandly styled home. It feels like something from Alice in Wonderland (in a good way!)
Download the App and pick up a leaflet and you’re ready to head to the Pommery Caves. As you push open the large green door, you’re met with an orchestra of lights, leading you down 30 feet into the chalk storage area.
The caves have a fascinating history but have been brought to life through a modern art display as you walk through. This whole site was pioneered by Jeanne-Alexandrine Pommery. In 1868 she successfully managed the largest ever construction project of the century creating a wine cellar from the chalk pits.
After completing the tour, you can relax with your tasting in the reception area. When we visited it wasn’t busy but a tour was arriving. Try and pick your time between tours! Having the cellars almost to yourself makes them even more magical!
Veuve Clicquot Champagne Terrace
One of our favourite champagnes back home, this was always going to be on our Iist. The ambience on the outdoor tasting terrace was perfect for a sunny May afternoon and so we simply sat and sipped!
The surroundings are stunning with contemporary decor. We chose not to do the full tour, we highly recommend spending an hour or two here at the cafe. The food is good and service excellent.
Like many labels, you can visit the actual winery outside of town but book well ahead as this is another incredibly popular tour from Reims.
Treat Yourself To a “flower” Gelato or Rose Biscuit
After a day of walking, sightseeing and sipping, try an ice-cream from Amorino Gelato located at 15, place d’Erlon, 51100, Reims.
There are numerous options to choose from. Watch as a cone is shaped into a petal from 4-5 flavours – both beautiful and delicious.
Reims is also famous for its Rose Biscuits which have been baked here since 1691. They actually don’t taste of rose but are a delightful twice-baked biscuit treat with tea or champagne. They were said to be a favourite of Kings and the original recipe by the Fossier company remains a closely guarded secret.
You can easily google ideas for a recipe and see if you can replicate their deliciousness at home!
Also make sure you sample some treats from the many cafe boulangeries around town. We loved watching artisans at work at the Aux Merveilleux de Fred. Boulangerie Les Halles is just across the road and has great coffee and croissants for a quick ‘petit dejeuner’.
If you Have a Day 3 in Reims, why not
- Stroll, or hire a bike and explore the pathways along the city’s canal.
- Grab the tram or bus for a day trip over to Epernay, another champagne city – 29km from Reims.
- Take a day trip to a vineyard or two just outside of Reims
Why is Reims France Worth Visiting?
Reims is known around the world for its champagne heritage. Imagine tasting world famous labels after venturing deep underground into massive chalk caves.
These underground natural storage areas are where millions of carefully created bottles of world class bubbles are stored before being shipped around the world.
Is it Possible To Visit Reims On A Day Trip From Paris?
This is a common and important question. In our opinion, it is possible but not recommended, because you simply won’t be able to absorb all the city has to offer in a matter of hours.
So unless you’re going on an organized day trip from Paris – which is fine if you are very short on time – stay for longer. We suggest that to get to know Reims, spend at least a night here, preferably 2-3 days.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Reims?
Most days are good days to sip champagne but we much prefer to visit May, June and September. If you fancy being part of the grape picking harvest, you can sign up to travel here when that’s happening – warning, it’s hard work!
During the peak European holiday months, be prepared for bigger crowds and perhaps less relaxed experiences at the champagne houses.
Remember the climate in Reims is wetter than you might imagine. When you think of France, it’s often of sunny days but it will be cold in this part of the country in December and January.
How To Get Around Reims
Reims is a very walkable city for most people. There is a good public transport including tram and bus routes for local journeys. We don’t feel you need to bother renting a car if you’re coming here for a couple of days.
If you are not on an organised tour, you will most likely arrive by train (see details later on how to come by train). When you get here, ask your hotel or head to the Tourist Office next to the cathedral for a pocket sized city map. It has all the main sights and champagne houses listed.
We used this along with our phones to navigate around town really easily. The tourist office will also give you information on any events while you’re in town like the annual spring Joan of Arc festival.
If you plan using local trams and buses and visiting several city museums, consider buying a Reims City Pass.
They are available from 1 to 3 days (22 Euros to 42 Euros). These also give you discounts on several champagne tastings in town. Buy them on-line or at the tourist office.
Helpful Reims Travel Information
How To Get To Reims From Paris
Our preferred way to book tickets is with Trainline. By booking early we paid £39 return. Trains are direct taking around 45 minutes. There are plenty throughout the day although bear in mind connections either side if you’re catching another onward or return train.
How far in advance to book trains to Reims? If you have already set dates to be in Paris (or London) we suggest buying your train ticket to Reims at least 2 months in advance. Even on our trip to Reims in mid May, we met fellow travellers who struggled to book a train and ended up taking a bus which took quite a bit longer.
🎒Our Tip: We had 5 hours to wait in Paris between trains. Time to stroll up to beautiful Sacre Coeur and enjoy lunch in Montmartre.
How To Get From London To Reims By Eurostar Train
Eurostar goes direct to Paris from London. If you take the first train of the day from London St Pancras at 7am, you can be in Paris Gard du Nord for 10.30am.
You need to transfer to Gare d’Est which is a 7-10 minute walk but the recommended transfer time is 40 minutes between train stations.
Eurostar have several trains scheduled from London St Pancras to Paris, Gare du Nord every day. We booked the Eurostar during one of their promotion sales in December for travel in May and paid £99 return.
From Gare d’Est the train journey to Reims is 45 minutes and several trains run a day. However, the frequency varies depending on the time of year, and we strongly recommend booking your train ticket in advance.
Places To Eat In Reims
Whether your taste buds are awakened by Michelin Star dining experiences or local bistros, you will find the full range of options here in Reims. Just ask at your hotel or check with your host for local tips on where to go.
Book well in advance for top restaurants as they are always super popular.
If you are looking for casual dining the pedestrian area next to the blue fountain Sube has plenty of options too. A couple we tried were La Gaulois Brasserie (great salads) and Piperno Italian which is handy for a quick pizza.
🎒Our Tip: Most restaurants try to upsell champagne. Stick with house listings: they are wonderful and better value.
Annual Festivals in Reims
Joan of Arc Festival – every year in June.
Les Flaneries Musicales De Reims (mid June to early July) is 4 weeks of classic concerts around Reims. Check their site for specific performances and dates annually.
If you plan to visit Reims in December, you will be greeted with a city decorated and full of festivities. Shops serve local treats and several champagne houses have special tastings including Moët, Pommery and Mumm. It is also a great spot for some Christmas Shopping!
FAQs
Yes! Although coming to Reims is synonymous with bubbles, it’s very historical, was instrumental in WW2 treaty signings, and the ancient royal coronation site.
If you are a planner, use a website called Champagne Booking to research and book directly.
If there is a particular tour you want to do, for example Veuve Clicquot, book ahead of time as these will likely sell out.
Most vineyards are outside the town center but not that far. You will find a few fields of grapes growing just up the hill from Pommery, next to Veuve. We recommend that you join a half day tour if you’re looking to visit these.
We found prices in Reims reasonable as we stayed at an Air B&B vs. pricier hotels. You will pay a premium at 5 star hotels and any of the 5 Michelin restaurants here!! We found it easy to enjoy this city with a much smaller budget.
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Reims Is An Easy Trip From London
Reims is a delightful city to explore and combine with time in Paris.
Alternatively, if you are in London, it’s also pretty straightforward. Just get the Eurostar train from St Pancras International, and hop onto the trains we mentioned above. Or, stay in Paris for a night or two and stretch your trip to a week: London, Paris and Reims!
Whichever itinerary works for you, your time in Reims will undoubtedly include delicious foods, tasting French champagnes, and strolling the ancient city streets!
This trip is perfect for couples, friends, siblings(we did this as a sisters trip) and of course solo travelers.
Bon Voyage et Salut!
