Reims Guide: What to know about France’s Champagne Capital
Just 45 minutes from Paris by train, Reims is the perfect getaway for travelers who prefer to go off the beaten path, walk through history, and get a little mid-afternoon buzz. Reims is the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region. Although known for its prestigious champagne houses that host fascinating cellar tours and personalized champagne tastings, Reims is so much more than champagne. Reims is a beautiful, charming city that is simply marvelous to explore!
Looking for a fun and quick day trip out of Paris that’s convenient to get to and worth leaving the City of Love? Well, the Champagne Region is a fabulous day trip from Paris.
If you’re ready to enjoy the gorgeous cobblestone streets, gothic architecture wonders, grand palaces, and underground champagne tours of Reims, use this guide to plan your perfectly French, perfectly bubbly day trip!
Cheers x
Transportation
Driving from Paris to Reims is approximately a 1.5-hour journey.
A direct train to Reims from Paris is about 45 minutes.
Traveling by train is the easiest and most convenient way to get to Reims from Paris. Assuming you’re a tourist, I recommend forgoing a rental car and taking advantage of European railways. Trains are comfortable, accessible, and relatively inexpensive.
Tickets vary in price. You can expect to find roundtrip tickets anywhere from 65€ to €140.
I recommend booking your train tickets in advance to avoid any delays. In my experience, trains to Reims (and in France for the most part) are extremely punctual. Trains in Europe do not wait for anyone and will leave you in the dust if you’re not on time.
You can book tickets with Rail Europe or Trainline. Both platforms are very user-friendly and will email you digital tickets to use within the station.
Paris Gare de l’Est is the most popular and convenient station for Reims trains. Paris Gare de l’Est has many direct trains throughout the day and trains depart approximately every 30 minutes.
What to do in Reims
Tour a Champagne House
A visit to Reims is not complete without a tour of one of the town’s historical champagne houses. There are so many great tours throughout the region, and each cellar offers a unique experience that you can tailor to your individual interests. On top of the delicious bubbly you’ll drink, you’ll also learn of the region’s deep-rooted history and soak in its magical charm.
Veuve Clicquot
The Veuve Clicquot cellars are my favorite champagne house in Reims. The story behind Veuve Clicquot and its Grande Dame of Champagne, Madame Clicquot, is unbelievable. Madame Clicquot was a pioneer and innovator. As a young widow, she grew the Veuve Clicquot brand into one of the most established and respected champagne houses in the world. Madame Clicquot is also credited with developing rosé champagne, which Veuve Clicquot offers an entire tour dedicated to.
During your wonderful tour, you walk these storied cellars and finish with a glass of crisp champagne. Even if you don’t book a cellar tour, Veuve Clicquot is still worth a visit. They have an adorable outdoor terrace decorated in Veuve Clicquot’s signature yellow colors. This is the perfect place to order a glass of champagne and snacks and relax in beautiful Reims.
Tours start at 35€ a person / Book with Veuve Clicquot.
More Champagne Cellar Tours in Reims:
Taittinger: Enjoy a personalized champagne tasting. Tours start at 37€ a person / Book with Taittinger.
Ruinart: The oldest champagne house in Reims. Tours start at 70€ a person / Book with Ruinart.
Champagne Pommery: Complete a self guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tours start at 26€ a person / Book with Champagne Pommery.
Cathédrale Notre Dame
Yes, you read that right, and no, this isn’t Paris! Reims has its own impressive gothic cathedral called Cathédrale Notre Dame. Once the location for the coronations of France’s kings, this beautiful church is a jewel of France’s Champagne region. Despite being badly damaged in WWI, the Reims Cathedral stands strong and remains a wondrous monument.
Palais du Tau
Lavish. Regal. And oh so French. There is a reason this Unesco World Heritage Site once hosted France’s coronation banquet and was the palace home to France’s archbishop. Strolling the gardens of Palais du Tau makes you feel like a character within a romantic period piece. The gardens are pristine and peaceful— exactly what you may need after an afternoon inside the champagne cellars.
Basilique St-Rémi
This Unesco World Heritage Site is a marvel in Reims and an absolute must-see during your visit. Basilique St-Rémi is constructed in the gothic-style. This beautiful monument is a classic example of pristine medieval architecture and leaves visitors awestruck.
La Porte de Mars
Dating back to the Roman empire, La Porte de Mars was once a sort of entrance or passageway to Reims. This monument is so impressive when you think of how ancient it is. Plus La Porte de Mars is free to visit!
Place Drouet d’Erlon
Shop, eat, and relax along Reims’ most visited pedestrian square. Lined with cafes and stores to visit before your train heads back to Paris, Place Drouet d’Erlon is the perfect people-watching spot.
