Only 45 minutes from Paris and 1 hour 26 minutes from Strasbourg thanks to the TGV, Reims, always in full effervescence, has a sparkling programme in store for you! A long weekend will not be too much to explore the impressive historical heritage of the city marked by a thousand years of royal coronations, to taste its gastronomic specialities renowned throughout the world and, of course, to discover the wine tourism activities around its most beautiful jewel: champagne. Beneath the city lies an impressive network of 120 km of cellars, veritable underground cathedrals, the most remarkable example of which is the Crayères de la butte Sainte-Nicaise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just above these 25 km of galleries, the Champagne Park, the "Cité-Jardin du Chemin Vert" and the slopes of the Butte Sainte-Nicaise stretch out. Moving away from the city centre, nature lovers will not fail to marvel at the idyllic setting offered by the hectares of vineyards and forests of the Montagne de Reims.
Over 2,000 years of history
A city of art and history, Reims invites you to go back in time through the visit of its most emblematic monuments. The Gallo-Roman remains bear witness to the ancient past of the city of the Rèmes, from the Forum square and its Cryptoporticus to the Porte de Mars. Among the scenes that adorn the vaults of this impressive arch, you will undoubtedly recognize Romulus and Remus, the founder of the city, if we believe the legend. Unfortunately, wars did not spare the beautiful city. More than 80% destroyed during the Great War, Reims was able to rebuild itself. Its burnt cathedral has been adorned with an impressive reinforced concrete frame. You only have to look up to admire the superb ornamentation of its Art Deco buildings, such as the Saint-Nicaise church or the Carnegie library.
Centuries later, the city of the sacres continues to shine, with its rich historical heritage. 33 pretenders to the throne have been crowned here! From the Tau Palace, where the kings of France stayed during their coronation, to the emblematic Notre-Dame Cathedral and its Smiling Angel, you will walk on the floor of buildings that have welcomed the world's greatest. A wide range of guided tours are available to follow in the footsteps of Clovis, King of the Franks, who was baptized by Saint Remi and whose relics are housed in the eponymous basilica, or to follow in the footsteps of Joan of Arc, who escorted Charles VII to Reims Cathedral where he was crowned in 1429. Every spring, the people of Reims commemorate this event during the Fêtes johanniques. The heart of the city is then transformed into a huge medieval village in which it is traditional for Joan to parade in armour. At different times of the year, at nightfall, the Regalia show illuminates the facades of the cathedral or the Saint-Remi basilica, inviting you to relive the coronation of the kings of France in a sound and light show.
The city where champagne flows freely
To discover the city's greatest treasure, you have to go down 30 metres below the surface. There, in the Gallo-Roman pits, lies a labyrinthine network of 120 km of cellars, containing more than 250 million bottles of champagne from the most prestigious houses: Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Demoiselle Vranken, Taittinger... The other particularity of the city is that it is home to nearly 50 hectares of vineyards. A visit to the great houses is a must during your stay.
There is no shortage of ideas for exploring the 34,000 hectares of surrounding hillsides, from the Montagne de Reims to the Massif de Saint-Thierry, via the Mont de Berru and the Vallée de l'Ardre, by bike, hot air balloon, 2CV or gyroplane. Whether in the city centre or in the outlying villages, each estate offers rural and gourmet excursions, including walks and picnics in the vineyards, visits to their cellars, tastings to learn about oenology and even workshops to learn how to sabre the champagne.
The art of living in Reims
Reims is not only about champagne, it is also about an amazing gastronomic heritage. True epicureans, the people of Reims have a taste for good things and know how to treat themselves. To convince yourself of this, you just have to look at the bistronomic restaurants, wine and champagne bars, but also the delicatessens, wine shops and pastry shops that multiply every year in the sacred city. The great institutions of Reims all offer workshops to discover the secrets of making their products, to learn the art of tasting or to match wines and cheeses... Pink biscuits, champagne marc corks, lentils, ham and Reims mustard are just some of the specialities that you can try in the Reims brasseries in the Boulingrin district or on the Place du Forum. Finally, for gourmets and lovers of exceptional cuisine, Greater Reims also has a lot of surprises in store for you at the tables of its 6 Michelin-starred restaurants
Reims is not just about fine dining, it is also about exceptional hotels and guest houses, sometimes with the added bonus of a rooftop restaurant to sip a glass of champagne. In the heart of the city of the sacred, several large hotels offer luxury services: rooms dedicated to well-being with private spa, penthouse with terrace overlooking the Cathedral... And if you prefer to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, several châteaux owned by Champagne houses offer guest rooms in the heart of the vineyards.
Always in full effervescence
In this bustling city, lovers of physical and outdoor activities will also find something to their liking thanks to the hundred or so spaces dedicated to sport, in particular the UCPA Sport Station Grand Reims, a brand new aqualudic centre with an Olympic swimming pool and ice rink, which will open in November 2020, in the heart of the city. Although the city centre remains very urban, there is no shortage of greenery to take the chill off with its 500 hectares of green parks and squares, not to mention the 18 km of Coulée verte, an ideal trail for walking or cycling along the water's edge. In summer, the atmosphere is festive on the banks of the Vesle. Rémois and tourists meet to share a moment of conviviality around the musical scene of the Guinguette rémoise and various shows under the big top of the Temps des cerises.
With a young population of 35,000 students, Reims is a dynamic city, always on the move. Throughout the year, the city of Reims also promotes culture with its contemporary stages, its museums, its musical festivals such as the Magnifique Society, the unmissable event that invades the Champagne Park every summer, or the Flâneries Musicales, a not-to-be-missed event for classical music lovers. With such a rich programme, Reims is definitely a city where there is never a dull moment.
Useful information
When is the best time to visit? The spring-summer period is ideal for trying out outdoor activities: walks in the vineyards, hiking, cycling... during the heatwave, the coolness of the Champagne cellars is particularly appreciated. If the weather is good, the back season is also a good time to explore the Montagne de Reims and become a grape picker for a day. In winter, December is the best time to visit the Christmas market in front of the cathedral and admire the beautiful illuminations.
Getting there. By train, the city of Reims is served by two TGV stations: Reims-Centre and Champagne-Ardenne TGV on the outskirts at Bezannes, which is accessible by tram. The city is only 45 minutes from Paris and 1h26 from Strasbourg. By car, it is accessible via the A4 motorway Paris-Strasbourg (2h from Paris, 2h45 from Strasbourg) and via the A26 (Calais - Troyes - Dijon). By plane, Reims is only 30 minutes from Paris Roissy international airport. The city also has two airports nearby: Paris-Vatry and Reims en Champagne airport.
Find your flight at the best price - Compare
Rent your car at the best price - Compare
Useful information. To prepare your trip in the best way
REIMS TOURIST OFFICE - More information on the website
Book your accommodation at the best conditions - Compare
Find a cultural or sporting activity - Find
Get a quote for a tailor-made trip with a local agency - Request a free quote
