Reims Travelers Recommend

From the glories of its architecture to the value of its vintages, Reims is one of northern France’s most charming (and decadent) cities. Three days is enough time to visit the extraordinary Reims Cathedral, tour exclusive Champagne houses, and even take a day trip into the French countryside. Here’s your perfect itinerary.

Day 1: Ancient Heritage and Gothic Splendor

The city’s unarguable highlight is Reims Cathedral (formally known as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in 1275 and standing 264 feet (81 meters) high, it was damaged during both World Wars but has since been restored to its original glory. Dedicate several hours to soaking up its Gothic splendor. After a break for lunch, glimpse other top landmarks (including the ancient Roman arch Porte de Mars) on a Segway tour of the city. Later in the day, exploring Tau Palace (Palais du Tau) or St. Remi Basilica (Basilique Saint-Remi)—both architectural marvels—before winding down with a cozy bistro dinner.

Day 2: Life Amongst the Vines

In Reims, Champagne isn’t reserved for special occasions—it’s the stuff of everyday life. The petite city is considered the de facto capital of the wine region and is ringed by some of the world’s most exclusive Champagne houses (including Mumm, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, and Taittinger). Spend your second day touring the cellars of one of Reims’ most popular houses, or venture to neighboring Épernay to explore its UNESCO-listed Champagne Avenue (lined by houses such as Moët et Chandon). Most full-day tours include indulgent lunches and round-trip transport, so you can sit back, relax, and sip in style. Upon your return to Reims, head to a neighborhood restaurant or enjoy a casual meal of ham, mustard, and Chaource cheese, all local specialties.

Day 3: Day-Trip Possibilities

Devote your third day to a trip intoa the scenic French countryside. History buffs can embark on a World War I–themed tour of the nearby Forest of Argonne, where battle sites, trenches, and other landmarks still remain. Alternatively, for those with a taste for opulence, the Château de Condé is famed for its sumptuous, Renaissance stylings. Dating back to the 16th century, the estate was frequented by royalty and members of the French nobility over the centuries. For a day trip of a different stripe, the family-friendly Nigloland—an amusement park with dozens of rides and shows—is also within commuting distance of Reims. Whichever excursion you choose, head back to Reims in time for dinner at one of the city’s Michelin-starred, fine-dining haunts.

From world-famous Gothic architecture to renowned Champagne houses, Reims’ attractions should tempt history buffs, culture vultures, and hedonists alike. Two days is enough time to get acquainted with the petite city’s top attractions, with time for idle flânerie left over—here’s how to plan the perfect stay.

Day 1: Sightseeing and History

Morning: Reims is an approachable city, which means you can discover many of its top landmarks in the space of a single day. Begin your explorations with a speedy Segway tour: Spy ancient Roman monuments like the Porte de Mars and glimpse the Boulingrin covered market. If you’re getting hungry, you can wander in for a quick bite at tour’s end.

Afternoon: After your city introduction, spend the afternoon getting up close and personal with an elegant palace or millennia-old church. Venture into the opulent Palais du Tau (the former residence of the Archbishop of Reims), which dates to the 17th century, or explore the Abbey of Saint-Remi (Basilique Saint-Remi), consecrated all the way back in 1049. Both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Evening: As the sun starts to set, make your way to Reims’ most famous landmark of all: its wondrous, soaring cathedral. A masterpiece of the high Gothic, the UNESCO-listed cathedral is where France’s kings were once coronated. Time your visit right, and you’ll see the stained glass windows glow with light.

Day 2: Bubbles and Bites

Morning: If day one was about discovering Reims’ architectural highlights, spend your second day in town exploring its gastronomic temptations. As you’ll be indulging throughout the day, begin with a gentle neighborhood stroll, and duck into a café for a light breakfast à la francaise: a croissant and café crème is just the thing.

Afternoon: Surrounded as it is by world-renowned Champagne houses, Reims is a dream destination for oenophiles. In the afternoon, book a tour to visit the famed Champagne Avenue at Épernay, or drop by houses the likes of Taittinger, Mumm, or Veuve Clicquot. Whichever you choose, come prepared to savor numerous glasses of bubbly.

Evening: Despite its small size, Reims has several destination-worthy, Michelin-starred restaurants to its name, including high-end favorites like L’Assiette Champenoise and Le Parc at Domaine Les Crayères. After arriving back in the city center, end your day on a decadent note, and treat yourself to a dinner to remember.

Reims, in Southeastern France, is the world’s unofficial Champagne capital. Its famous vineyards produce some of the most sought-after Champagne on earth. Visitors can tour the region’s wineries, vineyards, and cellars to learn how the sparkling beverage is made and spend some time tasting different varietals guided by industry experts.

Champagne Tastings

Small-group day trips to the various Champagne houses (grandes maison de Champagne) offer guests in-depth tours of the Champagne producers’ cellars for expert-led tastings. Visitors learn about different grape varietals and production methods, and get extensive background information on the region’s Champagne-producing history and culture that has grown up around it.

Cellar and Vineyard Tours

The world’s best Champagne houses are all here: Mumm, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Moët & Chandon, Taittinger, and Ruinart, to name a few, and visitors are welcome to tour the vineyards and cellars. Some tours include journeys underground into man-made chalk tunnels (crayeres), which are naturally the perfect temperature for the key second fermentation that gives Champagne its signature bubbles.