Reims: The Complete Guide

Reims is a vibrant city in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, celebrated for its deep connections to Champagne production and its impressive Gothic architecture. Nestled amidst rolling vineyards, Reims serves as the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing area, and many visitors come to tour the renowned Champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery. Cellar tours and tastings are a highlight, offering a glimpse into centuries-old winemaking traditions that remain central to the city’s identity.
A visit to Reims is also a feast for lovers of architecture and culture. The towering Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic art, famed for its stained glass and intricate sculptures. Just nearby, the Palace of Tau and the Saint-Remi Basilica add further grandeur to the cityscape. Beyond these highlights, Reims features wide boulevards, elegant squares, and a growing collection of museums and galleries. Cafés and bistros line the pedestrian streets, making the city both accessible and inviting for a relaxed stroll.
Despite its refined atmosphere, Reims is also a lively university city with a youthful energy. It offers a balance between tradition and modern life, with regular cultural events, lively food markets, and a dynamic dining scene. Thanks to its position on high-speed rail lines, Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris by TGV, making it an easy day trip or a convenient base for exploring the Champagne region and nearby parts of the Grand Est.
TIP: If you are visiting Reims for just a day and want to make the most of your visit, you may want to consider taking a walking tour with a local guide.
This is one of the most complete and best-rated guided tours of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims in about 1.5 hours.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace read our blog on Top Places to visit in Reims!.
Table of Contents
- History of Reims
- Reims in Antiquity and Roman Times
- Reims in the Early Middle Ages
- Reims in the High and Late Middle Ages
- Reims in the Renaissance and Ancien Régime
- Reims in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
- Reims in the Modern Era
- 21 Best places to See in Reims
- Reims Cryptoporticus
- Musée Hôtel Le Vergeur
- Porte de Mars
- Place Royale, Reims
- Joan of Arc Statue, Reims
- Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
- Musée de la Reddition (World War II Museum)
- Musée des Beaux-Arts, Reims
- Palais du Tau (Archbishops' Palace)
- La Maison Mumm
- Bibliothèque Carnegie
- Chapelle Foujita (Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix)
- Reims Champagne Automobile Museum
- Musée Saint-Rémi
- Basilique Saint-Rémi
- Taittinger
- Villa Demoiselle
- Maison Ruinart
- Champagne Pommery
- Maison Veuve Clicquot
- Parc de Champagne
- 12 Best Day Trips from Reims
- Fort de la Pompelle
- Moët & Chandon
- Troyes
- Dinant
- Paris
- Charleroi
- Mons
- Beauvais
- Amiens
- Namur
- La Roche-en-Ardenne
- Metz
- Where to Stay in Reims
- Best Time to Visit Reims
- How to get to Reims
- Getting to Reims by Plane
- Visit Reims by Train
- Getting Around Reims
History of Reims
Reims in Antiquity and Roman Times
Reims began as a settlement of the Remi tribe, who allied with Julius Caesar during the Gallic Wars. Under Roman rule, it became the prosperous city of Durocortorum, one of the largest in Gaul. It featured major civic buildings, an amphitheatre, aqueducts, and an extensive road network. The city’s early adoption of Christianity further enhanced its stature, with the establishment of one of the first bishoprics in Gaul by the 3rd century.
Reims in the Early Middle Ages
With the decline of Roman authority, Reims retained its importance due to its Christian foundation. In 496, Clovis I, king of the Franks, was baptized in Reims by Saint Remigius—a pivotal moment that laid the groundwork for Reims’ role as the traditional site for the coronation of French kings. The city’s ecclesiastical significance grew, and it became a major religious centre in the Frankish kingdom. Its archbishops played influential roles in both spiritual and political affairs.
Reims in the High and Late Middle Ages
From the 11th century onwards, Reims thrived as a centre of ecclesiastical power and trade. The construction of the Reims Cathedral began in 1211 on the site of earlier churches, and it soon became the coronation site of nearly all French kings. The Gothic cathedral was an architectural marvel and symbol of royal legitimacy. The surrounding town flourished due to its fairs, wool trade, and proximity to fertile agricultural land. Despite periodic conflict and unrest, Reims maintained its prominence throughout the medieval era.
Reims in the Renaissance and Ancien Régime
During the Renaissance, Reims saw both cultural enrichment and challenges. The city’s university attracted scholars, and its religious institutions gained wealth and influence. However, the Wars of Religion in the 16th century brought tension, as did struggles between royal and ecclesiastical authorities. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Reims was also gaining a reputation for its production of sparkling wine, the early forerunner of what would become Champagne.
Reims in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
The 19th century brought industrialisation and modernization to Reims, particularly in textiles and Champagne production. Rail connections strengthened its economic ties with Paris and other cities. However, during World War I, Reims suffered extensive destruction. The cathedral was heavily damaged by artillery fire, symbolising the cultural loss of the war. Post-war reconstruction was extensive and aimed to restore the city’s historic character.
Reims in the Modern Era
Reims played a key role in World War II when, on May 7, 1945, the German High Command signed the unconditional surrender to the Allies at the city’s former school of war. In the post-war decades, Reims rebuilt and expanded, blending modern development with its historic heritage. Today, it is known both for its monumental cathedral and its central role in Champagne production, preserving its legacy as a city of both kings and culture.
Visiting Reims for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Reims on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
This website uses affiliate links which earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
21 Best places to See in Reims
This complete guide to Reims not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Reims and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Reims Cryptoporticus

Location: Cryptoportique, Place du Forum, Reims, France | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Reims Cryptoporticus
Musée Hôtel Le Vergeur

Location: Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, Place du Forum, Reims, France | Hours: Tuesday - Sunday. Hours are from 10am until 12 noon and 2pm until 6pm. | Price: €5.50 | Website | Distance: 0.2km
Visiting Musée Hôtel Le Vergeur
Porte de Mars

Location: Porte Mars, Place de la République, Reims, France | Distance: 0.3km
Visiting Porte de Mars
Place Royale, Reims

Location: Place Royale, Reims, France | Distance: 0.4km
Visiting Place Royale, Reims
Joan of Arc Statue, Reims

Location: Statue de Jeanne d'Arc Canton de Reims-1, 51100 Reims France | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Joan of Arc Statue, Reims
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

Location: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Notre Dame de Reims, Place du Cardinal Luçon, Reims, France | Hours: 7:30am until 7:30pm | Price: €8 | Website | Distance: 0.5km
Visiting Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Musée de la Reddition (World War II Museum)

Location: Musée de la Reddition, Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, Reims, France | Hours: Every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays | Price: €5.50 | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Musée de la Reddition (World War II Museum)
Musée des Beaux-Arts, Reims

Location: Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rue Chanzy, Reims, France | Price: €5: Fine Arts Museum and Foujita Chapel | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Musée des Beaux-Arts, Reims
Palais du Tau (Archbishops' Palace)

Location: Palais du Tau, Place du Cardinal Luçon, Reims, France | Website | Distance: 0.6km
Visiting Palais du Tau (Archbishops' Palace)
La Maison Mumm

Location: G.H. Mumm, Rue du Champ de Mars, Reims, France | Price: € 28 | Website | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting La Maison Mumm
Bibliothèque Carnegie

Location: Bibliothèque Carnegie, Place Carnegie, Reims, France | Distance: 0.7km
Visiting Bibliothèque Carnegie
Chapelle Foujita (Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix)

Location: Chapelle Foujita, Rue du Champ de Mars, Reims, France | Hours: Every day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesday. | Price: €5.50 | Website | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Chapelle Foujita (Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix)
Reims Champagne Automobile Museum

Location: Musée Automobile Reims Champagne, Avenue Georges Clemenceau, Reims, France | Hours: From May 1 to October 31: 10:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 18:00 From November 1 to April 30: 10:00 - 12:00 & 14:00 - 17:00 | Price: €10,00 | Website | Distance: 1.6km
Visiting Reims Champagne Automobile Museum
Musée Saint-Rémi

Location: Musée Saint-Remi, Rue Simon, Reims, France | Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Price: €5.50 | Website | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Musée Saint-Rémi
Basilique Saint-Rémi

Location: Basilique Saint-Remi, Rue Saint-Julien, Reims, France | Distance: 1.8km
Visiting Basilique Saint-Rémi
Taittinger

Location: Champagne Taittinger - Visites des Caves, Place Saint-Nicaise, Reims, France | Price: Tastings: €37 | Website | Distance: 1.9km
Visiting Taittinger
Villa Demoiselle

Location: Villa Demoiselle, Boulevard Henry Vasnier, Reims, France | Hours: Wed-Sun 10.00-18:00 | Price: €35 | Website | Distance: 2.1km
Visiting Villa Demoiselle
Maison Ruinart

Location: Champagne Ruinart, Rue des Crayères, Reims, France | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Maison Ruinart
Champagne Pommery

| Hours: Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. | Price: €26 Self Guided Tour / €32 Guided Tour | Website | | Distance: 2.2km
Visiting Champagne Pommery
Maison Veuve Clicquot

Location: Champagne Veuve Clicquot - Centre de Visite, Rue Albert Thomas, Reims, France | Price: From €35 | Website | | Distance: 2.3km
Visiting Maison Veuve Clicquot
Parc de Champagne

Location: Parc de Champagne, Avenue du Général Giraud, Reims, France | Distance: 2.6km
Visiting Parc de Champagne
Best Day Trips from Reims
A day trip from Reims offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Reims provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Fort de la Pompelle

Location: Fort de la Pompelle, Puisieulx, France | Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Mondays | Price: €5.50 | Website | Distance: 8.5km
Visiting Fort de la Pompelle
Moët & Chandon

Location: Moët & Chandon, Rue Pupin, Épernay, France | Website | Distance: 24.4km
Visiting Moët & Chandon
Troyes

Visiting Troyes
Dinant

Visiting Dinant
Paris

Visiting Paris
Charleroi

Visiting Charleroi
Mons

Visiting Mons
Beauvais

Visiting Beauvais
Amiens

Visiting Amiens
Namur

Visiting Namur
La Roche-en-Ardenne

Visiting La Roche-en-Ardenne
Metz

Visiting Metz
Where to Stay in Reims
In the heart of Reims, the city centre is ideal for visitors who wish to be close to major attractions like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Tau. Staying here provides easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. For a luxurious experience, La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection offers elegant rooms with cathedral views and a full-service spa. Another excellent option is Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix, known for its modern amenities, including an indoor pool and a stylish bar.
For those seeking a more tranquil setting, the Montagne de Reims area, just outside the city, offers serene landscapes amidst vineyards. Domaine Les Crayères is a renowned château hotel featuring opulent rooms and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Parc. This location is perfect for wine enthusiasts and those looking to explore the Champagne region’s natural beauty.
Travelers arriving by train might consider staying near the Reims train station for convenience. Novotel Suites Reims Centre offers spacious suites and is just a short walk from the station, making it ideal for business travelers or those on a tight schedule. Similarly, Holiday Inn Reims - City Centre provides comfortable accommodations with the added benefit of a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic city views.
For a countryside retreat, the village of Sacy, located approximately 9 km from Reims, provides a peaceful escape. Château de Sacy combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering rooms with vineyard views and a gourmet restaurant. This setting is ideal for couples seeking a romantic getaway or travelers wanting to immerse themselves in the region’s winemaking heritage.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Reims. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Reims Accommodation Map
Best Time to Visit Reims
Reims, located in the Champagne region of northeastern France, is famous for its rich history, stunning cathedral, and world-renowned champagne houses. Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Reims:
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a delightful time to visit Reims as the weather begins to warm up, and the city comes alive with blooming flowers and greenery. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s historic landmarks, such as the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spring also offers opportunities to visit the nearby champagne vineyards and participate in tastings of the region’s famous sparkling wines.
- Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Reims, with warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This is the best time to explore the city’s outdoor attractions, such as the picturesque Place Drouet-d’Erlon and the tranquil Parc de la Patte d’Oie. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals to Reims, including music concerts, art exhibitions, and food fairs. However, be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
- Fall (September to November): Fall is another great time to visit Reims, as the weather remains pleasant, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate. This season is ideal for exploring the city’s museums and galleries, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Palais du Tau. Fall also offers opportunities for culinary experiences, such as sampling traditional dishes like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon at local restaurants and bistros.
- Winter (December to February): Winter in Reims is relatively quiet, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures. This season offers a more intimate experience for visitors, with the opportunity to explore the city’s indoor attractions, such as its historic churches, museums, and wine cellars, without the crowds. Winter is also a great time to indulge in hearty meals and warm drinks at cozy brasseries and cafes throughout the city.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Reims depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities. Whether you’re interested in exploring historic landmarks, sampling champagne, or experiencing local culture, Reims has something to offer for every traveler throughout the year.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 7°C 47°F
- February 8°C 51°F
- March 12°C 57°F
- April 17°C 66°F
- May 19°C 69°F
- June 23°C 78°F
- July 26°C 83°F
- August 28°C 86°F
- September 23°C 77°F
- October 18°C 68°F
- November 10°C 54°F
- December 8°C 50°F
How to get to Reims
Getting to Reims by Plane
Though there are no direct flights to Reims, it’s easy to get here from Paris. There are two airports you can arrive at when flying to Paris: The most convenient is Charles de Gaulle (CDG) international airport which is directly connected by train to Reims and only 30 minutes away. The train departs from CDG 2 train station. It is recommended to book your ticket in advance. The second airport is Orly international airport (ORY) and then travel to Gare de l’est (Paris-East train station) where you can catch the train to Reims. Reims is located 45 mins from Gare de l’est.
Visit Reims by Train
It is easy to travel to Reims from Paris as it is only 45minutes by TGV from Gare de l’Est. Reims is served by two main railway stations: Gare de Reims in the city centre, the hub for regional transport, and the new Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV 5 km southwest of the city with high speed rail connections to Paris, Metz, Nancy and Strasbourg. The motorwaysA4 (Paris-Strasbourg) and A26 (Calais-Langres) intersect near Reims.
Getting Around Reims
Reims is a city that can be conveniently explored on foot. Another pleasant option for enjoying sunny days is to rent a bicycle. However, one of the most convenient and cost-effective means of getting around Reims is to purchase a daily bus ticket. These tickets provide access to various modes of public transportation, including trams, regular buses, and 100% electric shuttles. You can obtain these tickets at the Office de Tourisme de Reims located on boulevard Général Leclerc, as well as on board the buses. Information about schedules and directions is clearly displayed on all buses and at bus stops for your convenience.
If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.