Destination guide
Reims
France
Reims (sometimes spelled Rheims in English), a city in Champagne-Ardenne, France, is perhaps best known for its world heritage listed cathedral, where generations of French kings were crowned. It is also the largest city in the Champagne area and some of the champagne cellars located in the city are likewise inscribed…
AI insights
Local-ledAI-written from the Wikivoyage listings, transport section and mostly LOCAL creators' videos on this page
Prioritize the cathedral visit for the morning hours to view the stained glass when natural light is optimal, and specifically examine the south transept window by Jacques Simon for its themes linked to champagne production.
When planning your champagne experience, avoid relying solely on city-center cellars; book a dedicated tour to visit boutique wineries in the surrounding Grand and Premier Cru villages to gain a comprehensive understanding of the production process.
The Saint-Remi Basilica is located some way south of the city center, so consider utilizing the local bus network to reach it efficiently rather than relying solely on walking if you plan to visit other sites in the same day.
Seek out local dining gems like Aux Coteaux for a meal, as these establishments offer a distinct alternative to the high density of dining options found in the immediate vicinity of the main square.
If you are staying at the C.I.S. hostel, be aware that the strictly enforced no-alcohol policy and communal environment make it better suited for budget-conscious travelers than those seeking a social atmosphere with evening drinks.
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Ranked by views and how well each landed with the people who watched it, judged against the other coverage of this place — plus a local creator where we found one.
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Best time to go
Best window: April–October
Kind weather all year — there is no month to avoid.
Rated from ten years of daily temperature and rainfall recorded at this destination, via Open-Meteo's ERA5 reanalysis. Hover a month for its real numbers.
Getting around
Getting around
While the centre is fairly compact and easy to get around by foot, if you want to go further afield then try the buses. They're very reliable, run regularly, and despite local complaints, good value at €2.00 to go anywhere (Oct 2024).
Transport notes from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0.
What to see
Places are listed from Wikivoyage and our own sourced research. Worth it means a second, independent source names the place too; “3 sources agree” means three or more do — and each card names them, so you can check.
Cathedral (Reims)
Worth itAlso recommended by W. Andrew Powell and 1 other
Place du Cardinal Luçon
The French equivalent, somewhat, for England's Westminster Abbey, the cathedral at Reims was the church in which numerous French monarchs were officially crowned. Reims is one of the later Gothic cathedrals and renowned for its height.
Vetted sources
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
The Gothic cathedral where 34 French kings were crowned between 816 and 1825, its golden facade rising above the city center.
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Palais du Tau
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
The former archbishop's palace displays original cathedral statuary and coronation regalia used in the very ceremonies held next door.
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Basilique Saint-Rémi
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
An 11th-century Romanesque basilica holding the tomb of the saint who baptized Clovis, founder of the French monarchy.
Vetted sources
Palace of Tau
2 Place du Cardinal Luçon
Was the archbishop's palace and retains a 13c Palatine chapel.
Reims-Gueux
on Hwy D27 between Thillois and Gueux· Free
The grandstands and other buildings for the former Reims-Gueux Grand Prix motor racing course still stand, some restored by volunteers, others fenced off for safety reasons but still impressive to view from the outside.
Vetted sources
Saint-Remi Basilica
Rue Saint-Julien
A Romanesque church some way south of the centre of town.
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Town Hall
Place de l'Hôtel de ville
Dates from the 17th century. Behind it on the right is a fine art nouveau building originally for Mumm champagne, with mosaics showing the champagne making process.
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What to do
Taittinger
3 sources agreeAlso recommended by Lonely Planet and 2 others
Champagne house tours through Roman-era chalk cellars beneath Reims.
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Taittinger cellar tour
Worth itAlso recommended by Rick Steves
You descend into 4th-century Gallo-Roman chalk pits, built partly within the ruins of a 13th-century abbey, ending in a tasting of the house's champagne.
Vetted sources
Pommery cellar tour
Worth itAlso recommended by Rick Steves
Massive underground galleries beneath a Gothic-fantasy chateau, followed by a tasting of one of Champagne's grand old houses.
Vetted sources
Hautvillers village day trip
Worth itAlso recommended by Lonely Planet
The hilltop village where Dom Pérignon is buried in the church of Saint-Sindulphe, surrounded by the vineyards he helped make famous.
Vetted sources
La Vigne du Roy
Private and semi-private tours of the Champagne region. They offer half-day, full-day or multi-day tours that focus on high quality boutique wineries in mostly Grand and Premier Cru Villages.
Vetted sources
What to eat
Aux Coteaux
86 Place Drouet d'Erlon
The real gem worth finding, mainly a pizzeria but with some nice mains as well.
Vetted sources
Le Petit Four
off the Place d'Erlon, past the Opera cinema and across the lights
A small kiosk for sandwiches. It's bright yellow, you can't miss it!
Vetted sources
Where to stay
C.I.S
21 Chaussée Bocquaine
A basic hostel for backpackers with communal kitchen and showers. It's cheap and clean, but can get noisy if large groups are in. Non smoking and no booze is allowed.
Vetted sources
Holiday Inn Garden Court
46 Rue Buirette
Reasonable sized rooms but a little aged. Good breakfast selection in top floor restaurant. Underground parking
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Ibis
21 Boulevard Paul Doumer
(Was Express by Holiday Inn). Secure outside parking.
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Travel essentials
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Travel content from Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Encyclopedic context from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Videos via the YouTube Data API.