Are you feeling a little overcome by people, cars, and noise?
Hey, I know you love Paris, but sometimes a weekend away in the countryside or a smaller city or town is just what you need.
That is why Reims is a perfect weekend escape from Paris.
Did you know that Reims ancient town has centuries of history to explore?
It was once the city of coronations for the French kings, and thanks to the Monks, Reims is the place to stay and sample the Champagne region.
So if you love champagne, then Reims is your heaven.
Only an hour by TGV from Paris via Champagne-Ardenne, book your romantic getaway in Reims.
Download your REIMS Self-Guided City Walk and plan your day.
Reims: Weekend Escape from Paris
With so many Champagne Houses to visit and the city’s rich history, Reims is just one of those places you need to visit and enjoy the stunning architecture.
And champagne, of course.
Maybe hiring a car is the best option, especially if you want to see more Champagne Houses around Reims.
How Do I Get to Reims?
If you don’t want to drive to enjoy more sparkling wine, take the TGV from Paris.
The TGV from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport will take you to the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station, about 30 minutes from Reims. From here, a regional train will take you directly into the city. Simple.
Depending on what time you arrive, the small tourist office at the Reims train station can book Champagne House tours.
Hotels and restaurants are within an easy walk of the train station.
Where to Stay in Reims
We are comfort travellers, so in between our housesitting assignments, we stay at one of our favourite Hotels, B&B Hotels. The rooms are clean and affordable, and breakfast is reasonably priced.
When choosing accommodation, we have a few favourites.
A favourite is Booking.com, where you can pick a boutique hotel.
Hotels.com, where after your 10th night is booked, your next night is free based on your average stay rate.
When we are staying longer and need a kitchen, we use Airbnb. If you are new to Airbnb, this link will give you a discount on your new booking.
What is Reims Famous for?
Reims has had significant times in history, making it famous for:
- All French Kings were crowned at the Cathedral Notre Dame Reims
- Joan of Arc liberated the French from the English in 1429
- World War II unconditional surrender document was signed in Reims
- Wonderful, delicious sparkling wine, aka bubbles, champagne
Self-Guided Walk of Reims
Reims is easily explored on foot.
We have done the hard work (enjoyable hard work) for you, with a self-walking guide of Reims.
Download your REIMS Self-Guided City Walk and plan your day.
How to Book Champagne Tours
We found a tourist office outside the main train station to book various tours and experience the wonderful champagne of the region.
While you can take a guided minibus to wineries outside the city, you can also visit Champagne Houses on foot in and around Reims.
So, it’s up to you to choose how many and which Champagne House to enjoy.
To help with your selection, we used The Champagne Houses to find times and a map of Champagne Houses in Reims.
Our preference was Champagne Taittinger.
Taste Taittinger
Why we choose Taittinger
Taittinger is a famous family champagne business dating back to the Crusades here in the city of Reims. We had heard of the Taittinger Caves and wanted to see the underground area and taste some delightful champagne.
Booking a Tour of Taittinger Cellar Caves
To book a tour, you can go directly to Pick a Visit – Taittinger or just arrive at Champagne Taittinger.
It’s a good idea to check the website first, especially if you want to take a tour in English.
When we arrived at the winery, we booked a tour and only had a half-hour wait until it commenced. While we waited, we came across a collection of vintage vehicles parked outside.
Always impressive to see these classics.
Tip: Make sure you have warm clothing for the tour of the underground caves, as the chalk caves remain at a cool 12 degrees Celsius.
A Little History of Taittinger
Around the Middle Ages, there was a Monastery on this site where the Monks of the Saint Nicaise Abbey carved out chalk cave cellars to house their wine.
It’s amazing how long these caves have been here.
But there is also a modern history to the caves.
During WWI, locals used the caves to shelter from bombings, and some even left reminders of their time while they waited in the form of carvings in the cave walls.
Taittinger Tour begins
The tour guide leads us down, down, down the 100 steps of the spiraling stairwell.
Finding ourselves 18 meters below ground in the cellar caves, listed as a UNESCO site.
Patience is a virtue they say – especially for Taittinger Champagne
Taittinger now holds around one million bottles on this site (the smaller one of two) as the fermenting phase takes ten years.
We were told that Taittinger typically produces 7-8 million bottles a year and sells 5-6 million bottles each year. That means Taittinger keeps 5 years’ stock on hand in both cave systems.
Wow, that’s a lot of champagne!
Luckily, we didn’t have to wait that long to enjoy a matured sample of champagne. Depending on the ticket purchased, you can sample one or many varieties from the Taittinger range at the end of the tour.
Taittinger champagne bottles are unique in their shape and quantity. (They use a large bottle with a long neck). The largest bottle holds 3 liters, so larger than a magnum.
And the taste, divine.
10 Must-Sees Places of Reims
Not only is their champagne to enjoy in Reims, but also history dating back to the Romans.
Reims is an amazing old town with beautiful buildings, churches, and cobblestone streets. It also has a lovely pedestrian area where people can enjoy a drink in the local restaurants, bars, or cafes.
And as you do in France, an early morning walk to a local bakery was perfect for a coffee and croissant for breakfast.
1. Notre Dame de Reims – Cathedral of Reims
Notre Dame de Reims is an impressive “new” church built in 1211 on the previous site of the Basilica from 496AD.
When entering the church, the first thing you notice is its size and the many side chapels, including the chapel for St Therese and Joan of Arc.
It was here in 1429 when Joan of Arc liberated Reims from the English.
Reims Cathedral was also where the Kings of France were crowned.
2. Palais du Tau – Bishops Palace
Next door to the Cathedral is the Palais du Tau, the palace for the Archbishop of Reims.
The palace is now a UNESCO site and is well worth visiting to see the Treasury and Tapestries dating back to the 15th century.
From here, the Kings processed their coronation to Notre Dame de Reims and returned to a banquet in celebration.
3. Saint Remi Basilica – former Abbey Church
The Basilica is a UNESCO site and contains the relics of Reims’ patron saint, Saint Remi, who, as Bishop, baptized Clovis the King of the Franks in 496.
Unfortunately, the Basilica was closed. However, we did wander the grounds to view the Gothic architecture dating back to 1049.
4. Abbey Museum (Saint Remi Museum)
The Abbey Museum (closed between 12 noon and 2 pm) is a UNESCO site next door to the Basilica.
The museum also has a lot of information on the history of Reims.
Download your REIMS Self-Guided City Walk and plan your day.
5. Porte de Mars – Old Roman Gate
The Porte de Mars was once the gate of the city and dates to the 3rd century. It was built as a triumphal arch named after the nearby temple Mars.
6. Museum of Surrender WWII
It was here in the Franklin Roosevelt High School building where Germany’s surrender in WWII was signed on May 7, 1945.
You can visit the Museum of Surrender to view the surrender document and other military memorabilia.
But another interesting fact is that this building was also General Eisenhower’s headquarters.
7. Hotel de Ville, Reims
The Hotel de Ville is the city’s local government office.
What an impressive building. Imagine working here?
8. Palais de Justice
This Palais de Justice was once the Hotel Dieu.
The building is open to the public on rare occasions, where you can view the 13th-century vaulted cellars.
Now, that would be impressive to see.
9. Place Royale
The Place Royale dates to Roman times when the area was part of the Roman forum of Durocorturum.
Today, you will find many beautiful French architectural buildings.
And make sure to take a look at the statue.
The original of King Louis XV was destroyed in the Revolution, so the statue you see here depicts a king as a Roman Emperor.
10. Champagne Mumm
Walking the streets of Reims, we came across this beautiful door of Champagne Mumm.
Another reason to stop and visit for more champagne in the city of Reims.
To book a tour, click here: G.H.MUMM Champagne
Where to Eat in Reims
Whether you walk around the city or rent a car to travel further, Reims offers a choice of restaurants.
If you are on a budget, you have the student area. But if you want a memorable meal, the inner city area is the place to head.
The street that impressed us the most for restaurants and bars was Place Drouet d’Erlon.
This street provides a great atmosphere for outside dining, whatever the weather. It’s great for people watching and getting the feel of a French city.
We found a local Boulangerie for coffee each morning and a croissant or two. Perhaps a Caffee Au Lait (Coffee with Milk) or a Cafe Noisette (Expresso with Milk).
Reims, Perfect Weekend from Paris
Are you convinced to come to Reims for a weekend?
Reims is easy to navigate and a refreshing change from the big city of Paris. You can relax with drives to the rolling countryside, sipping bubbles while enjoying fabulous French cuisine.
You can set your own pace on how many Champagne Houses to visit. And how many glasses of champagne to taste?
Who wouldn’t want to spend a weekend enjoying the very best champagne from France’s Champagne region?
Make time to visit now.
Thanks Timothy, there are so many beautiful towns over here with so much history and wonderful buildings, you would love it
Terry & Maura 😊