Champagne, France
Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage site and a example of High Gothic architecture. For over 1,000 years, it served as the traditional site for the coronation of French kings. It displays remarkable stained-glass windows, including some by Marc Chagall.
Cryptoportique: Partially preserved Roman gallery under Place du Forum. Glimpse into ancient infrastructure. Check seasonal opening hours.
19th-century fort southeast of Reims. Role in WWI defense, now a museum. Remarkable collection of military artifacts. Located outside city center. Closed during colder months.
Ridge north and east of Reims. Site of intense WWI battles. Landscape scarred by trenches, craters. Numerous memorials, cemeteries, caves. Significant historical day trip for WWI interest.
Small, charming Romanesque chapel on Mumm Champagne house property. Entirely decorated by Japanese-French artist Tsuguharu Foujita. Unique artistic experience, striking contrast to Cathedral. Entrance fee applies.
Broader industrial heritage tied to Champagne production, visible in some Champagne house architecture and former industrial buildings.
WWI military history evident in various memorials and remnants throughout the region.
Reims provides natural spaces for leisurely activities and presents a tranquil escape from urban bustle.
A large public park on the eastern side of Reims. Features extensive green spaces, tree-lined avenues, sports facilities, and walking paths. Hosts various events.
A peaceful environment with a variety of plant species. Check its opening hours.
A scenic walking and cycling path runs along the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne, offering pleasant views of the waterway and surrounding greenery.
A natural backdrop to Reims with dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. The park offers numerous marked hiking trails and scenic driving routes.
Panoramic vistas over the vineyards and the distant city of Reims.
Ancient chalk quarries, originally dug by the Romans, form an extensive underground network that is naturally cool and humid, ideal for aging Champagne. An unique geological experience.
Within the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, diverse ecosystems support various wildlife. Birdwatching is popular, specifically in certain areas of the park. Observe local bird species and smaller mammals during tranquil walks.
Reims is an inland city, so no direct beaches. However, the nearby Lac du Der-Chantecoq (see Day Trips) is one of Europe's largest artificial lakes and offers beaches, water sports, and birdwatching opportunities. The Vesle River flows through Reims, and the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne provides tranquil waterways for walking or cycling.
The Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park, a "mountain" (actually a plateau), provides the natural backdrop to Reims. It features dense forests, rolling hills, and picturesque villages. It has numerous marked hiking trails and scenic driving routes with viewpoints that provide panoramic vistas over the vineyards.
Beyond well-known landmarks, Reims holds unique perspectives and often a more intimate experience of the city and its surroundings. These lesser-known sites present memorable discoveries.
These locations offer diverse insights into the region's past, from ancient Roman times to the devastating impact of World War I.
They present unique perspectives and often a more intimate experience of the city and its surroundings.
Discover intimate looks into the city's past and daily life.
These sites present an opportunity for exploration. Experience the city's quieter, often more personal side. Uncover unexpected beauty and historical layers.
Explore the city's rich artistic and historical legacy through these institutions.
Explore sites that mark significant periods in Reims' military and ancient past.
These grand, historic houses represent the heart of Reims' identity and the global Champagne industry.
Tours typically involve a guided visit to the cellars, an explanation of the Champagne-making process, and a tasting of their Champagne. These are paid experiences, and prices vary significantly based on the house, tour length, and Champagne types sampled. Most tours require advance booking, especially for English-language tours.
Book tours well in advance, specifically during peak season (summer) and harvest time (early autumn). Research different houses beforehand to select one that aligns with your interests (e.g., historical focus, specific architectural style of cellars, particular Champagne styles).
Many major houses are located outside the immediate city center, requiring a short walk, a bus, or a taxi ride. Some houses offer non-alcoholic tastings for designated drivers or children. Visiting Champagne houses on a weekday morning or late afternoon (first or last tour) can mean fewer people.
Explore the city's highlights with guided tours. A variety of options are available for historical sites, Champagne houses, and more.
Find Tours on GetYourGuideConsider a Reims City Pass or combined tickets for certain attractions. This can offer savings and simplify entry to multiple sites.
Learn about City PassesFor Notre-Dame Cathedral, visit early morning or late afternoon. For Champagne houses, weekday mornings or late afternoons (first or last tour) are often quieter.
While the City Center holds major attractions, places like Fort de la Pompelle are outside and require a short drive or bus. Plan transportation accordingly.
Many Champagne houses possess vast networks of underground chalk cellars (crayères) that date back to Roman times. These cool, humid cellars are ideal for aging Champagne.
Many museums have an entrance fee. Check official opening hours, as most are typically closed on a specific weekday (e.g., Tuesdays or Mondays).
Discover the tranquil green spaces and unique geological features the region offers.
Book Champagne house tours and some museum visits in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Consider purchasing a Reims City Pass or combined tickets for attractions for potential savings and ease of access.
Beyond the well-known landmarks, Reims holds several hidden gems that present unique perspectives and often a more intimate experience of the city and its surroundings. These lesser-known sites present memorable discoveries.
Explore nature's anomalies and tranquil retreats.
Discover the personal side of Reims' history and daily life.
This 19th-century fort, located just southeast of Reims, played an important role in the defense of the city during World War I.
This site presents a somber but important look at the realities of WWI and its impact on Reims.
This ridge lies just to the north and east of Reims. It was the site of intense and costly battles during World War I, including the Nivelle Offensive in 1917.
This is a significant historical day trip for those interested in WWI, presenting a powerful and often moving experience.
A small, charming Romanesque chapel located on the property of the Mumm Champagne house.
A testament to Franco-Japanese friendship and Foujita's conversion to Catholicism, this chapel is an unique artistic and spiritual site.
Entry to the main nave is free. Access to towers or specific exhibitions may have a fee. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. The 'Smiling Angel' is a symbol of resilience.
An entrance fee applies. It served as the residence for kings before their coronation and hosted the lavish banquet. It now houses a museum with cathedral treasures.
Tours are paid experiences and typically involve cellar visits, Champagne-making explanations, and tastings. Book tours well in advance, especially for English-language tours during peak season.
