Champagne, France
Reims, at the heart of Champagne, naturally features its signature product in many dishes, from sauces to desserts. Cuisine follows traditional French principles, with fresh, seasonal ingredients and balanced flavors.
Local agriculture, including grains, vegetables, and livestock, underpins many regional meals.
Lunch is 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. Dinner begins around 7:00 PM, extending to 10:00 PM or later. Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, typically 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Recommended for popular restaurants, especially for dinner and weekends. Michelin-starred places require weeks or months of advance booking.
Ask for "une carafe d'eau" for free tap water. Bread is always served, typically directly on the table, to accompany the meal.
Iconic pink cookies, crisp and light. Traditionally dipped in Champagne. Find them at local bakeries and patisseries. Fossier is a famous producer. A tin makes a lovely souvenir.
A specialty ham, pressed and cooked, served cold in thick slices. Delicate, refined flavor. Find it at charcuteries or traditional brasseries.
Delicate white sausage from nearby Rethel, fine texture, mild flavor. Pan-fried or grilled. Featured in traditional restaurants.
Bakeries offer fresh baguette sandwiches, quiches, savory tarts, and pastries. Crêperies provide quick, satisfying sweet or savory options.
Macarons (meringue confections), Tarte Tatin (caramelized apple tart), Éclairs, and Mille-feuille are classic French pastries.
Reims presents a range of dining environments, from refined culinary journeys to quick, local bites.
Le Parc Les Crayères: Two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a luxurious château. Refined, modern French cuisine, extensive Champagne list. Ideal for special occasions.
Numerous brasseries and traditional restaurants in the city center. Classic French dishes in a relaxed setting.
Bakeries, patisseries, and crêperies for affordable meals. Fresh baguette sandwiches, quiches, pastries.
Variety of international restaurants: Italian, Asian, and other global cuisines, mainly in the city center.
Vegetarian options are growing; ask for 'Je suis végétarien(ne)'. Vegan choices are more challenging; use apps like HappyCow. Inform staff about gluten intolerance ('sans gluten') or other allergies.
Carry a Translation card or Translation app for clear communication.
Sample diverse local flavors.
Focus on French or regional cuisine.
Explore cheese or biscuit makers.
An unforgettable and authentic experience.
Consider purchasing a Champagne preservation stopper. Attend a Champagne tasting class to understand styles.
Enjoy local beers, a growing craft scene. A French cooking book provides inspiration for home.
Carry a small card with your dietary restrictions translated into French. This provides clear communication with restaurant staff.
This regional twist on Coq au Vin, where chicken is slow-cooked in a rich Champagne-based sauce, showcases how Champagne integrates into local cuisine beyond simply being a drink.
Many Champagne houses or specialized wine bars offer guided tasting classes. These sessions teach you about different Champagne styles, grape varietals, and the art of tasting.
Some local culinary schools or private chefs offer hands-on cooking classes focusing on French or regional cuisine. These can range from a few hours to full-day experiences, often including a market visit.
Guided food tours often combine Champagne tastings with visits to local markets and tastings of regional delicacies like cheeses, charcuterie, and Biscuits Roses.
This magnificent Art Deco covered market building is a highlight. On market days (typically Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings), it becomes a bustling hub with vendors selling local produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh seafood.
A wonderful place to experience local life and gather ingredients for a picnic. Even on non-market days, the building itself is an architectural marvel.
Carry a small card with your dietary restrictions translated into French. This provides clear communication with restaurant staff.
This ensures smooth ordering and enjoyable meals.
Tipping is discretionary in France, as service charge is included. Wait to be seated in most restaurants. Explore local event listings for seasonal food markets.
Savor Biscuits Roses de Reims, Jambon de Reims, Boudin Blanc de Rethel, and Coq au Champagne. Explore traditional beverages like Champagne and Ratafia. Enjoy macarons and Tarte Tatin for dessert.
From Michelin-starred fine dining (Le Parc Les Crayères, Racine, L'Assiette Champenoise) to mid-range brasseries (Boulingrin, Au Bureau, Le Crypto) and budget eateries (bakeries, crêperies, markets).
Consider purchasing a Champagne preservation stopper for open bottles. Enjoy the growing local craft beer scene. For recipe inspiration, a French cooking book is a great idea.
