Reims Champagne, France Travel Guide
Reims is more than a postcard image; it is an experience. The city encourages slow exploration, whether browsing the bustling Les Halles du Boulingrin market, enjoying a leisurely meal in a charming brasserie, or simply strolling through its pedestrian-friendly streets. Beyond the city limits, rolling vineyards stretch across the landscape, inviting cycling tours and visits to smaller, family-run Champagne houses. These tours offer intimate glimpses into the dedication behind each bottle. Reims delivers a refined yet approachable encounter with French culture, blending historical importance with gastronomic pleasure. It is a destination that nourishes both the mind and the palate.
A visit to Reims is an experience for all senses. The aroma of freshly baked bread from a boulangerie mingles with the subtle scent of damp chalk from the cellars. The sounds of church bells chime alongside the clinking of Champagne flutes.
This guide assists with navigating all these aspects for the true essence of Reims. Discover a city that honors its past while continually innovating, with a journey that is both educational and indulgent. Your journey into the heart of Champagne begins here.
Reims sits in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, within the department of Marne. It serves as the largest city in the Champagne-Ardenne historical province. The city lies approximately 144 kilometers (89 miles) east-northeast of Paris, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or an extended stay from the French capital. Its location places it squarely within the Champagne wine region, a landscape characterized by gently rolling hills covered in meticulously cultivated vineyards.
The Vesle River, a tributary of the Aisne, flows through Reims, adding a gentle waterway to the urban landscape. The city’s elevation is relatively low, around 80 meters (260 feet) above sea level, contributing to its generally flat terrain within the urban core. To the south and southwest, the city is bordered by the Montagne de Reims Regional Natural Park. Despite its name, this "mountain" is actually an elevated plateau, reaching a maximum altitude of about 286 meters (938 feet). It forms a natural barrier and a part of the Champagne appellation, with its chalky subsoil playing an important role in grape cultivation. This park is a protected area, featuring dense forests, picturesque villages, and of course, more vineyards.
Direct TGV trains link Reims to the French capital.
Épernay, another Champagne hub, sits 30 km south.
Chalky soil ideal for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier grapes.
A natural park with forests and vineyards forms a southern border.
Central core rebuilt with Art Deco, contrasting with older streets.
Reims is positioned strategically within Europe. Its proximity to major European cities and its excellent transport links—especially the high-speed TGV train lines—make it readily accessible. It acts as a gateway to the wider Champagne region, with Épernay, another significant Champagne hub, located just 30 kilometers (18 miles) to the south. The city’s geographical features directly influence its economy and culture. The chalky soil, formed from ancient marine deposits, yields ideal drainage and mineral content for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, the three main varietals used in Champagne production. This unique terroir directly results from Reims' geological placement.
The city's urban layout mirrors its history. The central core, largely rebuilt after the devastation of World War I, features broad avenues and Art Deco architecture alongside surviving historic structures. This contrasts with the older, narrower streets found in some preserved areas.
Beyond the city center, the landscape quickly transitions to the rural beauty of the Champagne vineyards, a testament to the region’s agricultural focus. The city's location within this specific natural and agricultural setting shapes its identity as the capital of Champagne.
Reims boasts a profound historical legacy, intertwined with the very fabric of France. Its origins trace back to Roman times, when it was known as Durocortorum, a significant town in the Roman province of Belgica. The city’s strategic location made it an important administrative and military center. Remnants of this Roman past, like the Porte de Mars, a grand triumphal arch, and the Cryptoportique, a partially preserved ancient gallery, are testaments to its early importance. These structures link directly to the city's foundation and its long-standing role as a hub.
The city’s true ascent to prominence began in the early Middle Ages. In 496 AD, Clovis I, the first King of the Franks, was baptized in Reims by Saint Remi. This event marked a turning point in French history, establishing a lasting connection between the monarchy and the Church, and cementing Reims' spiritual authority. From the 11th century onwards, nearly every French king, from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825, chose Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral as the site for their coronation. This tradition imbued the city with a sacred aura and earned it the enduring title of "City of Coronations." The Cathedral itself is a historical document, its stones bearing witness to centuries of royal power, religious devotion, and architectural evolution.
Site of nearly every French king's coronation since the 11th century.
Commercial and historical center of Champagne production.
Site of Clovis I's baptism in 496 AD, a pivotal French moment.
Reims faced immense challenges throughout its history. It withstood sieges and conflicts, but none were as devastating as World War I. Positioned directly on the Western Front, Reims suffered extensive bombardment, which destroyed a large portion of the city, including significant damage to its beloved Cathedral. The post-war reconstruction, specifically during the 1920s and 30s, saw a boom in Art Deco architecture, giving parts of the city a distinct appearance.
Reims combines a regal past with gastronomic pleasure for a complete French experience.
World-class Champagne houses invite exploration of their cellars and tastings.
The city center, museums, and local cuisine offer rich cultural encounters.
Reims brings together history, a world-famous beverage industry, and a welcoming urban environment.
Prepare for a journey that stimulates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. Reims awaits your visit.
Major attractions are often within walking distance, with public transport filling gaps.
