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What to Pack & Bring

What to Pack & Bring

Champagne, France

Seasonal Attire

Choose fabrics like cotton and linen for warm months, and ensure warm layers for colder periods.

Clothing Items

Cultural & Activity Attire

While France has a liberal dress approach, observe local customs when visiting religious sites or dining.

Dress Code Insights

  • Religious Sites: Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women when visiting Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral or other churches.
  • Champagne House Tours: Smart casual attire. Comfortable, flat shoes for walking through cool, damp cellars are a must.
  • Dining: Smart casual for most casual brasseries. Upscale restaurants might welcome smart casual to semi-formal attire.

Footwear Recommendations

Walking Shoes

The most important item. You will spend much time exploring the city and cellars. Choose shoes with good support. Consider Waterproof walking shoes for potential rain.

Highly Recommended

Dressier Shoes

Pack a pair for evenings if you plan to visit finer restaurants or performances.

Optional for Evenings

Cycling/Hiking Footwear

If cycling, appropriate athletic wear. For walks in Montagne de Reims, sturdy Walking shoes or light hiking boots.

Activity Specific

Essential Documents

Travel Papers

Prepare both physical and digital copies of everything important.

  • Passport and Visa Documentation: Carry originals, photocopies stored separately, and digital copies.
  • Travel Insurance Policy: Physical and digital copies with emergency contacts and coverage details.
  • International Driving Permit (if applicable): Needed for non-EU citizens renting cars, with national license.
  • Vaccination Records & Health Documentation: Prudent to carry, especially doctor's notes for prescriptions.
  • Printed & Digital Reservations: Flights, hotels, train tickets, Champagne tour confirmations.
  • Emergency Contact Information: List of family, bank, credit card company, embassy contacts, stored separately.
  • Student/Senior/Press IDs: For potential discounts at attractions or on public transport.
  • Keep photocopies of your passport and visa in a separate place from the originals. Email copies to yourself or save them to cloud storage for easy access.

Technology & Electronics

Power & Connectivity

Ensure your devices work with French power outlets and consider local connectivity options.

Electrical Needs

Devices & Apps

Equip yourself with tools for navigation, communication, and capturing memories.

Essential Digital Tools

  • Camera Equipment: A good Smartphone camera suffices. For high-quality photos, consider a Mirrorless or DSLR. Extra batteries and memory cards are crucial. B&H Photo for gear.
  • Portable Power: Portable chargers or a High-capacity power bank for long exploration days.
  • Recommended Apps: Google Maps/Apple Maps (navigation), Citura (public transport), Google Translate (offline French), Uber/Bolt (ride-sharing), TripIt/Rome2rio (planning).

Data Backup & Security

Cloud Storage

Utilize services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud for backing up photos and documents while traveling.

Device Security

Password-protect devices. Enable remote wipe functions. Use strong, unique passwords.

Physical Protection

Keep devices in secure bags, use luggage locks, and avoid leaving them unattended.

Health & Wellness Items

Personal First Aid

A well-stocked Personal first aid kit helps with minor issues on the go.

Kit Contents

Medications & Protection

Carry prescription and over-the-counter medications and protect against environmental factors.

Supplies

Water & Hygiene

Water Safety

  • No water purification needed in Reims; tap water is safe to drink.
  • Carry a Reusable water bottle for refills.
  • LifeStraw for personal water filtration in other contexts, but not needed here.

Personal Hygiene

  • Bring specific brands of toiletries or feminine hygiene products if you have preferences.
  • Travel-sized versions are helpful for carry-on luggage.

Activity-Specific Equipment

Champagne Tours

For jotting down notes and protecting purchases.

Cycling & Hiking

Gear for exploring vineyards and nature trails.

General Must-Haves

Items that enhance comfort and convenience.

Equipment Rental vs. Bring

Rent

  • Bicycles: Easily rented in Reims for short or multi-day use; saves hassle and cost of transporting your own bike.
  • Car: Renting a car in Reims is straightforward. It offers flexibility for wider region exploration, though not always needed for city center.
  • Rental shops often equip items like helmets and basic repair kits for bikes.

Bring

  • Personal Hiking Gear: If you have specialized hiking boots or poles, bringing your own ensures best fit and comfort.
  • High-end Camera Equipment: For professional photographers, bringing your own camera gear is typical.
  • Specific Dietary Snacks: If you have very particular dietary needs or preferences, bring specialized snacks from home.
  • Niche Personal Items: Any specific comfort items or toiletries that are difficult to source elsewhere.

Miscellaneous Must-Haves

Travel Comfort & Security

Items that contribute to comfort, security, and a smoother travel experience.

Smart Packing

Sustainable & Local Items

Choose items that reduce waste and immerse you in the local experience.

Eco-Conscious Choices

Items Difficult to Find Locally

Dietary Snacks

Specific snacks for dietary needs or comfort foods from home.

Niche Toiletries

Particular brands of toiletries or hair care items due to preferences or sensitivities.

Specific OTC Meds

Preferred over-the-counter medications that might not be available or recognizable.

Specialty Gear

Any unique items tailored to specific hobbies or activities that are not common rentals.

Local Insights for Packing

Walking Attire

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes.
  • You will cover significant distances exploring Reims on foot.
  • Comfortable footwear prevents fatigue.

Cellar Comfort

  • Champagne cellar tours involve walking on often damp and uneven surfaces.
  • Cellars maintain a consistent cool temperature; a light jacket is a good idea even in summer.
  • Check specific Champagne house websites for any tour-specific attire recommendations.

Packing Smart Tip

A small, foldable Travel bag can be useful for souvenirs or extra purchases, especially Champagne bottles.

Consider packing versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, minimizing luggage bulk.