Itineraries for Your Trip to Reims
2 Days in Reims for First Timers
One of my favorite things about living in Paris was how close it was to Reims and the Champagne region. I had a friend with a country home near Reims, and we'd often spend weekends in the region, usually with a stop in Reims for a meal and some shopping before heading deeper into the countryside for some quiet time and maybe a bit of Champagne tasting.
While many people stop in Reims fairly quickly on a wine-tasting tour of Champagne, this history-rich city is a worthwhile destination. If you don’t drink Champagne, it’s worth spending one or two days in Reims for its history alone. Here’s one way to do it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame.
Temperatures in Reims can get quite chilly—always have a waterproof jacket with you, just in case.
On your first morning, take a walking tour of the city to learn about its history. Most tours start with the city’s most famous attraction: the Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture (and the coronation sight of many a French monarch). Tours then head next door to the adjacent Tau Palace, a papal residence turned museum.
In the afternoon, see why the area around Reims is the most famous producer of sparkling wine in the world by taking a tasting tour with transportation. Visit boutique wineries and taste a variety of wines, stopping to check out the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d'Hautvillers, where Dom Pérignon once lived.
Return to Reims in the evening and explore more independently. Visit spots you might have missed on your morning tour, such as the UNESCO-listed Abbey of Saint-Remi, the Eglise Saint-Jacques, and the Carnegie Library. Before you head out, download a self-guided tour or scavenger hunt to enrich your evening with commentary.
On your second morning, head back to the countryside to deepen your knowledge of Champagne production. Visit smaller wineries that allow you to talk to winemakers and get an up-close look at the winemaking process, from vine to glass. Opt for a tasting tour so you can taste without worrying about driving.
After a hearty lunch, put your Champagne knowledge to the test in the afternoon by making your own bottle of bubbly. Head to Tours-sur-Marne to visit the family-run Champagne Lamiable estate. Here, you can taste different types of Champagne, disgorge a half-bottle of bubbles to take home, and create a label.
Wrap up your 2-day visit to Reims with a sunset tasting in a vineyard. Afterwards, return to Reims for dinner. Treat yourself to an evening of fine dining at an ultra-chic spot such as Le Millénaire or Restaurant L'ExtrA, or opt for a more casual experience at L'Antica Chanzy, known for its wood-fired pizza.
