Reims travel guide

Reims Tourism | Reims Guide

You're Going to Love Reims

Dominated by one of Europe's most beautiful Gothic cathedrals, Reims is a compact French jewel, offering atmospheric cafes, superb food, and some of the best Champagne you will ever taste.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Reims

1. The Incredible Cathedral

The star of the show in Reims is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, historically the place where French kings were crowned. Check out the Chagall stained glass windows, and soak up the serene, awe-inspiring atmosphere.

2. Champagne

Toast your vacation in style in the home of Veuve Clicquot or visit Champagne houses run by iconic names like Mumm or Taittinger.

3. Superb Museums

Reims is packed with museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims (with a fantastic collection of 19th-century French works) and the Museum of the Surrender.

4. Some of France's Best Restaurants

Accompany your Champagne with gourmet cuisine at acclaimed restaurants like the Art Deco La Brasserie du Boulingrin or up-and-coming seafood spots like Le Bocal.

5. Festivals Every Month

There's always something going on in Reims, from Christmas fairs to the Reims Vintage Car Show and May's magical Johan Festival, dedicated to medieval history.

1. The Incredible Cathedral

The star of the show in Reims is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, historically the place where French kings were crowned. Check out the Chagall stained glass windows, and soak up the serene, awe-inspiring atmosphere.

2. Champagne

Toast your vacation in style in the home of Veuve Clicquot or visit Champagne houses run by iconic names like Mumm or Taittinger.

3. Superb Museums

Reims is packed with museums, including the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims (with a fantastic collection of 19th-century French works) and the Museum of the Surrender.

4. Some of France's Best Restaurants

Accompany your Champagne with gourmet cuisine at acclaimed restaurants like the Art Deco La Brasserie du Boulingrin or up-and-coming seafood spots like Le Bocal.

5. Festivals Every Month

There's always something going on in Reims, from Christmas fairs to the Reims Vintage Car Show and May's magical Johan Festival, dedicated to medieval history.

What to do in Reims

1. Reims Cathedral: Reims' Crowning Glory

Reims Cathedral could lay claim to being the birthplace of France, as it was there in the 5th century that Clovis, ruler of the Franks, accepted Christianity. After that the cathedral became a regular spot for crowning and marrying monarchs, including Louis XVI, who lost his head in the revolution. Nowadays, the building reflects its regal past, with splendid statues of ancient kings, a soaring nave, spectacular tapestries, and famous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. It's a truly breathtaking sight.

2. Palace of Tau: Walk in the Footsteps of Royal Glory

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is an exquisite palace, which was once home to the Archbishop of Reims - crowner of kings. Located more or less right next to the cathedral, it has a classically Baroque appearance, befitting the place where monarchs rested before their coronations. Now, visitors can walk in the hallways where kings-to-be contemplated their responsibilities, and also see a fabulous collection of tapestries, gold chalices and statues. The two attractions complement each other brilliantly.

3. Musée des Beaux-Arts: An Artistic Treasure Trove

Just down the road from the cathedral and the Palace of Tau, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers up a cornucopia of creative riches. Started in the 1790s, and initially stocked from the collections of local nobles, the museum now spans over 500 years of European art, featuring engravings, sketches, sculptures and, of course, plenty of watercolors and oil paintings. Big names abound, from Cranach the Elder, through to David, Courbet, Monet, and Matisse as the exhibition leads visitors through centuries of artistic genius.

4. Basilique Saint-Remi: A Testament to Gothic Greatness

Another holy site in French history, the Basilique Saint-Remi is revered for holding the bones of Saint Remi (hence the name), the intrepid bishop who persuaded Clovis to convert to Christianity, securing France for Catholicism. These days, the basilica is protected by UNESCO, and is a Gothic masterpiece. You can soak up the tranquility as you sit in the transept, or gaze at the 900-year-old stained glass windows. And, if you time your visit well, there are regular music and light shows on summer evenings which feature the magnificent Cattiaux grand organ. It's hard to envision a more magical way to spend an evening.

5. Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur: A Little Gem of a Museum

When you've seen the basilicas, cathedrals and palaces of Reims, the Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur offers something much more humble, but just as absorbing. This museum is housed in a restored 13th century home, which is part of the charm. However, what really astounds visitors is the art collection on display. The museum is home to a dazzling collection of works by Albrecht Dürer, as well as Renaissance furnishings, and exhibits showing scenes from the 19th century. Located just to the north of the city center, it's well worth the short walk, particularly on sunny days when the gardens are sublime.

1. Reims Cathedral: Reims' Crowning Glory

Reims Cathedral could lay claim to being the birthplace of France, as it was there in the 5th century that Clovis, ruler of the Franks, accepted Christianity. After that the cathedral became a regular spot for crowning and marrying monarchs, including Louis XVI, who lost his head in the revolution. Nowadays, the building reflects its regal past, with splendid statues of ancient kings, a soaring nave, spectacular tapestries, and famous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. It's a truly breathtaking sight.

2. Palace of Tau: Walk in the Footsteps of Royal Glory

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is an exquisite palace, which was once home to the Archbishop of Reims - crowner of kings. Located more or less right next to the cathedral, it has a classically Baroque appearance, befitting the place where monarchs rested before their coronations. Now, visitors can walk in the hallways where kings-to-be contemplated their responsibilities, and also see a fabulous collection of tapestries, gold chalices and statues. The two attractions complement each other brilliantly.

3. Musée des Beaux-Arts: An Artistic Treasure Trove

Just down the road from the cathedral and the Palace of Tau, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers up a cornucopia of creative riches. Started in the 1790s, and initially stocked from the collections of local nobles, the museum now spans over 500 years of European art, featuring engravings, sketches, sculptures and, of course, plenty of watercolors and oil paintings. Big names abound, from Cranach the Elder, through to David, Courbet, Monet, and Matisse as the exhibition leads visitors through centuries of artistic genius.

4. Basilique Saint-Remi: A Testament to Gothic Greatness

Another holy site in French history, the Basilique Saint-Remi is revered for holding the bones of Saint Remi (hence the name), the intrepid bishop who persuaded Clovis to convert to Christianity, securing France for Catholicism. These days, the basilica is protected by UNESCO, and is a Gothic masterpiece. You can soak up the tranquility as you sit in the transept, or gaze at the 900-year-old stained glass windows. And, if you time your visit well, there are regular music and light shows on summer evenings which feature the magnificent Cattiaux grand organ. It's hard to envision a more magical way to spend an evening.

5. Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur: A Little Gem of a Museum

When you've seen the basilicas, cathedrals and palaces of Reims, the Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur offers something much more humble, but just as absorbing. This museum is housed in a restored 13th century home, which is part of the charm. However, what really astounds visitors is the art collection on display. The museum is home to a dazzling collection of works by Albrecht Dürer, as well as Renaissance furnishings, and exhibits showing scenes from the 19th century. Located just to the north of the city center, it's well worth the short walk, particularly on sunny days when the gardens are sublime.

1. Reims Cathedral: Reims' Crowning Glory

Reims Cathedral could lay claim to being the birthplace of France, as it was there in the 5th century that Clovis, ruler of the Franks, accepted Christianity. After that the cathedral became a regular spot for crowning and marrying monarchs, including Louis XVI, who lost his head in the revolution. Nowadays, the building reflects its regal past, with splendid statues of ancient kings, a soaring nave, spectacular tapestries, and famous stained glass windows by Marc Chagall. It's a truly breathtaking sight.

2. Palace of Tau: Walk in the Footsteps of Royal Glory

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this is an exquisite palace, which was once home to the Archbishop of Reims - crowner of kings. Located more or less right next to the cathedral, it has a classically Baroque appearance, befitting the place where monarchs rested before their coronations. Now, visitors can walk in the hallways where kings-to-be contemplated their responsibilities, and also see a fabulous collection of tapestries, gold chalices and statues. The two attractions complement each other brilliantly.

3. Musée des Beaux-Arts: An Artistic Treasure Trove

Just down the road from the cathedral and the Palace of Tau, the Musée des Beaux-Arts offers up a cornucopia of creative riches. Started in the 1790s, and initially stocked from the collections of local nobles, the museum now spans over 500 years of European art, featuring engravings, sketches, sculptures and, of course, plenty of watercolors and oil paintings. Big names abound, from Cranach the Elder, through to David, Courbet, Monet, and Matisse as the exhibition leads visitors through centuries of artistic genius.

4. Basilique Saint-Remi: A Testament to Gothic Greatness

Another holy site in French history, the Basilique Saint-Remi is revered for holding the bones of Saint Remi (hence the name), the intrepid bishop who persuaded Clovis to convert to Christianity, securing France for Catholicism. These days, the basilica is protected by UNESCO, and is a Gothic masterpiece. You can soak up the tranquility as you sit in the transept, or gaze at the 900-year-old stained glass windows. And, if you time your visit well, there are regular music and light shows on summer evenings which feature the magnificent Cattiaux grand organ. It's hard to envision a more magical way to spend an evening.

5. Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur: A Little Gem of a Museum

When you've seen the basilicas, cathedrals and palaces of Reims, the Musée-Hôtel le Vergeur offers something much more humble, but just as absorbing. This museum is housed in a restored 13th century home, which is part of the charm. However, what really astounds visitors is the art collection on display. The museum is home to a dazzling collection of works by Albrecht Dürer, as well as Renaissance furnishings, and exhibits showing scenes from the 19th century. Located just to the north of the city center, it's well worth the short walk, particularly on sunny days when the gardens are sublime.

Where to Eat in Reims

Le Bocal is an exceptional seafood restaurant, Le Millénaire is a Michelin-starred traditional eatery, while Philippe Mille whips up gorgeous dishes in opulent surroundings at Les Crayères. Prices vary by establishment, but a good meal should cost around EUR20-40.

When to visit Reims

Reims in January
Estimated hotel price
$197
1 night at 3-star hotel
Reims in January
Estimated hotel price
$197
1 night at 3-star hotel

Reims has something to enjoy at all times of year, with museums and markets to enjoy whenever you visit. Why not pick a festival that interests you and schedule your trip then?

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Temperatures
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How to Get to Reims

Plane

For visitors from North America, the easiest option is to fly into Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, before hopping on a high speed TGV train (30 minutes, tickets from EUR20).

Train

Reims has superb rail connections to Paris, and the journey can take as little as 40 minutes (from Paris Est station).

Car

From Paris, take the A4 straight to Reims. From Lille, take the A1 to Arras, then the A26.

Bus

Eurolines runs daily buses from Paris to Reims, which take just under 2 hours to reach their destination and cost around EUR10.

Plane

For visitors from North America, the easiest option is to fly into Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport, before hopping on a high speed TGV train (30 minutes, tickets from EUR20).

Train

Reims has superb rail connections to Paris, and the journey can take as little as 40 minutes (from Paris Est station).

Car

From Paris, take the A4 straight to Reims. From Lille, take the A1 to Arras, then the A26.

Bus

Eurolines runs daily buses from Paris to Reims, which take just under 2 hours to reach their destination and cost around EUR10.

Airlines serving Reims

Lufthansa
Good (7,137 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,340 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,832 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,687 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,623 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,924 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,459 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,662 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,813 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,517 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,138 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (799 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,304 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,296 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (360 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (869 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,340 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,152 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,880 reviews)
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Where to stay in Reims

Centre-Ville - home to Reims' fabulous cathedral and most of the best restaurants, Centre-Ville is where most tourists start their exploration of Reims.

Popular Neighborhoods in Reims

Coutures - just southeast of the city center, Coutures is a relaxed neighborhood where the main attraction is the engaging Automobile Museum.

Saint-Remi - Champagne central. Saint-Remi is the place to go to sample the latest masterpieces from Taittinger or Veuve Cliquot.

Coutures - just southeast of the city center, Coutures is a relaxed neighborhood where the main attraction is the engaging Automobile Museum.
Saint-Remi - Champagne central. Saint-Remi is the place to go to sample the latest masterpieces from Taittinger or Veuve Cliquot.

Where to stay in popular areas of Reims

Most booked hotels in Reims

Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
$256+
Continental Hotel
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, Excellent reviews)
$243+
Novotel Suites Reims Centre
4 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
$200+

How to Get Around Reims

Public Transportation

The buses in Reims are reliable and cheap, at just EUR1 per journey. You can also purchase 10 tickets for EUR8.60.

Taxi

You will need to book taxis in advance via the web, phone, or your concierge, and expect to pay a rate of around EUR2 per mile.

Car

Car rental options in Reims include Sixt and Europcar. Rates should be around EUR15 per day for smaller vehicles.

Public Transportation

The buses in Reims are reliable and cheap, at just EUR1 per journey. You can also purchase 10 tickets for EUR8.60.

Taxi

You will need to book taxis in advance via the web, phone, or your concierge, and expect to pay a rate of around EUR2 per mile.

Car

Car rental options in Reims include Sixt and Europcar. Rates should be around EUR15 per day for smaller vehicles.

The Cost of Living in Reims

Shopping Streets

The best place to shop in Reims is Galeries Lafayette - the town's largest department store. There are also some wonderful artisanal stores, like the antiques market La Boutique and Lancel, heaven for those who love designer accessories.

Groceries and Other

Carrefour is the main supermarket in Reims, with branches all over the city. As an indication of prices, expect to pay around EUR3 for 12 eggs.

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