Champagne Tasting in Reims: A Wonderful Weekend Of Bubbles And Sightseeing

If you have seen the sights of Paris and are ready for a change of scenery and pace, you may be pleased to learn that you can hop on a fast train from Paris to Reims and be in the Champagne region in under one hour, and that's exactly what I did.

Reims is a walkable and compact city located east of Paris, boasting a rich history and a laid-back atmosphere. It is famous for being home to some of the region's renowned champagne houses, such as Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart, as well as a UNESCO heritage-listed Gothic cathedral. So, if you are partial to a glass of bubbles and are interested in exploring one of France's most historic cities, you won't want to miss this destination.

The main train station is in the city centre, and you only need to cross the road from the station to reach the central boulevard, lined with bistros, bars, patisseries, and ice cream parlours. It's the perfect place to start your day with a café crème and croissant!

Reims makes a fabulous day trip from Paris, but if you decide to stay in Reims for a few days, as I did, you can also visit Eperney, a 40-minute train journey away.

Here, you will find the Avenue of Champagne, the centre of the world's fizzy stuff and the home of the Epernay Champagne houses. For me, the best champagne house in Epernay was the stunning mansion and cellars of Moet and Chandon. I booked a Moet and Chandon champagne-tasting session and tour and would highly recommend it.

So let me help you discover the wonderful world of Reims!

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Is Reims worth visiting?

Absolutely! Reims is a slow-paced city where wandering ancient streets and sipping on Champagne are part of daily life.

So what makes Reims such an important cultural and historical centre in France?

In the early Middle Ages, it became an important centre for Christianity. Its famous cathedral, Notre-Dame de Reims, was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is where 25 French kings were crowned.

During the medieval period, Reims was a powerful city renowned for its wealth, trade, and influence. Its role in the Champagne trade brought great prosperity to the region.

Like much of Europe, Reims endured its share of war and conflict over the centuries. Sadly, 80% of Reims was destroyed during WWI and WW2, but was rebuilt from the ashes. Many of the city's buildings were reconstructed in the Art Deco style, an example of which can be seen on a visit to the Opera House.

Today, Reims is a vibrant university city known for its historical landmarks and connection to the Champagne wine industry. It's a centre for education, culture, and tourism in the Champagne region of France and is worth visiting.

What to do in Reims, France

Most people come to Reims for a champagne experience, so I have included a section on what to expect during a tasting tour towards the end of this itinerary. In the meantime, let me highlight the historic landmarks in Reims that you will want to see.

Visit Notre-Dame de Reims

One of the best things to do in Reims is to take it slowly and admire its beautiful buildings as you wander around its streets and squares. It won't be long until you come across its most important historical landmark - Reims Cathedral.

Notre-Dame de Reims is located in a square that features the Tau Palace, as well as several restaurants and bars. Behind it is a small park, Square Henri Deneaux, from which you can get lovely shots of the cathedral's apse.

From 1027 onwards, all the French kings were crowned in Rheims (as it was spelt back then), except Louis Vl and Henri IV. In 1654, Louis XIV, the Sun King, was crowned here, and after the Revolution, in 1825, the last king crowned in this church was Charles X.

The cathedral took 60 years to construct, and the beautiful stained-glass rose window is one of its outstanding features. Its Gothic architecture is intricate and a testament to the skill of the stonemasons who carved this monumental cathedral, featuring 2303 sculpted figures, over 1000 years ago.

Why not take a guided tour of Notre Dame de Reims and learn about its illustrious history?

If it's a nice day, you can sit in the shadow of the cathedral and, if lucky, listen to the sound of a nearby busker filling the air with French melodies.

See Palace du Tau

Next to the cathedral is the Palace du Tau. It's a former archbishop's palace and a UNESCO World Heritage site containing fascinating exhibits, including artefacts related to the coronation of French kings.

During my visit, the Tau Palace was shut down for renovations, which was disappointing; however, it is due to re-open in 2025, so keep an eye on the Palais du Tau website for exact dates.

Angie's tip: If Reims Cathedral and Tau Palace have whetted your appetite for religious buildings, visit the Romanesque abbey of Saint-Rémi Basilica, which is slightly on the outskirts of town but reachable by foot or tram.

Carnegie Library

Behind the cathedral is the Carnegie Library, built after its predecessor was destroyed in World War I. It is noted for its Art Deco styling and is one of France's national heritage sites (Monument Historique). It contains over half a million documents, including manuscripts dating back to the 7th century. You are welcome to enter and explore the Art Deco interior. Check the opening hours on the Carnegie Library website.

Admire Place Royale

This square, named "Place Royale" in honour of King Louis XV, is surrounded by elegant neoclassical buildings and is a central focal point in Reims.

Pass By Town Hall

The Town Hall of Reims, known as "Hôtel de Ville de Reims," has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It was originally constructed in 1636 as the administrative centre, but, like much of the city, was destroyed by bombings during World War II.

When the war was over, it was reconstructed in its original classical French architecture, featuring an elegant façade, a grand staircase, and richly decorated interiors. It now houses the Mayor's office and council chambers and hosts city events.

See the traditional French shops in Reims

Reims has its fair share of pretty shopfronts, and as you wander around the city, you will be kept busy snapping photos of them!

Head to Fossier for a pink biscuit

Reims is supposedly the birthplace of the biscuit, and its pink biscuits are a big hit in town, often accompanying a glass of fizz.

Fossier's flagship store is at 25 Lessons Jean-Baptiste Langlet 51100 Reims, where you can purchase the traditional pink finger biscuits of Reims, similar to those used to make trifles in the UK. We went for something a bit more exciting and bought the chocolate-covered pink raspberry square biscuits. I can confirm that they were delicious with a cup of tea in our hotel room!

Follow the Reims Walking Trail

If you are interested in learning about some of the historic buildings in Reims, it is worth following the heritage trail around the city. Information panels in both French and English tell the story behind some of the more notable buildings, providing insight into their rich heritage.

Champagne Tasting in Reims

There are numerous champagne houses in Reims, and Taittinger was the one we chose to visit. Their cellars were closed for renovation during our visit, so our tasting was conducted in a historic building that had once been used for banquets for French nobility visiting the city.

We started in their gift shop, which featured special bottles of Champagne, glasses, cork stops, and more. Our sommelier introduced herself, and then we made our way up the heavy wooden staircase to a completely white, modern-looking banqueting suite.

During our experience, we learned about Taittinger's history, the production process of Champagne, and the company's global export operations.

It was interesting to learn that Taittinger has vineyards called "Domaine St-Evremond" in Kent that are not too far from our home. Apparently, the soil and weather conditions closely match those in the Champagne region, so it is the perfect place to establish the brand abroad.

Now to the tasting. We opted for the L'Instant Rosé tasting, which included a glass of rosé and white. It was fun to sip champagne in Reims, the only area in the world that can officially label its sparkling wine as champagne.

The experience lasted around one hour and was excellent. It cost €37 per person. Bookings should be made early, as Taittinger is a popular champagne house, so you don't want to miss out.

Finish your day with a traditional dinner in Reims

Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring regional specialities like coq au vin or escargots, paired with a glass of Champagne.

Reims has many beautiful restaurants and is one of France's premier gourmet destinations. It boasts eight Michelin-starred restaurants, including La Millenaire and L'ExtrA. Other restaurants to try are Le Condorcet and L'atelier.

Do you prefer a more casual dining experience? I recommend the pub/bistro-style food at Au Bureau, beside the cathedral - we ate there twice.

Looking for a traditional eatery? Head to Café du Palais for a quintessential Reims experience. Nestled near Reims Cathedral, this family-run café has been a local favourite since the 1930s. Today, it continues to charm visitors with its daily lunch service and occasional dinners, set amidst a quirky interior.

Searching for good coffee in Reims? You will find it at J’Aime Thé Café. This quaint coffee shop roasts its beans onsite, guaranteeing a full-flavoured beverage.

Getting From Paris To Reims By Train

It's pretty simple to get between the two cities. A direct train from Paris to Reims Central Station will take approximately 45 minutes and cost around £16 one way.

You can also take a train from Paris to Champagne-Ardenne TGV. From there, you must take another train, which will take 12 minutes to reach Reims.

Guided Tours To Reims From Paris

It's very easy to experience a champagne tasting in Reims on your own, but you may prefer to be part of a group and have your transportation arranged for you. For this reason, I am including a couple of guided tour options:

From Paris: Reims and Champagne Tasting Full Day Tour. Enjoy tastings and cellar tours in three Champagne houses, a three-course lunch, and a stop at the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral.

Small Group Champagne Day Trip from Paris with Six Tastings. Groups of up to 8 people will enjoy a day in the Champagne region, visiting Reims, Epernay and Hautvillers Abbey.

Guided Champagne Tours In Reims

Here are two fantastic champagne tours to book if you plan to stay in Reims.

From Reims: Morning Champagne Tour and Tastings - Max 8 participants, Entry fees, six tastings and transport.

Reims: City Centre Walking Tour and Champagne Tasting. Explore Reim's medieval squares, cobbled streets and monuments and finish with a glass of champagne.

Where To Stay In Reims

I stayed three nights in Reims at the recently renovated Best Western Premier Hotel De La Paix. I was pleasantly surprised by the superior quality of my room, the hotel's communal areas, the swimming pool, and the restaurants and bars.

My spacious room was on the top floor and had a superb view across the rooftops and to the Cathedral and distant countryside. Please follow this booking link for Best Western Premier Hotel De La Paix.

Another superb place to stay with great reviews, and next to the cathedral, is La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa.

If you are looking after the euros and need a more budget-friendly property, you will love Hôtel Porte Mars Reims Gare Centre Arena. It's a five-minute walk from the railway station.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Reims

Reims surprised me with its delightful charm and calming effect after the crowds and noise in Paris. It doesn't stay quite as calm at night, though, as it fills up with students and can feel a little chaotic, which changes the city's vibe. Nevertheless, I would still recommend Reims as a wonderful place to visit.

I loved that it was easy to navigate, with all the important landmarks close to each other, and that the city was so clean. It is noticeable that the people of Reims take pride in their historic city and maintain its buildings and public areas very well.

The main boulevard is a perfect place to people-watch while sitting on one of the cafes' outdoor terraces, sipping a flute of bubbles. After all, this is the commercial capital of the Champagne region, so it's a must.

If you are continuing your trip through Eastern France, an easy train link takes you from Reims via Strasbourg to Colmar, one of the prettiest villages in the Alsace Region.

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