What to do in a day in Reims, the Champagne capital of France? I think it might be obvious… 🍾 But Reims isn’t only about the bubbles (though, let’s be honest, it mostly is). There are historic sites to see, art to absorb and history to inhale, all just a short train journey from Paris. As a self-confessed champagne lover but no connoisseur, I have no idea how it took me this long to visit. So, if you’re considering it, then this guide covers what to see, what to drink, where to stay and how to squeeze the best of Reims grapes into just 24 hours.
What is Reims known for?
Reims is best known as the centre of the champagne region, with champagne-infused everything: biscuits dipped in champagne, meals cooked with champagne and, of course, endless opportunities to drink the world’s most famous fizz.
But it’s not all about the bubbles. Reims also played a pivotal role in World War II, as the place where Germany signed its first official surrender. For history and war geeks (which I also am), this is a major treat… or should I say treaty 😉 It’s also historically significant as a coronation city for French kings, dating back to Roman times. So really, the little town of Reims has a huge amount to offer!
Is Reims worth visiting?
Absolutely yes! Shamefully, both my friend and I had lived in Paris, yet it took my big birthday for us to finally drink ‘Champagne in Champagne’. We were both baffled by why this hadn’t happened sooner! It was so easy, so fun and one of those bucket-list trips where you get to be a part of history, while drinking champagne.
Who Invented Champagne?
Champagne is often said to have been invented by a monk, Dom Pérignon, hence the name of one of the most famous champagnes. Coined to accompany his discovery is his alleged said: ‘Quick, come I am tasting the stars’. But it seems marketing was alive and well back then! Whilst he was involved, champagne was more of an evolution than an invention. Indeed, the bubbles in wine were considered wonky wine! Yet this faulty fizz in wine grew in popularity and thank goodness it did!
But this wasn’t the first sparkling wine to be discovered. Some say the Brits were actually first. But most wine buffs believe it was indeed in France, but much further south than Reims, in Limoux. And then the English refined it creating their own version, known today by the rather boring ‘English Sparkling Wine’. So the French marketing worked.. and Champagne became the best-known fizz!
Why is the Champagne Region So Famous?
Champagne is famous not just because of how delicious it is, but due to where it comes from. The name ‘Champagne’ is legally protected. Only sparkling wine made in a specific way in this region can be called Champagne. Everything else is sparkling wine – even if it tastes similar! The same rule also applies to Prosecco and the region in Italy it is from. Branding matters!
When is the Best Time to Visit Reims?
I visited Reims in July, and while it was busy, it wasn’t as overwhelming as I’d read it could be. There were more Americans than I expected, but of course, that makes sense as it’s also their summer holidays.
I heard that the shoulder seasons (spring and early autumn) are also popular, especially during harvest for the wine tourism. However, do note that some champagne houses reduce tours during this time, and the town fills with seasonal workers, so accommodation could be higher.
How to Get to Reims from Paris?
The simplest way to reach Reims is via Paris. If you are driving, then it is double the time of the train and you will need to limit your tastings! But it does give more flexibility if you are also wanting to head to Épernay – which is more spaced out.
If you are taking the train, then it’s super easy. Head to Gare de l’Est (which, if you come in via the Eurostar, is only a 5-minute walk away from Gare du Nord). Trains are direct and can take as little as 45 minutes depending on when you go. I got a bit confused with the times and different operators so if that’s you then the SNCF app was best for accuracy!
Reims does also have an airport for those with the money to hire a private plane! You can of course do a GetYourGuide trip from Paris – let someone else take you there and back and organise your tastings!
Where to Stay in Reims
Despite being a city, Reims is fairly compact, so it doesn’t matter hugely where you stay. However, for me, I am usually driven by finding hotels with rooftops, of which there were only 2! Sacré bleu! They are the Radisson Blu Reims and Holiday Inn Reims City Centre. For location and rooftop views, the Holiday Inn wins.
However, I chose the Radisson, even though it was further from the town, it was still very walkable and it was a bargain! It is more of a conference-style hotel/ lending well to big groups. And yes, the rooftop is cute but with terrible views – not their fault, but until the area is renovated, it’s not one I would recommend in a hurry. Read my full hotel review if you are considering this hotel.
How to get around Reims?
Reims is totally walkable, or Uber is readily available – even when the heavens opened and then everyone wanted one! There is also a tram and bus service, and trains run to and from Épernay. If you are a bubbles buff, then you probably aren’t reading this but should you be, then you will be needing a driver as there are so many smaller, lesser-known houses you will be wanting to explore! Or again GetYourGuide have some great tours I nearly booked including a city walking tour with tastings!
How Long Should You Stay in Reims?
The real question is – how much do you love Champagne? I love it, but after only 24 hours, I was ready for water and wine of the still variety! So, you could easily do just 24 hours in Reims itself. I would advise another night at least in Épernay. In hindsight, I probably would have done this, but we were time-poor. I would also advise an extra night for flexibility of the weather as we lost several precious vineyard hours due to a downpour. Sadly, now we will have to go back 😉
Is Reims or Épernay better?
I chose Reims for walkability, history and ease – as the train to Reims is half the time from Paris than to Épernay. Épernay is more spaced out, more focused on vineyards, though it does have the famous ‘Avenue de Champagne’! It also depends on which champagne houses are on your must-list as to which you may prefer. Looking for Moet and Chandon then you will want to Epernay, Krug then stick with Reims. They complement each other beautifully – if you have the time to visit both. This is a great champagne house resource.
Do You Need to Book Champagne Houses in Advance?
Yes, if you want guaranteed tours or tastings. Some houses have cafés, bars, galleries and shops you can visit without booking, but if a house is on your must-see list, book ahead.
How Many Champagne Houses Are in Reims?
There are around 150 Champagne houses in Reims (and the surrounding area) – you may need to rethink your 24 hours stay! 😉 Of those, about 40 are in Reims city centre.
What do you do at a Champagne House?
There are a variety of different offerings usually from the houses. Everything from cellar tours, tastings, vineyard walks, talks, tastings, dining or just drinking! Many offer private tours probably for those who came on their private planes! 😉 Personally, I don’t learn that well with tours, so stuck to the latter activities! Which also happen to often be more time and money economical.
Famous Champagne Houses in Reims to Visit?
This really depends on your time, stamina, taste and budget. As this isn’t a cheap activity. And as just mentioned, I didn’t do the tours due to time, cost and fun being prioritised! But we still went and enjoyed the champagne!
Veuve Clicquot: A classic house to visit, with serious girl power history. At just 27, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin became a widow and took over the business – completely unheard of for a woman at the time. The name honours this, as ‘Veuve’ means ‘widow’ in French. Her story reminded me of Dona Antónia Ferreira when visiting the Ferreira Port House – another woman who shaped an entire wine legacy against the odds. If I had done any tour, it would have been this one, purely for the fascinating pioneering impact she had.
But for those who come for the gram, this brand also knows how to play. The site is highly Instagrammable, with its infamous branding, and was top of my list. There’s a café for those who just want to soak up the Veuve vibe (you can’t book it), plus an indoor lounging area complete with a branded pool table. Optional (but recommended) to wear a dress that matches!
Taittinger: This had a personal reason – it is my stepmum’s favourite champagne. So, it would be rude not to at least pop in! It was quite a very sterile setting with stunning art relating to their brand dotted around. You can sit at their bar and enjoy one of the finest no bookings needed.
Ruinart: The first-ever champagne house and the one everyone said we needed to visit. Sadly, the rain ruined this visit and we hadn’t booked a tour as it was pricey. But an iconic brand and part of champagne history, so one I would go back and do another day.
Also, to note, Veuve, Taittinger, and Ruinart are all in walking distance of each other and so easy if you are short on time to pack in!
Lastly, we also went for a tasting at G.H. Mumm due to it being so close to our hotel on a downpour – again like Taittinger, more sterile, but helpful to pass the time. Wasn’t wild about it.
Fun Facts about Champagne
Impress your travel buddies with these lesser-known champagne facts:
From the famous… Rumour has it Winston Churchill drank two bottles of vintage champagne a day. Napoleon is famously quoted as saying, ‘In victory you deserve it; in defeat you need it.’
To the practical… While flutes are often seen as the correct way to sip champagne, and coupe glasses offer old-school elegance (until you spill them), champagne actually breathes best in a tulip-shaped wine glass – which also conveniently holds more.
To the mind-blowing… A single bottle of champagne contains approximately 49 million bubbles and is under around three times the pressure of a car tyre.
How to Pronounce Reims!
Rooftops in the champagne region of Reims! Alliteration perfection. Pronunciation nightmare. I am dyslexic and so went with the phonetic ‘Remms,’ but I was not even close! There’s a nasal growl! And it’s more like Rahms – say it with champagne confidence – I still can’t! I’ll stick with ‘the home of champagne!’
What Else is There to Do in Reims?
Visit the Musée de la Reddition (Museum of the Surrender): Step into Eisenhower’s war room where the first original signing of defeat from the Third Reich took place in Reims on May 7th. (Not to confuse history as there was a second signing of surrender, in Berlin, at the insistence of the Soviets the day after). Sadly, for my inner war geek, it was closed for renovations summer 2025 until March 2026. Guess there’s another reason I’ll be back!
Reims Cathedral – Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims: Reims Cathedral is known for being a gothic masterpiece taller than its cousin Notre-Dame of Paris and an UNESCO site. It is also where Joan of Arc is laid to rest and the only building in Reims to survive the German bombing during the Second World War. Take a tour to learn more or just marvel at it from the rooftop restaurant next door!
Palace of Tau: The Palace was key to Kings’ coronations past and is located next to the Cathedral. Again, I didn’t get a chance to see it as it has been closed for renovations since 2023 but is due to reopen in 2026.
Where to Eat and Drink in Reims?
If you have the budget to be dining at some of the champagne houses, then I would go for that option, as when in Rome and all that! However, there are plenty of other options.
There are the usual French cafes and bars – the street ‘Place Drouet d’Erlon’ is lined with them and has a great atmosphere. Of course, I hunted down the rooftop bars and restaurants. Of which there were only 3, and one I was staying at!
However, it only takes one, and I would highly recommend the rooftop restaurant Gabrielle Toit Reims. A small terrace with an indoor area that boasts cathedral views, so perfect all year round. The food was fantastique (and my foodie friend concurred!)
I would also recommend breakfast or brunch at Sacré Brunch! It is called this for a reason! This was when we had to question if we were still in France and not America, for the portions! Basically it was 2 meals – one savoury and one sweet in one order! Naturally we had to wash it down with some more bubbles!
But then we figured a lot of Americans come through, and stomachs being lined was key to survival in Reims! Value for money was an understatement and it was très bon!
Final thoughts on Reims
If you like champagne, French towns, wine tasting, and vineyards, then you will be wishing you had come sooner! I did! Santé!
