Overview
Reims is the champagne capital of France, home to the largest champagne houses including Veuve Cliquot, Piper Heidsieck, Taittinger, Pommery, and Ruinart. The city's Gothic cathedral, where almost all French kings were crowned for about 1,000 years, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the champagne cellars.
Architecture · Day Trips · Festivals · History · Museums
Before you go
Connectivity
5G available with all French carriers as of 2022. Most hotels and cafes offer WiFi. Hotel Victoria provides free WiFi in the bar.
Culture
Reims rebuilt in Art Deco style after WWI destruction. The cathedral hosted French royal coronations for 1,000 years. Champagne cellars date to Roman times.
Food
Place d'Erlon has diverse dining from cheap burgers to mid-range French. Ethnic restaurants near the Opera cinema offer good value. Boulangeries and patisseries provide cheap quick meals.
Money
France uses euros (€). Credit cards are widely accepted. Champagne is cheaper at Monoprix than tourist shops. The Saturday market at Place de la Republique (07:00-13:00) offers good value.
Safety
Generally safe city with police presence. Avoid Orgeval, Croix Rouge, and Wilson neighbourhoods at night. Standard petty theft precautions apply.
Transport
Local buses cost €2.00 anywhere (October 2024). TGV to Paris takes 45 minutes; buses take 2h30. Buy bus carnets of 10 tickets from tobacco shops for better value.
Weather
Best visited spring through autumn for pleasant walking weather. Christmas Fair in December is a highlight. Summer offers longer days and outdoor activities.