Overview
Reims (pronounced roughly 'Rance') is a city of around 180,000 people in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, within the Marne department. It sits at the western edge of the Champagne wine region and has been a place of strategic and cultural importance since antiquity.
The city is most internationally recognised for two things: its spectacular Gothic cathedral, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where the kings of France were traditionally crowned, and the vast network of chalk cellars — known locally as crayères — beneath its streets, used by major Champagne houses to age their wines.
Beyond wine and architecture, Reims carries significant layers of history. It was heavily damaged during World War I and rebuilt in the 1920s, giving parts of the city a coherent Art Deco character. The German surrender ending World War II in Europe was signed here in May 1945. These historical threads make Reims a city with genuine depth, rewarding visitors who look beyond the Champagne tasting rooms.
Before You Go
Visas
Reims is in France, which is part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend on your nationality. For accurate, up-to-date entry rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official French immigration authority (France Visas: france-visas.gouv.fr).
Climate
Reims has a temperate continental climate. Summers (June–August) are warm but not extreme, while winters can be cold and grey with occasional frost. Spring and autumn are generally pleasant and are considered the best seasons to visit, with harvest activity in September adding particular atmosphere to the Champagne region.
What to Pack
- A light layer for evenings, even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes — the historic centre is best explored on foot
- An umbrella or light rain jacket year-round
Health & Insurance
No vaccinations are specifically required for France. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All other visitors are strongly advised to arrange comprehensive travel insurance before departure. Verify your coverage details with your provider.
Getting There
By Train
Reims is well connected by rail and is the most practical way for most visitors to arrive. Direct TGV high-speed trains from Paris Gare de l'Est reach Reims in around 45 minutes, making it an easy day trip or short break from the capital. Regional trains also connect Reims to Épernay and other nearby towns. Check SNCF (sncf-connect.com) for current schedules and fares.
By Car
Reims lies approximately 140 km northeast of Paris via the A4 motorway. Driving gives flexibility for exploring the wider Champagne wine routes. Parking is available in the city centre, though the historic core is partially pedestrianised, so check designated parking areas on arrival.
By Air
Reims does not have a major commercial airport with regular scheduled passenger services. The nearest major international airports are Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY). From CDG, a combination of RER and TGV or a direct train can bring you to Reims relatively efficiently; verify current connections on SNCF's website.
Getting Around
The historic city centre of Reims is compact and walkable. The cathedral, the main Champagne houses, the Palace of Tau, and the central market square are all within a manageable walking distance of each other.
Reims has a tram network (operated by Citura) covering key parts of the city, as well as bus lines. Tickets can be purchased at tram stops and on board buses; verify current fares and route maps at citura.fr or on the Citura app.
Taxis and ride-hailing services operate in the city. Cycling is feasible on dedicated lanes, and bike-share options have been available in the city — check locally for current availability. For visiting Champagne houses located slightly outside the centre, or exploring the Route Touristique du Champagne, a car or organised tour is the most practical option.
Things to See & Do
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in existence. Built primarily in the 13th century, it features an extraordinary west facade with thousands of sculptural figures. Inside, stained-glass windows include panels designed by Marc Chagall. Admission fees and opening hours vary by season — verify on the official cathedral or city tourism website before visiting.
Palais du Tau
Directly adjacent to the cathedral, this former archbishop's palace houses the official treasury of the cathedral, including royal coronation objects, tapestries, and statues removed from the cathedral facade for conservation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the cathedral. Check current opening hours and admission fees locally.
Basilique Saint-Remi
A somewhat less visited but remarkable Romanesque-Gothic basilica on the southern side of the city. The adjacent Musée Saint-Remi occupies the former abbey buildings and covers Gallo-Roman, medieval, and later periods of the region's history.
Champagne Cellars (Crayères)
Several of the great Champagne houses — including Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, G.H. Mumm, and Pommery — are headquartered in Reims and offer guided cellar tours. These tours descend into chalk tunnels (some originally Gallo-Roman) where bottles undergo secondary fermentation and ageing. Tours typically conclude with a tasting. Advance booking is strongly recommended; visit individual house websites for current tour times, prices, and availability.
WWI & WWII History
- The Musée de la Reddition (Museum of the Surrender) marks the schoolroom where the German instrument of surrender was signed on 7 May 1945. Verify current opening status and hours before visiting.
- The city's damaged and rebuilt fabric tells a story of WWI destruction; the Fort de la Pompelle on the city's outskirts houses a notable collection of WWI helmets and artefacts.
Art Deco Architecture
The post-WWI reconstruction gave Reims a coherent ensemble of Art Deco buildings, particularly around the city centre streets and the Carnegie Library. Self-guided walking itineraries are available from the Reims tourism office.
Food & Drink
Champagne
Reims is, understandably, champagne country. Many bars, wine shops, and restaurants centre their lists around the region's sparkling wine. The contrast between prestigious Grand Marque houses and smaller récoltant-manipulant (grower-producer) champagnes is worth exploring — some wine bars in the city specialise in the latter.
Local Cuisine
The Champagne-Ardenne region has its own culinary identity. Look for:
- Ratafia de Champagne — a sweet aperitif made from grape must and marc, traditional to the region
- Jambon de Reims — a pressed pork terrine served cold, a regional charcuterie specialty
- Chaource cheese — a creamy cow's milk cheese from the broader region, widely available
- Biscuits roses de Reims — light, pink-tinted finger biscuits traditionally dipped in champagne; sold in many patisseries and confectionery shops
Dining
Reims has a range of dining options from brasseries and bistros to higher-end restaurants. The area around the Place du Forum and Place Drouet d'Erlon (a lively pedestrian boulevard) has the highest concentration of cafes and restaurants. Market days at the covered Halles du Boulingrin — a striking Art Deco market hall — are worth timing a visit around. Verify current market days locally.
Shopping
The main commercial shopping street in Reims is the Rue de Vesle and surrounding pedestrian areas. For distinctive local purchases, consider:
- Biscuits roses de Reims — available in dedicated shops such as Fossier, the historic producer, and in many food shops across the city
- Champagne — purchasing directly from a Champagne house after a cellar tour is a common and reliable approach; you can also find good selections at specialist wine merchants (cavistes) in the city
- Local food products — Ratafia, regional mustards, and confectionery are available at markets and specialty food shops
The Halles du Boulingrin market is a good place to find local produce, cheeses, and artisan goods on market days.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
- General emergency (all services): 112 (EU standard)
- Police: 17
- Fire/Ambulance (SAMU): 15 (medical emergencies), 18 (fire)
Tourist Office
The Office de Tourisme de Reims is located near the cathedral and is a useful first stop for maps, walking itinerary leaflets, and up-to-date information on events and opening hours. Visit reimstourisme.com for current details.
Money
ATMs are widely available in the city centre. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, though some smaller market stalls or traditional boulangeries may prefer cash.
Connectivity
Public Wi-Fi is available in some city squares and municipal buildings. Mobile data coverage (4G/5G) is generally good throughout the city. Check your provider's roaming arrangement before travelling.
Accessibility
The city centre is broadly navigable, though some older sites — particularly cellar tours involving steep stairways — can be challenging for visitors with limited mobility. Contact individual Champagne houses or sites in advance to ask about accessibility provisions.
Safety
Reims is generally a safe city for visitors. Standard urban precautions apply: be attentive to your belongings in busy tourist areas, around train stations, and on public transport.
The Place Drouet d'Erlon and surrounding areas are lively at night with bars and restaurants; exercise normal awareness in any busy nightlife area after dark.
For the latest travel advisories specific to France, consult your government's official foreign travel advice service before departure.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Reims has a long association with French national identity through its role as the city of coronations — French kings from Louis VIII to Charles X (with some exceptions) were crowned at the cathedral, a tradition spanning nearly a millennium. This history gives the city a self-conscious sense of place and pride.
The city's population includes a significant student community (the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne is a major institution), which contributes to an active cultural calendar of music, theatre, and events. The annual Fêtes Johanniques in May, celebrating Joan of Arc's role in the coronation of Charles VII, is a notable local festival.
Greeting people with a simple bonjour when entering a shop or restaurant is expected and appreciated. While English is understood in most tourist-facing contexts, making a small effort with French is generally welcomed.
