Things to do in  Reims

The city is famous for Reims Cathedral, originally dating from the 13th century. It was heavily damaged in World War I but has been restored and is one of the most elaborate Gothic cathedrals in the country. Reims is in the Champagne region, so the tipples are nice here, too.

Yes, the Reims Cathedral is reason enough to visit. It’s where French kings and queens were crowned in the past. Throw in churches, old palaces, and the labyrinth of Champagne cellars below your feet, and you’ve got a city that’s the perfect retreat.

Start at the cathedral in the old city and learn about former monarchs who were crowned there. They’re not the only famous people linked to Reims. Quasimodo from Hugo’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame, was purportedly inspired by a bellringer at Saint-Remi Abbey. In the afternoon, book a Champagne tasting.

It depends on your preferences. Epernay is much smaller than Reims. If you’d like to stay in the heart of the Champagne vineyards and explore them on foot from your accommodation, stay in Epernay. If you prefer a city, with a choice of cuisines, bars, and hotels, opt for Reims.

Yes, the center of Reims is very walkable—you can see some of the city’s top attractions like Palais du Tau, Reims Cathedral, and Porte de Mars without even breaking a sweat. That said, if you want to explore some of the town’s adjacent vineyards, you’ll need to take a car or city bus.

Reims has plenty of evening entertainment. It’s got a university, and with that comes an abundance of clubs, bars, and food joints. It’s not just about Champagne, either. Reims has a solid beer scene—head to Place Drouet d’Erlon for a choice of watering holes and a young crowd.