Reims rewards a focused visit built around its champagne heritage and Gothic grandeur. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, where French kings were once crowned, remains the unmissable centerpiece, its facade and stained glass justifying an hour alone. From there, the Champagne Houses such as Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Pommery, and Taittinger open their historic cellars for Champagne Tasting Tours that explain the region's signature drink at its source. Round out the day with a stroll through Place Royale before settling into the Rue de Talleyrand and Rue du Barbâtre bar district for the evening, or timing a visit to coincide with the Marché de Noël de Reims on Place Drouet d'Erlon.
Reims boasts magnificent architectural landmarks that shaped European history, from grand cathedrals to classical buildings showcasing centuries of French heritage.
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture and UNESCO World Heritage site where 25 French kings were crowned. Built over two centuries with stunning rose windows, intricate sculptures, and soaring nave. The cathedral survived WWI destruction and remains a symbol of French grandeur.
Tips for Landmarks & Monuments
- Visit the cathedral early morning to avoid crowds and enjoy natural light through stained glass
- The exterior is best photographed from the plaza at sunrise
- Combine cathedral and Palais du Tau visit for complete coronation history
Reims hosts world-class museums celebrating art, history, and the region's champagne heritage through collections spanning ancient to contemporary works.
Tour prestigious champagne cellars carved into ancient chalk quarries beneath Reims. UNESCO-listed crayères offer tastings of prestigious vintages while explaining production methods spanning centuries. Each house features unique histories and architectural styles.
Tips for Museums & Galleries
- Book champagne house tours online in advance, especially in summer
- Afternoon light is best for museum photography
- Consider a combined ticket package for multiple champagne houses
- Plan tasting visits before noon to enjoy flavors with fresh palate
Reims' elegant plazas and boulevards reflect centuries of urban design, featuring classical architecture, fountain monuments, and bustling commercial streets blending history with modern vitality.
Tips for Historic Squares & Streets
- Explore squares during golden hour for exceptional photography
- Visit cafés on Place Royale for authentic Reims atmosphere
- Saturday mornings feature open-air markets on several plazas
- Early evening strolls reveal beautiful architectural details in warm light
Engage with Reims through guided experiences exploring champagne production, history, gastronomy, and art with knowledgeable local guides.
Professional sommelier-guided tastings through prestigious champagne houses featuring vineyard walks, production facility tours, and cellars with historical significance. Learn terroir, production methods, and vintage variations.
Tips for Tours & Activities
- Book tours through official tourism office for guaranteed quality
- Champagne tours require advance reservations, especially May-September
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for food and history tours
- Morning tastings provide best flavor appreciation
Reims turns its Belle Époque city centre into a festive stage each December, anchored by wooden-chalet markets along Place Drouet d'Erlon and a Ferris wheel that lights up the pedestrian boulevard. Rather than a single mega-market, the tradition here is spread across a few squares near the cathedral and train station, paired with the citys signature pink biscuits and mulled Champagne.
Illuminated facades, an ice rink, and small artisan stalls near the Cathédrale Notre-Dame round out a walkable winter itinerary that pairs naturally with a Champagne house visit earlier in the day.
Reims's main Christmas market fills the long pedestrian square of Place Drouet d'Erlon with wooden chalets selling mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, regional cheeses, and the city's famous biscuits roses de Reims. In December 2026 the market is expected to run on its usual schedule, opening in the final third of November and continuing through the holiday period into early January, similar to prior years.
Local artisans sell ornaments, toys, and gifts alongside the food stalls, and string lights turn the square into the favourite evening stroll for both visitors and Champagne-house workers. Weekday evenings are noticeably calmer than weekends. The market sits an easy ten-minute walk from Reims train station, making it simple to combine with a Champagne cellar tour earlier in the day.
Tips for Christmas Market
- Dress warmly — the market and ice rink are outdoors and Reims winters are damp and cold.
- Visit the market on a weekday evening for smaller crowds than weekend afternoons.
- Try the biscuits roses de Reims, a pink sponge biscuit unique to the city, as an edible souvenir.
- Book Champagne cellar tours in advance during December — slots fill quickly around the holidays.
- Combine an evening cathedral visit with the market, since both sit within a short walk of each other.
When the champagne cellars close, Reims shifts into a lively after-dark scene centred on a compact grid of streets near the cathedral. Expect convivial wine bars, a handful of energetic clubs, and cafes that stay loud and lit well past midnight, especially from Thursday to Saturday.
This tight cluster of streets just off the city centre is where Reims goes for its evening out. Wander a few blocks and you will pass wine bars, student-friendly pubs, and small cocktail spots that spill onto the sidewalk on warm nights. It is less polished than the grand boulevards nearby, which is exactly the appeal: relaxed terraces, chalkboard drink menus, and a mix of locals and visitors trading tips on the best coupe of the night. Many bars pour regional champagne by the glass alongside standard cocktails, so it is an easy way to keep tasting without committing to a full house tour. Things get going around 9pm and stay busy until the early hours on weekends. Come hungry too, as several spots serve simple plates of cheese and charcuterie to soak up the bubbles.
Tips for Nightlife
- Most bars and clubs cluster within walking distance of Place Drouet d'Erlon, so a night out rarely requires a taxi between stops.
- Weekends get busy after 11pm; arrive earlier if you want a seat rather than standing room.
- Some clubs apply a cover charge or dress code after midnight, so check ahead if you plan a late arrival.
- Trying champagne by the glass at a bar is a low-commitment way to taste multiple producers in one evening.