The 8 things to do in Reims

Your next weekend approach and you have chosen to visit Reims? Find the must-sees of the capital of Champagne!

Welcome to Reims, the city of the sacres! Surrounded by vineyards, it welcomes you in the heart of Champagne. The history of the city is intimately linked to that of France, from the baptism of Clovis to the surrender of the German army in 1945. Visiting Reims is therefore an unforgettable experience if you are lovers of History. The gourmets and nature lovers will not be left behind: the city has beautiful surprises! Now find eight things to do or see in Reims.

1. Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral

When we look for what to do in Reims, it is impossible not to start with his cathedral! Built between the 13th and 14th century, it welcomed the sacres of the kings of France for nearly a thousand years. One of the most famous is Charles VII. In 1429, while the Hundred Year War raged, he entered the city escorted by Joan of Arc. If you think of visiting Reims in June, you will have the opportunity to discover the Johannes Festivals, which commemorate the event every year.

Considered as a masterpiece of Gothic Art, this cathedral has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991. She suffered from the bombings of the First World War, to the point of receiving the title of "Paper Cathedral". Today restored, it still houses ancient stained-glass windows, as well as contemporary works by artists like Marc Chagall.

2. The houses of Champagne

What do you do to Reims when you love good wine? Visit the cellars and houses of Champagne, of course! The famous sparkling wine made the fortune of several families of producers, such as Vranken-Pommery, Veuve Cliquot or G. H. Mumm. The visit is an opportunity to discover their history and their most iconic products. Many other operators also open the door of their cellar for a tasting, in Reims or its surroundings. As a couple or friends, it is an unmistakable activity, in any moderation!

3. The streets of the city

If you are looking for what to do in Reims, know that a simple walk in its streets will already offer you a lot to see. These actually contain treasures of Art Deco architecture, such as the Carnegie Library. You will also discover vestiges dating from the Gallo-Roman era, such as the Mars Gate or the cryptoportic of the Forum Square. For an original approach, discover one of the longest frescoes of Street Art on the side of the industrial area Port Sec – La Husselle. Finally, you will see several of the famous monuments of the city, such as the Cirque or the Cinema Opera.

4. Parc Pierre Schneiter

More than a park, it is a real garden of horticulture! Created in the 19th century, he then took the name of a political man remois. The park is home to many rare and surprising species, such as a Verzy fal. These beech, originally from a Martian village, have fascinated for centuries by their twisted appearance. A real local curiosity, not to miss if you plan to visit Reims! A waterfall, an English garden and another in French are also one of the things to discover in this beautiful summer and winter park.

5. Le Palais du Tau

Located next to the cathedral, this episcopal palace owes its name to its T-shaped shape, which says Tau In Greek. If he served as a residence to the bishops of the city, he is also famous for having been the place of reception of kings coming to be savored. Like his neighbour, he was severely damaged during the First World War. Since 1972, the Palais du Tau has been home to a museum where the history of the sacres of the kings of France has been traced. If you plan to visit Reims with a family, you should know that there are many activities for children, especially during school holidays.

6. La Maison Fossier

Sweetheart lovers, here's another classic of reminiscent gastronomy! The rose Biscuit is made in Reims since the 17th century by the biscuiteries of the city, the most famous of which is now the Fossier House. To discover the secrets of this one, visits are offered every day upon reservation. This gourmet journey ends with a tasting of the specialities of the House. Will you be surprised to learn that it is customary to dip a pink cookie in champagne before eating it? If you are looking for what to do in Reims with a child, duo pastry courses are also on the program.

7.The Champagne Park

In the southeast of the city, it is a green setting of more than twenty hectares that awaits you. Formerly known as Parc Pommery, it was created at the request of the Marquis de Polignac in the early twentieth century. After becoming the Parc de Champagne in 2004, it hosts several sports spaces, such as basketball courts and a circuit of access. If you are looking for what to do in Reims with children, the park also has several playgrounds. Events are regularly organized throughout the year on the themes of sport, nature and music.

8. The planetarium

Visiting Reims is also an opportunity to approach the stars thanks to its planetarium. Opened in 1979, he was the second in France with that of Paris. It was completely modernized in 2013 and depends on the City of Reims. There are sessions for young and old. You will thus have the choice between browsing the solar system, admiring the sky of the next night or piercing the mysteries of the Milky Way. The planetarium also houses the incredible astronomical clock of Jean Legros, a pharmacist who recounts astronomy. If you want to go there, bookings are mandatory.

How to get to Reims?

By plane

Thanks to its proximity to Paris, the city of Reims is easily accessible from airports. To reach it, you can land at Paris-Roissy International Airport or Paris-Vatry Airport. Reims also has its own airport, Reims en Champagne, reserved for light business and tourism aircraft. Finally, you can also choose to arrive at Beauvais-Tillé Airport in the Oise. You will then need a bus ride of about two hours and thirty minutes to reach your destination at a very economical price. To find the flight you need, don’t hesitate to use our partner’s website Ulysses , online flight comparison.

By train

Would you like to visit Reims more ecologically? With its two stations, Reims is well served by the train. The first, Reims Centre, is located in the heart of downtown. The second is the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station in Bezannes. There are two lines: Paris-Sedan and Lille-Mediterranée. You can then use the tram to quickly reach the city. If you want to visit the charming surroundings of the city, why not rent a car in Reims ?

By car

If you visit Reims from the north of France, you can take the A26 motorway, which connects Calais to Troyes and Dijon. From Paris you will have to take the A4 motorway. Six outings serve the city and you will find many parking lots to leave your vehicle.

By boat

Are you travelling through the water? By boat or barge, use the Aisne Canal to make a stopover in Reims. The agglomeration has two nautical relays, one in Reims itself and the other in Sillery, only fifteen minutes away.

Where to stay in Reims?

You have planned to do in Reims; Now you need accommodation on site! Several possibilities are offered according to your budget. If you wish book a hotel , count from fifty-five euros per night for two people. For a four-star hotel, prices start at a hundred and twenty euros per night for two. You can also rent a furnished apartment on AirBnB from sixty euros. Many rentals are available less than three kilometres from the city centre. Depending on the seasons, offers may vary. Consider comparing rates before making your reservation to get a good value for money.

History, champagne and architecture: don’t miss visiting Reims during a next weekend!