Reims 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Reims Itinerary:

Things to Know:

  • Champagne Region: Reims is the heart of the Champagne region in France, known for its sparkling wine production.
  • Reims Cathedral: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

Day 1: Arrival & Reims Cathedral

  • Morning: Arrive in Reims, check into your hotel (see recommendations below). After settling in, take a leisurely walk to the historic city center.

  • Afternoon: Explore the magnificent Reims Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture and the traditional coronation site for French kings. Marvel at its intricate facade, soaring towers, and stained-glass windows.

    • Tip: Join a guided tour to learn about the rich history and symbolism of the cathedral.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of Reims’ many charming restaurants.

    • Where to eat: For a traditional French experience, try Le Jardin, known for its delicious regional cuisine and extensive champagne list.

Day 2: The Art of Champagne

  • Morning: Visit the Champagne Houses. Choose from the grand names like Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, or Moët & Chandon, or explore smaller, independent producers like those in the Côte des Blancs region for a unique and intimate experience.
  • Afternoon: Take a walk through the vineyards surrounding Reims.
    • Tip: Download a map of the Champagne region and plan a self-guided tour through the picturesque rolling hills, stopping at vineyards along the way.
  • Evening: Indulge in a gourmet champagne dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant like the Brasserie du Boulingrin or enjoy a tasting experience at a local wine bar.

Day 3: History & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the medieval streets of Reims. Wander through the charming Place du Forum, visit the Musée de l’Œuvre for stunning Renaissance art, and see the historic architecture up close.

  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Champagne region, visiting a variety of cellars and learning about the champagne-making process.

    • Tip: Many Reims hotels offer package deals that include tours at nearby wineries. This can be a cost-effective way to experience the best of what the region has to offer.

  • Where to eat: For a truly historical experience, try the “Bistrot du Champagne” in the heart of the city.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional French dinner and a glass (or two!) of champagne at one of Reims’ many restaurants with outdoor seating. They often have special menus for “Champagne Week”

Day 4: Departure & Beyond

  • Morning: Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which houses an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from the Champagne region and beyond.
  • Afternoon: Take a walk through the Parc de Champagne, a tranquil green space with a lake and scenic gardens. Enjoy the views and soak in the local culture.

Where to stay:

For a luxurious experience:

  • Hotel Reims Champagne - A 5-star hotel with a focus on champagne tasting and experiences.
  • Grand Hôtel du Nord - Located in the heart of the city, known for its elegance and history, with champagne tastings available.

Where to eat:

For a luxurious experience:

  • Le Jardin: Michelin-starred restaurant offering fine dining with a wide selection of champagnes.
  • Brasserie Le Clos des Lys - Located in a historic building, they offer elegant dishes and an extensive wine list.
  • Restaurant le Coq d’Or: Offers a “Champagne Experience” menu for a more budget-friendly but still immersive option.

For a more traditional stay:

  • Hôtel de la Paix: A charming hotel with a focus on history and comfort, located near the vineyards of the Champagne region.
  • Hotel Mercure Reims Centre - Located in the city center, close to local attractions and offering regional cuisine options.

Other things that might interest you:

  • Champagne Houses Tours: Visit other renowned champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, or Taittinger (if staying in Reims) for a deeper dive into the region’s history and tradition of winemaking.
  • Red Wine Trail: Explore the Champagne & Wine Route (Route Touristique des Vins de Champagne), a scenic trail through the vineyards where you can visit red-wine producers and sample their unique blends.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Reims Cathedral: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see for any tourist.
  • Explore the city’s history: Visit the Palais du Tau, the Musée de la Reddition (Museum of Surrender) or visit the historical sites of the region, such as the Notre Dame de la Paix Basilica.

Red Wine Restaurants:

  • For red wine dining:
    • Le Bistrot des Halles - A local favorite with a wide range of champagnes and sparkling wines.
    • La Table du Vigneron - Offers a more intimate setting with seasonal menus featuring local champagne pairings.

Enjoy the experience:

Rheims is known for its champagne heritage, so be sure to visit some of the cellars mentioned above or ask your hotel about other options in the area.

Red Wine Bars & Restaurants:

  • Visit the Champagne Houses: Many champagne houses offer tours and tastings, allowing you to learn about the winemaking process from grape to glass.

  • Explore the Champagne Region:

    • Visit the Musée de la Tapisserie, which showcases the history of tapestry making in Reims.
    • Take a tour of the Champagne cellars at the Champagne Ruinart and enjoy a taste of their renowned champagne.

  • Taste at local wine bars & shops:

    • Le Caveau des Arômes - A shop and tasting room specializing in artisanal champagne.
    • Sample Champagne at one of the local “bars à champagne” (champagne bars) or “caves” (cellars). Many of these establishments offer a variety of champagnes to sample, including rare vintages.

  • Enjoy the Champagne experience:

    • Sip champagne in a beautiful garden setting.
    • Visit a local wine market and sample champagne from different producers.
    • Explore the Champagne region’s rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages on foot or by bicycle.

  • Red Wine Bars & Cafes:

    • L’Atelier du Vin: A stylish bar with an extensive selection of champagnes and wines.

Things to do in Reims:

  • Visit the Champagne region: The area around Reims is known for its champagne vineyards. You can visit them on your own or join a guided tour.

  • Learn about the history of champagne:

    • Tour the Maison Veuve Clicquot: This famous Champagne house offers a fascinating look at the history of champagne making and the legacy of Madame Veuve Clicquot.

  • Red Wine Tasting Experiences -

    • Walk through the Champagne region: The rolling hills surrounding Reims are dotted with vineyards, and you can enjoy the beauty of the landscape and learn about the traditional method of champagne production from local experts.
    • Visit a local vineyard: Explore the vineyards and experience the process of making Champagne firsthand.

Red Wine Tasting Experiences (Local):

  • Sample wines at a “Cave à vins” (wine cellar) : Experience a unique aspect of the region’s culture by visiting a local “cave à vins” (wine bar or shop) and exploring the diverse flavors of independent winemakers.
  • Visit the local wineries: Many small, family-run champagne producers in the area offer tours and tastings.

Transportation:

  • Train: Reims has a train station with connections to Paris and other major cities.

  • Bus: The city is well-connected by buses, which are a great way to get around the Champagne region.

  • Car Rental: For more flexibility, consider renting a car. This will allow you to explore the countryside at your own pace.

Tip:

  • Explore the “**Reims Champagne Tours” website for a comprehensive list of wineries and tours available in the area.

Other things to do:

  • Visit the Notre Dame Cathedral: This magnificent cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most famous landmarks in Reims.

Enjoy local experiences:

  • Attend a concert: Reims has a vibrant music scene, with concerts held regularly in the historic churches and cathedrals.

  • Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts: This museum houses a fascinating collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts, showcasing the history of art and craftsmanship in the region.

  • Explore the Champagne Houses: Rheims boasts renowned names like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, offering tours and tastings.

Where to enjoy local experiences:

  • Red Wine Tasting: Experience the unique process of making champagne with a tasting at a local winery.
  • Champagne & Wine Tours: Explore the history of champagne and the region’s vineyards.

Remember to book your accommodations and tours in advance, as Reims is a popular destination for tourists.**

Don’t forget to explore other attractions:

  • Explore the city center: Wander through the charming streets and squares, enjoying the architecture and atmosphere.**
  • Visit the Palace of Tau: Immerse yourself in the history of champagne production.

Enjoy local dining options:

  • Restaurant experiences:

For a unique and immersive experience, consider visiting a “Champagne & Wine” shop for a tasting. They often have a variety of champagnes to choose from, as well as other wines and spirits produced in the region.

  • Local wineries: Discover the charm and tradition of Reims’ vineyards.
  • Restaurants: Indulge in traditional French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Enjoy the local ambiance:

  • Wine bars:

Savor a glass of champagne while exploring the city’s charming cafes.

  • Champagne tasting tours:

Experience the unique history and craftsmanship of champagne production.

  • Explore the Champagne region:

Travel beyond the city and discover the charming villages and vineyards, often with options for cycling tours or driving tours.

Enjoy a variety of local wines:

  • Visit local wineries: Immerse yourself in the history of champagne and the local culture.
  • Taste a variety of wines: Explore the variety of champagnes available in the region.

Red Wine Tasting Experiences & Local Cuisine Options:

  • Explore the Champagne region:

Discover the beauty and charm of Reims’ charming wine cellars and vineyards, enjoy a “tour de la cave” (wine cellar tour) and learn about the local history and traditions.

  • Champagne & Wine Tours:

Enjoy guided tours through the vineyards and experience the traditional process of champagne making.