Reims city centre is full of history and beautiful old buildings. With its many pedestrian-only streets, it’s a joy to wander around this charming town. And here’s the best part: you can walk to a Champagne cellar right from the city centre! It’s one of my favourite day trips from Paris by train.
Reims is relatively small, so one day is usually enough to explore the main sights. However, if you’d like to visit museums or tour multiple Champagne cellars, you might want to allow extra time. And if your schedule permits, don’t miss the opportunity to visit nearby villages and family-run wineries (see this three-day itinerary in Champagne).
Notre-Dame de Reims and city monuments
The most famous landmark in Reims is the magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which could be referred to as the French Westminster Abbey. This iconic cathedral, where French kings were crowned, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is the neighbouring Palace of Tau.
I was lucky to stumble upon the stunning Basilica of Saint-Rémi while heading south of the town centre toward the Pommery Champagne house. For those in search of dining and nightlife, Place d’Erlon is the go-to spot, brimming with lively restaurants and bars. If shopping is more your style, you’ll find plenty of options nearby, including the renowned Galeries Lafayette.
“Champagne, s’il vous plait!”
Reims is not just about history – it’s also famed as the capital of Champagne (along with the nearby town of Épernay). As a Champagne lover, I couldn’t resist visiting one of the local cellars!
If you’re hesitating between visiting Reims or Epernay, read this.
I chose the Pommery caves, which offered a quick but delightful tour. I enjoyed a 30-minute guided visit to the cellars, complete with a Champagne tasting. (Of course, the higher the price, the better the Champagne!) It was fascinating to learn about the process of making and storing Champagne.
The Pommery cellars are designed with visitors in mind, featuring easy access, atmospheric lighting, and a well-organised tour. Some rooms even showcase intricate wall sculptures that tell stories of Champagne’s history – a truly unique touch.
Since I didn’t have a car, I was limited to visiting a single well-known Champagne house during my stay. If you’d like to experience family-run wineries as well, I recommend joining a guided tour. These tours make it easy to explore multiple Champagne producers in one day. Click here to view tours from Paris* or here to view tours from the town centre*.
Have you been to Reims? What cave did you visit? Please leave a comment below to share your experience!
Where is Reims?
Reims is incredibly accessible from Paris. The train journey takes just 45 minutes, and the station is conveniently located within walking distance of the town centre and its stunning landmarks.
