Reims

Reims is a compact city of limestone facades, art deco rebuilt streets, and subterranean chalk quarries. You can walk across the central core in twenty minutes, but the real scale lies underground in miles of medieval cellars. Trains from Paris arrive in 45 minutes, making it remarkably accessible for a short visit.

Reims dining orbits around two pillars: Champagne pairings and classical regional charcuterie. The city's signature sweet is the Biscuit Rose de Reims, a double-baked pink biscuit invented in 1690 that stays firm when dunked in sparkling wine.

• Market days in Boulingrin

  Halles du Boulingrin operates Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings for local cheeses and produce.

• Champagne by the glass

  Wine bars along Rue de Tambour offer tastings from small grower-producers at far lower prices than major houses.

Founded by the Gauls, Durocortorum became a major Roman provincial capital. In 496 AD, Saint Remi baptized Clovis, King of the Franks, establishing Reims as the coronation site for French monarchy for nearly a millennium.

1. 496 AD

   Baptism of Clovis

   Saint Remi baptizes Clovis, setting the precedent for French royal coronations in Reims.

2. 1211

   Cathedral Construction Begins

   Work starts on the High Gothic cathedral after a fire destroyed the previous structure.

3. 1914–1918

   First World War Destruction

   Heavy artillery shelling destroys over 60 percent of the city, prompting an art deco rebuild.

4. 1945

   German Surrender

   General Alfred Jodl signs Germany's unconditional surrender at Eisenhower's Reims headquarters.

Choose your location based on transit priorities and cellar visits. Centre-Ville puts you steps from restaurants and sight-seeing. Saint-Remi suits travellers focusing on major Champagne house tours.

• Champagne enthusiastsSaint-Remi — Immediate access to chalk cellars of Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Ruinart.
• Food loversBoulingrin — Surrounded by modern bistros, food stalls, and independent wine bars.
• Early train catchersClairmarais — Directly behind Gare de Reims with fast access to TGV connections.

Central Reims is flat and easily navigated on foot. Grand Reims Mobilités operates two tram lines (A and B) and a city bus network for journeys south to the Saint-Remi district or to the outer TGV hub.

• A single Citura ticket costs €1.70 and remains valid for one hour across trams and buses.

• You can tap a bank card on tram sensors to buy single rides directly.

• Promenade des Hautes Promenades forms a pedestrian parkway from the station to Porte de Mars.

• Tram Line A and B run until approximately midnight on weekends.

Reims pricing reflects its proximity to Paris and high-end wine tourism. While street dining is fair, major cellar tours carry premium pricing.

• Cellar tour & tasting: €30–90

  Price varies by champagne house and the number of prestige cuvées tasted.

• Glass of Champagne in a bar: €8–15

  Independent bars offer non-vintage glasses cheaper than major house visitor centers.

• Three-course bistro lunch: €22–35

  Midday set menus (formule) around Boulingrin give strong value.

• Single Citura transit ticket: €1.70

  Valid for 60 minutes with transfers allowed.

• Chalk cellar temperatures

  Underground quarries maintain a constant 10–12°C year-round. Bring a jacket even in midsummer.

• Steep cellar staircases

  Historic houses like Ruinart or Taittinger involve climbing up to 150 stairs without elevator access.

• Cathedral light shows

  The Regalia light projection runs on summer evenings on the cathedral facade for free.

• Reims City Pass

  Includes public transit, cathedral tower access, and discounts on select house tours.

• Sunday restaurant closures

  Many family-run bistros close on Sunday evenings and Mondays. Plan meals ahead.