Reims may be known as the home of Champagne, but it’s played a big role throughout French history, more than many people realize. It was in the fifth century that Clovis, king of the Franks, was baptized in Reims, which marked the start of a lasting connection between the city and French monarchs for centuries to come. Its impressive cathedral, a must-see in Reims, eventually became the setting for the coronations of French kings. If you take a guided tour of Reims, you’ll be able to learn all about the history of the city and its unique connections to historic figures. There are a lot of things to do in Reims in a day, and you don’t need to spend the whole trip drinking Champagne to enjoy the city, either.
Today, Reims is obviously very well known for its Champagne houses, but there’s plenty of Roman remains, Gothic architecture, and historic streets to discover, too. You can easily spend a day in Reims and still not see everything. However, a day trip will allow you to get a good overview of the city and try local specialties along the way. If you’re interested in finding some of the best Champagne houses in France, Reims has quite a few options at your disposal. Again, you don’t have to make Champagne the focus of your trip, but there’s no harm in squeezing at least one tasting session into your Reims itinerary.
Getting from Paris to Reims
Getting from Paris to Reims isn’t difficult, making it a great day trip from the French capital. The TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims station takes around 45 minutes and leaves you very close to the historic centre. I did the train journey on the way back and had no issues. On the way into Reims, I opted for FlixBus because the times were more convenient and it was cheaper than the train. However, the bus was stuck in traffic for a long time, and the bus station in Paris isn’t the nicest. You’ll also be dropped off a short tram ride from Reims city centre, as it isn’t in the same location as the train station. I’d recommend taking the train where possible to save time and to be more comfortable.
Driving to Reims is another option, though if you’re planning to hit up some Champagne houses, I wouldn’t suggest doing this unless you have a designated driver. However, this will give you more flexibility to get around the Champagne countryside if you’re spending a weekend in Reims instead. Alternatively, you can join a coach or minivan tour directly from Paris to Reims, which often combines Champagne tastings with some time in Reims to explore the attractions.
Things to do in Reims
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
One of the best things to do in Reims is to visit Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. The building has a history dating back to the 13th century, but the site had ties to the French monarchs centuries earlier. This iconic landmark became the traditional coronation spot for the French monarchy. The most notable coronation took place in 1429 when Charles VII was crowned with Joan of Arc in attendance. The cathedral is enormous and very imposing to walk up to, even today. There are over 2,000 statues decorating the cathedral, so maybe you can try to spot some before heading inside.
Walking around the cathedral is one of the best free things to do in Reims. Give yourself enough time to admire the vaulted ceilings, soaring columns, and beautiful stained glass windows before moving on. If you’re short on time, taking a guided tour of Reims will give you a better insight into the cathedral’s history and stories.
Find the Statue of Joan of Arc
Next to the gardens near the Palais de Justice, just across from the cathedral entrance, is an equestrian statue of Joan of Arc. Her appearance in Reims during the Hundred Years’ War, alongside Charles VII for his coronation in 1429, was a key moment in history. It allowed Charles to be crowned king in Reims, which further strengthened his claim to the French throne. Joan’s mission extended beyond the battlefield, so it’s only fitting that her statue sits right across from the cathedral.
The statue was inaugurated in 1896, but it was moved during World War I for protection, before being brought back to Reims in 1938. The statue can be easy to miss, since it’s surrounded by greenery, but it should definitely be on your list of things to do in Reims in a day.
Domaine Vranken-Pommery
Visiting Domaine Vranken-Pommery ranks highly among the top things to do in Reims, but it’s worth visiting for more than its Champagne. The development of this Champagne house was spearheaded by Madame Pommery in 1858. She helped transform it into a name recognized globally, and one that’s still highly popular today. The estate was based on English architecture, with red-brick details and decorative battlements that set it apart from other wine-making sites. She also had a big influence on what went into the bottles, establishing a much drier Champagne than what was on the market in the 19th century.
Even if you aren’t planning to do a tasting at Domaine Vranken-Pommery, the grounds are worth walking around and are accessible for free. There are plenty of unique spots to take photos, and the decorations change throughout the year to reflect the seasons. While you’re there, I’d recommend dining at their restaurant, Le Réfectoire, or going on an underground cellar tour, which is unlike any other in the region.
Explore the Pommery Champagne cellars
For many people, the most memorable part of a trip to Pommery is going under the estate to explore the chalk cellars. To start, you’ll enter the cellars by 116 steps that take you 30 metres underground. The whole network of cellars stretches for approximately 19 kilometres, but don’t worry, only part of it is open to visitors. Even if you don’t have much interest in wine-making, the Pommery guided tour is very interesting and gives you a detailed background into Champagne production.
What’s unique about these cellars is that there are contemporary art installations located throughout them, so they double as an exhibition space. There are different tour types available, including self-guided exploration and guided tours that include Champagne tasting and a 3-course lunch at Le Réfectoire. Visiting the Pommery Champagne cellars is easily one of the best things to do in Reims in a day, but make sure you book in advance as tickets sell out fast.
Go Champagne tasting
Among the most popular things to do in Reims is Champagne tasting. There are several historic Champagne houses worth considering beyond Pommery, so it’s worth doing some research before visiting the city. Veuve Clicquot is another Champagne house that boasts impressive chalk cellars and is instantly recognizable by its yellow label. It’s also a brand that was heavily influenced by a woman, Madame Clicquot. Or, if you prefer to visit the oldest Champagne house, Ruinart has plenty of fantastic experiences to enjoy. It was founded in 1729 and has a strong focus on Chardonnay and tastings that introduce guests to their own unique Champagnes. Both are among the best Champagne houses in France.
Comparing different wines is a great way to find out what you enjoy, but you don’t need to squeeze several tours or tasting sessions into one day in Reims. For example, if you’re planning to visit Pommery and do a tour there, I’d recommend picking one or two more Champagne houses in Reims to visit in the afternoon, but only for a tasting session or a single glass of Champagne. This will allow you to enjoy the Champagne but still have enough time to tour the historic centre.
Try the famous pink biscuits
Did you know Reims is also home to famous pink biscuits? These biscuits can be traced back to the 17th century, when bakers developed them after using the heat remaining in the ovens after baking bread. They undergo a double baking process to give them their distinctive texture, and they taste of vanilla rather than berries, as the colour would suggest.
Maison Fossier is the name best associated with the pink biscuits, and according to them, the pink colour was introduced to hide the dark specks vanilla seeds leave behind. They’ve been making these biscuits since 1756, and their pink-coloured shop is instantly noticeable from the street. If the main shop is closed when you visit, you can easily find the biscuits in stores throughout the city. The biscuits are traditionally dipped in Champagne, but you can enjoy them on their own, too. These aren’t my favourite biscuits, but they’re definitely worth trying while spending a day in Reims.
Halles du Boulingrin
One of the best things to do in the morning in Reims is to visit the indoor market called Halles du Boulingrin. It’s only open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, so you’ll need to plan your itinerary accordingly if you want to experience a different side of Reims. The indoor market was opened in 1929 as part of the city’s reconstruction after World War I. In 1990, the market was recognized as a historic monument and went through a period of restoration that ended in 2012.
If you plan to buy something at Halles du Boulingrin, I’d recommend bringing cash, though some stalls will accept cards. It’s a bustling market to explore during the morning, with everything from fresh fruit to baguettes, flowers, and honey available. Its location near the Roman triumphal arch, Porte de Mars, makes it easy to combine with other stops while exploring the history of Reims.
Place Royale
Not far from the cathedral sits Place Royale. At one point, this square marked the southern end of the Roman forum as it sat close to where the main city streets crossed. Today, the classical columns of the main building mark a nice change from the Gothic architecture surrounding it. At the centre of the square is a statue of Louis XV, which is a nod to the strong connection Reims once had to the French monarchy. During the French Revolution, this statue was actually destroyed, but during the 19th century a restoration of the monument took place.
Place Royale is very easy to add to your list of things to do in Reims. It’s more of a quick stop than somewhere you need to spend a lot of time at, and it naturally fits into a walk between Place du Forum and the cathedral.
Join a guided walking tour of Reims
A great way to experience all the things to do in Reims in a day is by taking a guided walking tour of the city. A knowledgeable local guide will provide you with a better understanding of the different periods of Reims’ history, from Roman remains to medieval landmarks and Gothic architecture. You’ll also be able to learn more about how World War I affected Reims and the rebuilding of the city that took place after the destruction caused. This is information you probably won’t come across if you’re simply walking through the streets, so it’s worth looking into.
There are a wide variety of Reims walking tours to choose from, including historic tours, Art Deco walks, and ones that include Champagne tastings. If this is your first time visiting Reims, it’s a good idea to choose a tour that matches your interests. Try to book the tour earlier in the day if possible, so you can get your bearings and find out where you’d like to explore more of later.
Explore Reims at night
Among the overlooked things to do in Reims is to explore the city at night. Many of the fountains and monuments are illuminated in the evening, and the restaurants and bars really come to life after dark. One of my favourite places to return to at night is the cathedral and the surrounding streets, which take on a completely different feeling than during the day. Depending on what time of year you visit Reims, you may be able to see a multimedia show projected onto the walls of the cathedral.
If you’re only spending a day in Reims, make sure you check the final train or bus times to ensure you can make it back to Paris or wherever you’re based.
Places to eat in Reims
Le Réfectoire
A convenient place to eat lunch if you’re visiting Domaine Vranken-Pommery is Le Réfectoire. The restaurant sits inside the site’s former refectory, featuring colourful art and beautiful modern furnishings. The terrace is the perfect place to dine if the weather is cooperating. We dined at Le Réfectoire following our guided tour of the chalk cellars, and were treated to a delicious three-course meal with wine pairing.
The menu at Le Réfectoire is centred around French cooking where the stories behind the dishes form part of the restaurant’s identity. You’ll find different options depending on the season, but Champagne is always a core part of the dining experience. Dining at Le Réfectoire is an ideal way to round off your trip to Pommery.
Case à Pain
If you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a snack in between exploring all the things to do in Reims, Case à Pain is a nice option. This bakery has a few locations around the city, and it was developed by an artisan baker who began the bakery concept in 1999. At the counter, you’ll find all sorts of goodies, including freshly baked breads, croissants, pastries, and sandwiches to take on the go. I ordered a variety of baked goods to enjoy as I walked around Reims’ historic centre, so I didn’t waste time waiting to be served at a restaurant.
Le Tablier Reims
Le Tablier Reims is a chilled brasserie with a focus on homemade food and ingredients. They source everything from regional producers to create familiar brasserie dishes that have a nod to Champagne. This was one of my favourite places to eat in Champagne, and the prices were very reasonable considering the quality. The cheese croquettes are definitely worth sharing, and they’re known for their meat dishes, too. Don’t forget to enjoy the setting of Le Tablier Reims, which has vintage charm paired with football-inspired decorations to give it a unique flair.
The Bar by Ruinart
We stopped by Ruinart to do a small Champagne tasting session and were happy to find the bar had a small food menu. Although the Champagne house dates back to 1729, the bar itself is very modern, with both inside seating and an outdoor terrace with cork oak trees. While the emphasis is mostly on Champagne, The Bar by Ruinart does have a few options for lighter meals and snacks. We visited Ruinart later in the afternoon, so we were very thankful that there was some food available. I’d treat The Bar by Ruinart as a place to have a snack if you’re planning a Champagne tasting here, not somewhere you’d come specifically for food.
Restaurant Gabrielle
For something a little fancier, Restaurant Gabrielle ticks all the boxes. This restaurant in Reims is located close to the cathedral, with a beautiful rooftop terrace with city views. Their focus is on refined French cooking, with plenty of seasonal options available throughout the year. All of the dishes are prepared in-house and come beautifully presented. If you don’t speak French, it can be difficult to get the attention of the waiters, which is something we didn’t like about the restaurant. However, the food was delicious, and the setting was perfect for an evening meal in Reims’ historic centre.
Easy day trip from Reims
If you’re planning to stay a little longer than one day in Reims, Épernay is the perfect day trip option for exploring more of the Champagne region. I’d recommend starting the day off with a nice breakfast at one of the local cafes before walking down the Avenue de Champagne, which is famous for its Champagne houses and grand mansions. A unique activity in Épernay is to hop on the Champagne double-decker bus and go on a tour around the countryside, starting and finishing along the Avenue de Champagne.
For Champagne tasting, Moët & Chandon is one of the best-known stops, but I’d suggest trying smaller Champagne houses, too, such as Boizel, Perrier-Jouët, and Champagne de Venoge. Each one offers its own experiences and settings, so it’s worth adding one or two to your Épernay itinerary. There are plenty of things to do in Épernay besides drinking Champagne as well.
Where to stay in Reims
Not sure where to stay in Reims overnight? It’s a good idea to have a central base so you can come and go with ease while crossing off all the things to do in Reims from your list. L’Élégance Vue Parc is a gorgeous three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large living room. The design of the apartment ties into the history of the city, but it still has modern touches. There’s no lift, unfortunately, so that’s something to keep in mind if you or someone in your group finds stairs difficult. There are also many hotels in Reims to choose from, if you prefer that over an apartment.
Is Reims worth visiting for a day?
One of the most rewarding day trips from Paris is Reims. If you enjoy destinations that cover history, great food, and even better Champagne, then this is the right French city for you. Its incredible cathedral, ties to royalty, and lively food scene mean there are plenty of things to do in Reims in a day or more. It’s an easy addition to a Paris itinerary, especially if you coincide it with the opening times of the market and other events taking place. Spending longer than a day in Reims will give you more chances to immerse yourself in the city and see what hidden gems you can come across.
If you have any questions about things to do in Reims in a day, where to stay in Reims, or where to eat in the historic centre, please feel free to get in touch. You can reach out through the contact form or by sending me an email. Don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram and TikTok as well, where you’ll come across plenty more travel tips and ideas to help you plan your next adventure.
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