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Reims is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from Paris. In just about 45 minutes by train, you leave the hustle and bustle of the French capital behind and arrive in the heart of Champagne country.
The city is known for its world-famous champagne houses, its grand Gothic cathedral, and its relaxed, yet refined atmosphere. It also happens to be compact and walkable, making it the perfect place for a one-day escape.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a girls’ weekend, or simply searching for the best things to do in Reims, France, this guide covers everything you need for the perfect day. From where to sip champagne to the prettiest cafés and historic landmarks, this is the ultimate Reims itinerary.
Why Visit Reims?
Before planning your Reims day trip, it helps to understand why this city is so special.
Reims sits in northeastern France in the Champagne region. For centuries, French kings were crowned here at the iconic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Today, the city is equally famous for its world-renowned champagne houses.
Visiting Reims combines history, gastronomy, architecture, and wine culture all in one place. On my recent trip to Reims, I immediately noticed a certain sophistication in the air, but it was also quite intimate and less touristy than other French cities.
If you are wondering what to do in Reims, France, the answer is simple: drink champagne, admire beautiful architecture, wander through elegant streets, and enjoy one of the chicest day trips in France.
Getting to Reims From Paris
One of the best things about planning a Reims day trip from Paris is how easy it is to get there. The distance between Paris and Reims is about 145 kilometers (90 miles).
By high-speed TGV train, the journey takes only around 45 minutes from Gare de l’Est in Paris to Gare de Reims. That means you can easily leave Paris in the morning, spend a full day touring Reims, and return by evening.
Just be sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during spring and summer weekends when visiting Reims becomes extremely popular.
If you prefer driving, the trip takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes depending on traffic. This is a more flexible option, especially if you want to continue into the Champagne countryside or visit nearby Épernay.
Once you arrive, most of the best things to do in Reims are walkable.
How to Spend a Day in Reims
9:30 a.m. — Stroll Through Place Drouet-d’Erlon
The perfect day in Reims begins at Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
This lively pedestrian square acts as the social heart of the city. Lined with restaurants, cafés, terraces, and boutiques, it is the ideal first stop while visiting Reims. It’s also very close to the train station.
Be sure to snap a picture in front of the Subé Fountain, topped by a gilded angel. At the end of Place Drouet-d’Erlon, you’ll find the Fontaine de la Solidarité or the “the ball fountain” as it’s called by locals.
10 a.m. — Visit Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
No list of things to do in Reims would be complete without visiting the cathedral.
Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral is one of the great Gothic masterpieces of France, and arguably of all Europe. For over 1000 years, it served as the sacred stage for the coronation of French kings (most famously Charles VII, who was crowned here in 1429 with Joan of Arc standing at his side). In 1991, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But even setting history aside, the cathedral alone is breathtaking. Hundreds of intricate statues decorate the exterior, including the famous Smiling Angel sculpture (tucked to the left of the main portal).
Inside, you’ll be mesmerized by soaring ceilings and stained glass windows. I wouldn’t visit the cathedral without regarding the three blue stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. You can find them in the axial chapel at the east end of the cathedral.
11 a.m. — Explore the Palais du Tau
Directly beside the cathedral sits the Palais du Tau. This former archbishop’s palace once hosted royal coronation banquets.
Its unusual name comes from the building’s original T-shaped floor plan (tau being the Greek letter that it resembles).
Today, the palace houses a remarkable museum with a treasure trove of a collection: coronation robes, medieval tapestries, and original statues rescued from the cathedral’s exterior over the centuries.
Walking through the grand halls gives you a glimpse into the lavish ceremonies once held here. And for history lovers, this will certainly be one of the most fascinating stops in Reims.
Note: The Palais du Tau is currently closed for renovation, with its reopening scheduled for 2026. It’s worth checking the latest updates before your visit, as it may be open by the time you read this.
11:30 a.m. — Stop by the Carnegie Library
A true hidden gem in Reims is the Carnegie Library, a breathtaking Art Deco building that most visitors walk straight past on their way to the cathedral.
Funded by the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie and built during the city’s reconstruction after the First World War, the library has a distinct 1920s interior style: soaring geometric lines, ornate ironwork, mosaic floors, and luminous stained glass windows.
It’s also a very quick stop. You can easily visit the library in under 15 minutes.
From the Carnegie Library, it’s well worth strolling over to the Place Royale and the Town Hall to admire more of Reims’ Art Deco buildings. If you prefer exploring with more context, the city also offers guided walking tours. Check out the tourist office for more information.
12:30 p.m. – Savor Pink Biscuits at Maison Fossier
You cannot leave Reims without stocking up on the iconic rose-colored biscuits from Maison Fossier.
Founded in 1756, Maison Fossier is the oldest biscuit maker in France, famous for its biscuit rose de Reims, a delicate, pink cookie traditionally dipped into champagne. These subtly sweet treats were even served at the coronation of Louis XVI in 1776, after which Maison Fossier earned the honor of becoming the king’s official biscuit supplier.
Stop by their boutique in the city center to sample some of their famous pink biscuits along with other cookies and candies. Then pick up a box or two to take home. Paired with a bottle of champagne from one of the houses you’ll visit later in the day (spoiler), it makes for the most perfect Rémois of souvenirs.
2 p.m. – Visit the Basilique Saint-Remi
After lunch (more on my favorite spots shortly) make your way across the city to the Basilique Saint-Remi. This Romanesque-Gothic basilica feels quieter and much more intimate than Notre-Dame. And dating all the way back to the 6th century, it’s even older than the cathedral.
The basilica takes its name from Saint Remi, the bishop who baptized Clovis I in 496. Saint Remi is buried here, his tomb still visible beneath the choir.
If time allows, the adjacent Musée Saint-Remi is well worth a look for more information about the basilica’s history.
3 p.m. – Tour a Champagne Cellar
Now for the main event: champagne! Reims is home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses, many of which offer cellar tours and tastings.
The underground chalk cellars beneath Reims stretch for miles and are even UNESCO-listed.
No trip to the Champagne region would be complete without learning about its iconic sparkling wine, and then, bien sûr, raising a glass of it yourself.
There are a few hundred maisons throughout the region, but some of the best Champagne houses in Reims include:
- Taittinger
- Veuve Clicquot
- Pommery
- GH Mumm
- Ruinart
Several of these are conveniently clustered in the same neighborhood, so you can easily plan two visits if your schedule allows. That said, book well in advance! Tours at the top houses can fill up months ahead.
If you’re considering extending your trip beyond Reims, the nearby town of Épernay is home to the legendary Avenue de Champagne, where iconic houses like Moët & Chandon (where I took a tour and highly recommend) line the boulevard.
7 p.m. – Dine at a Chic Wine Bar
If you still have room for one last glass of Champagne, end the evening at La Vertu, a cozy wine bar in the heart of Reims known for its excellent selection of champagnes and French wines.
The atmosphere feels relaxed yet sophisticated, with a lovely terrace that’s especially nice on warm evenings. Alongside the wine list, you’ll find small plates and shareable dishes perfect for an apéritif-style dinner.
I stopped here on my recent trip to Reims and absolutely loved it! Sitting outside in the sun with a few glasses of champagne and a table full of small plates felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Here are a few more excellent dinner spots in Reims:
- La Brasserie du Boulingrin. A beautiful Art Deco brasserie serving classic French dishes.
- L’Atelier Entrecôte et Volaille. A lively brasserie known for steak frites, roast chicken, smash burgers, unlimited fries, and its famous house sauce.
- L’Alambic. A cozy, stylish restaurant with vaulted stone cellars and elevated traditional French cuisine.
- Sacré Burger. One of the best casual spots in Reims for burgers and fries (served with champagne, if you please).
9 p.m. – Walk Through the Porte de Mars
On your way back to the train station, walk through the Porte de Mars.
This massive Roman triumphal arch dates back to the 3rd century and is one of the largest Roman arches still standing in the world.
It’s at the northern part of Les Hautes Promenades. If you have time before your journey back to Paris, be sure to stroll through the green space.
Map of Things to Do in Reims
More Things to Do in Reims
If your day trip to Reims turns into an overnight stay, there are plenty of other ways to experience the city. Here are more ideas on what to do in Reims and the Champagne region:
- Take a day trip to Épernay and tour the champagne houses along the famous Avenue de Champagne.
- Visit the village of Hautvillers and the abbey church where Dom Pérignon is buried.
- Stop by Fromages et Vins du Boulingrin to pick up local cheeses, wine, or champagne.
- Enjoy a coffee break at Café du Palais or Moklair.
- Visit the Musée de la Reddition, a museum commemorating the end of World War II in Europe and the actual site where Germany surrendered in 1945.
- Walk through the Boulingrin Market and discover regional products, pastries, cheese, and local specialties.
Where to Stay in Reims
Even though many travelers visit Reims for a day trip, staying overnight lets you experience the city at a slower pace. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Reims, depending on your style and budget:
- Best Western Hôtel Centre Reims (***). A simple, affordable option right next to the train station. I stayed here with my family on a recent trip and found it to be excellent value for money. Clean, practical, and perfectly located.
- Hotel de la Paix (****). A modern, elegant hotel in the heart of Reims. The design feels sophisticated and calm, and the location couldn’t be better: just a short walk from the cathedral and main shopping streets.
- Hôtel Continental (****). A stylish boutique-style hotel near Place Drouet-d’Erlon. Expect refined interiors, a great breakfast, and genuinely welcoming service.
- Domaine Les Crayères (*****). The most luxurious stay in Reims. Set in a beautiful château surrounded by gardens, it offers Michelin-starred dining, impeccable service, and a truly refined Champagne experience.
FAQs About Visiting Reims
Is Reims worth visiting?
In my opinion, absolutely! Reims feels equal parts sophisticated and relaxed. One moment you are admiring Gothic architecture. The next, sipping champagne in centuries-old chalk cellars.
It’s easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with the Champagne region after just one visit. For the perfect mix of culture, architecture, gastronomy, and the world’s finest bubbles, few places in France rival Reims.
How many days do you need in Reims?
One full day is usually enough to see the highlights of Reims, especially if you plan your route well and focus on the main sights and a couple of champagne house visits.
That said, staying overnight gives you a completely different experience. You’ll have more time to enjoy champagne tastings without rushing and even venture out to nearby villages and vineyards in the Champagne region.
I spent one day in Reims and felt like I saw everything I wanted to. I also added an extra day in Épernay, which was a nice extension to see more of the region.
What is the best Reims champagne tour?
The best Reims champagne tour really depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for, since each champagne house offers something slightly different in atmosphere, history, and tasting style.
If you want something iconic and luxurious, Veuve Clicquot is one of the most famous choices, with impressive cellars and a strong brand story (you probably know the famous yellow label). Other standout options in Reims that I mentioned are Taittinger, Pommery, GH Mumm, and Ruinart, each offering a slightly different perspective on Champagne heritage.
When choosing, start by checking availability first. Some tours book out weeks or even months in advance, especially during peak season, so your options may depend on timing more than preference.
Next, compare prices and experiences, as each maison offers different packages and offerings depending on if you want a simple tasting or an in-depth cellar visit.
In the end, you really can’t go wrong with any of the Reims champagne tours.
Can you visit Reims without a car?
Yes, and in many ways, it’s actually the easiest option. One of the best things about visiting Reims is how walkable the city is. Most of the main attractions are located within the city center and accessible on foot.
For anything slightly further out, Reims also has a reliable tram and bus network that connects you to key sites, including some of the champagne houses that are a bit farther outside of the city center.
Is Reims expensive?
Reims can be as affordable or as luxurious as you make it. The biggest cost factor is champagne tastings, which vary widely depending on the house and experience you choose.
Entry-level tours typically start at around €40, while more premium experiences can go up to €150–€500 for exclusive cellar visits and tastings.
For everyday spending, champagne by the glass is usually around €10–€15 in most cafés and wine bars. A relaxed lunch or dinner will generally cost around €25–€40 per person, depending on where you go.
Map of Champagne Houses in Reims
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Are you planning a day trip to Reims from Paris? What are you adding to your itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
