Reims is a popular weekend destination for being the unofficial capital of Champagne. Many Champagne Houses are located in this area and it very accessible from Paris. I have taken 2 days for this place as I wanted to take my time with the cellar tours, however many tourists do this as a day trip.
Transport
Reims is old city with a youthful energy as there are a few universities around here. You can get a direct train from Paris Est (Gare de l'Est) and once you are there Ubers are readily available. TGV is the preferred train company.
Accommodation
There are plenty of options within the city centre but as the city is not so big I chosed the Radisson Hotel Reims for it opened just before the Olympics. It was more spacious and modern then most of the options in the city centre, and it was only a 10-15min walk anyways.
However I booked a Junior Suite but they gave me a family room for some reason. I did feel like I was paying for space that I couldn't use.
Attractions
The main thing to do in Reims is really to visit one of the many champagne houses and cellars in the region, which I will talk about seperately. However the city itself is almost very beautiful and their cathedral boast one of the most beauitful stainglass display I have seen. here is a list of points of interest within the City.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims
Place Drouet d'Erlon
Langlet Tram Line
Cryptoportique
Place Royale
Reims Town Hall
Maison Ruinart (9/10)
This is definitely the highlight of my trip. Ruinart is the first champagne house ever and their tour incoporates a lot of local history and modern art collaboration which really keeps the tour interesting. Booking in advance is a must and it includes 2 glasses of champagne at the end. You can choose between their Blanc de Blanc or Rose. The house also offers various dining experience here but minimum booking is for 2 pax.
If you want to buy something here get something thats ONLY avaialble in France as they didn't have tax return currently. They are building a boutique store now and tax refund will be available there then. At the time of travel the standard Ruinart and Dom were available at the airport, so no need to get it here.
Their tour guides are also geniune workers in the company (Sales and in the Farm), so their knowledge is much more in depth.
Champagne Taittinger | Visites des caves de champagne Reims (7/10)
Compared to Ruinart this definitely feels more commercialised and less boutique. It felt like a series of adverts for the company. However for the same price you are getting 3 glasses of champagne instead of 2 and the tour emphasis is more on the connection between Taittinger and the city.
It was still a very enjoyable tour and the souvenir shop is better than the Ruinart one, for now.
Shops and Restaurants
Reims is a more relaxed town compared to Paris but it is still very lively over the weekends for the young crowds around here. Bookings for dinner are strongly recommended.
Fossier
Iconic store in Reims selling their famous pink baked goods. Ideal as a souvenir.
La Grosse Bouteille (6/10)
A meat specialist in the city but it was a shame that they were out of a lot of cuts on a thursday night. Somewhat disappointed to be honest.
Le Bocal, l’Etal de la poissonnerie des halles (9/10)
Fishmonger by day, Restaurant by night. I only came for some pre dinner snack and an a glass of wine. This is probably the freshest seafood you will get in this city.
BiBoViNo (8/10)
Cute wine bar close to the city center. Very chic as the closer you get to the city center, the more touristy and mass market it becomes.
Brasserie Le Gaulois (7/10)
It was a very trashy vibe but the beef (cheek) bourguignon which I have been craving for all day was actually pretty outstanding. I definitely would recommend.
Comments