A vineyard with quaint homes in the background unfurls across the hills of Reims, France. The golden rows of grapes glisten under the sun, set against a backdrop of the Montagne de Reims, where tradition and elegance flow as freely as the world-famous Champagne produced here. Less than an hour from Paris by high-speed train, Reims isn't just a convenient escape from the capital—it's a cultural and gastronomic treasure trove, an immersive destination steeped in effervescence, history, and savoir-faire.
Often referred to as the unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims (pronounced "Rance") is where some of the world’s most renowned Champagne houses were born. Most famously, it’s home to Ruinart, considered the oldest established Champagne house in the world, founded in 1729. What makes Reims truly special isn’t just what’s above ground—cobblestone streets, Belle Époque architecture, and lively markets—but also what lies beneath. Miles of cool, chalky underground cellars, known as crayères, are etched into the limestone bedrock. These ancient Gallo-Roman chalk pits, initially dug out centuries ago, now serve as the perfect environment for aging Champagne. The natural humidity and constant temperatures provide ideal conditions for storing millions of bottles. "Their cellars are some of the most impressive in the region," says Philippe Marques, head sommelier at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in nearby Champillon. "The tour at Ruinart is both immersive and artistic, where modernity meets centuries-old tradition."
For those seeking an experience that marries the classic with the contemporary, Champagne Pommery offers an unconventional cellar tour featuring bold art installations and creative storytelling. "It's great for visitors who enjoy their Champagne with a twist of creativity," Marques adds. Other iconic houses in Reims include Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, and G.H. Mumm, each offering tours that range from educational to extravagant, often ending with a coveted tasting session.
Reims isn’t just a mecca for oenophiles—it’s also a city where history reverberates through Gothic arches and cobbled plazas. Towering above the city is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s most stunning Gothic masterpieces. Here, nearly every French king since the 9th century was crowned, echoing a long and royal history. The cathedral’s stunning sculptures and stained glass windows, including those by Marc Chagall, cast an ethereal light, especially during the late afternoon hours when the sun hits just right. Visitors can also explore the Palais du Tau, the former residence of the archbishops of Reims, which displays coronation artifacts and opulent medieval treasures.
To experience Reims as the locals do, visitors are encouraged to head to Les Halles du Boulingrin, a 1920s-era covered market with striking architecture and a buzzing atmosphere. On Saturday mornings, the market comes alive with Champagne region specialties—think buttery chaource cheese, pink biscuits of Reims, and golden jars of local honey. Enjoy a coffee at Le Marché, then stroll along Rue de Mars and Rue du Tambour, lined with independent boutiques, artisanal bakeries, and wine shops. These lead to the historic Place du Forum and Place Royale, both surrounded by neoclassical façades and home to open-air cafés ideal for people-watching.
Reims' culinary scene holds its own against its vinous fame. From casual bistros to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, there's a dish and glass for every kind of foodie. Locals recommend starting with Le Coq Rouge, a vibrant wine bar and tapas spot. For something more avant-garde, Polychrome, a Champagne Taittinger-backed concept, pairs sparkling wines with seasonal, global small plates. Le Boulingrin, just steps from the market, is a classic brasserie with Art Deco interiors, white tablecloths, and a menu full of French staples like foie gras, duck confit, and tarte Tatin. For a laid-back evening, Glue Pot, a quirky French twist on a British pub, delivers comfort food with flair.
If fine dining is your priority, Le Parc at Domaine Les Crayères is a must. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant, housed in a grand château with manicured gardens, is a sanctuary of refinement. Just outside Reims, Le Royal at the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa offers panoramic vineyard views and seasonal tasting menus designed to highlight the Champagne terroir. Also noteworthy is Arbane, a Michelin-starred spot in the city that crafts elegant, terroir-driven menus focusing on local produce. The pairing of innovative cuisine with Champagne makes dining in Reims not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience.
While Reims is the heart, its surrounding villages are the soul of the Champagne region. Just a short drive or train ride away is Épernay, home to the iconic Avenue de Champagne. This grand boulevard, often dubbed "Champagne Row," is lined with legendary maisons such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and Pol Roger. These maisons also sit atop miles of chalk caves that are as much engineering marvels as they are winemaking facilities. A tour here is both luxurious and illuminating, often concluding with a tasting in elegant salons or verdant courtyards.
A little farther lies Hautvillers, a postcard-perfect village draped in vines and bursting with rustic charm. Here, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre d’Hautvillers is the final resting place of Dom Pérignon, the 17th-century monk credited with revolutionizing Champagne production. While the abbey itself is not open to the public, the adjoining church is—and offers a glimpse into the region's spiritual and vinicultural heritage. Strolling through Hautvillers reveals iron shop signs, floral balconies, and sweeping views of the Marne Valley. It’s a place where the story of Champagne is quietly etched into every wall.
Reims also has a rich cultural life. The city’s opera house, Opéra de Reims, offers classical performances throughout the year in a stunning Beaux-Arts building. Art lovers should visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to works by Corot, Monet, and Cranach, or the Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, which mixes Renaissance architecture with unique curiosities from around the world. Seasonal festivals also enliven the city, such as the Flâneries Musicales d’Été, a summer-long series of classical music concerts held in parks, squares, and historic buildings.
Getting to Reims is refreshingly simple. The high-speed TGV train from Gare de l’Est in Paris reaches Reims in about 45 minutes, delivering passengers to a central station within easy walking distance of many main attractions. Once in town, walking is the best way to explore. Alternatively, rent an e-bike for venturing into the surrounding countryside. Taxis and rideshares are available, but services may be limited at night, especially in smaller villages.
Locals advise booking Champagne house tours well in advance, particularly in peak seasons (spring through fall). Many houses offer multilingual tours, and some even offer private or small-group experiences. If your itinerary allows, consider timing your visit around the Champagne harvest season, which typically begins in early September. This is when the region buzzes with activity, and some houses offer harvest experiences that include grape picking, pressing demonstrations, and, naturally, tastings.
Those seeking wellness along with their wine will find options, too. Spas like the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa offer vinotherapy treatments, using grape seed oils and extracts said to rejuvenate the skin. Several hotels also provide panoramic views of the vineyards from hot tubs or rooftop pools, making relaxation part of the Reims experience.
Reims isn’t just a Champagne capital—it’s a sensory journey through France’s cultural, historical, and culinary tapestry. Whether you're delving into ancient underground cellars, savoring duck à l’orange in a Belle Époque dining room, attending an opera under gilded ceilings, or wandering the quiet vineyards of Hautvillers, every moment here bubbles with discovery. Raise your glass in Reims—not just to Champagne, but to a city that has perfected the art of living well. Santé!
