- 🛌 If you are in the mood to splurge, then stay at Hyatt Centric Reims, one of the highest-rated properties in town, but NOT the highest-priced.
- 👉 🚘 Rent a car
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- 📌 Book your fun
If France is on your travel wish list, put Reims near the top.
Just 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, Reims combines world-famous Champagne, fascinating history, remarkable architecture and memorable food experiences. Whether you are planning a week in France or looking for a side trip from Paris, you’ll quickly discover there are countless things to do Reims Champagne. Wine lovers may also want to explore the nearby champagne houses in Epernay, many of which are less than 30 minutes away.
I arrived expecting exceptional sparkling wine. I left talking about Gothic cathedrals, talented chefs, welcoming locals and some of the most enjoyable champagne tours from Reims.
📌 STAY UNSTOPPABLE TIP: Skip the rental car. Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train, and many Champagne houses, restaurants and attractions are within walking distance of the city center. For vineyard visits farther afield, book one of the many Champagne tours from Reims and let someone else do the driving while you enjoy the tastings.
In a hurry? Here are my top picks for visiting Reims:
👉 Au Piano de Chefs offering cooking classes, pastry and wine tasting – the art of entertaining elevated through culinary excellence.
👉 Guided tour of Reims Cathedral to discover the smiling angel, stunning stained glass by Marc Chagall and fascinating Gothic architecture.
👉 Champagne tasting and winery tours in the vineyards or in the city center.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Reims Champagne: Start at Notre-Dame de Reims
At the heart of the city stands Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, one of France’s greatest Gothic treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nearly every French monarch from the 13th century onward was crowned within its soaring interior. The cathedral also tells a remarkable American story. After suffering extensive damage during World War I, restoration efforts were supported by John D. Rockefeller Jr., helping preserve this historic landmark for future generations.
During daylight hours, guided tours provide deeper insight into the cathedral’s architecture, stained glass and royal significance. Whether your interests lean toward history, architecture or faith, Notre-Dame de Reims deserves a place at the top of your list of things to do Reims visitors should not miss.
RELATED: Visit Bordeaux: 6 Things You Don’t Know About Visiting Bordeaux France
Experience the Regalia Sound and Light Show
One of the most memorable things to do in Reims Champagne is to return to the cathedral after dark.
The free Regalia Sound and Light Show transforms the cathedral façade into a dazzling display of color, music and royal history. Images sweep across the stone exterior while stories of kings, queens and centuries of French history unfold before the audience.
A Walking Tour That Helped Me Find My Bearings
Before diving into Champagne tastings and cathedral visits, I joined a Reims Art Deco walking tour. It turned out to be one of the smartest things I did.
Not only did I learn how the city reinvented itself after World War I, but I also got the lay of the land and discovered corners of Reims I returned to several times during my stay.
This tour filled quickly during my visit, so I recommend reserving your spot in advance.
Champagne Tours From Reims: Explore the Birthplace of Bubbles
No visit would be complete without experiencing one of the many champagne tours from Reims.
The city serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding vineyards and prestigious Champagne houses. Some visitors choose guided champagne tours from Reims that include transportation to nearby villages such as Verzenay, Hautvillers and Épernay. Others prefer tastings within walking distance of the city center.
What I love most about champagne tours from Reims is the variety. You can descend into centuries-old chalk cellars, meet family-owned producers, learn the traditional méthode champenoise and sample wines ranging from crisp non-vintage blends to exceptional vintage bottlings.
Champagne tours from Reims:
- Champagne and family-run wineries
- Morning Champagne tour and tastings
- Sunset and Champagne tasting in the vineyards
Even travelers who know little about wine often find themselves fascinated by the craftsmanship behind every bottle.
Travelers extending their visit beyond Reims should make time for the famous Champagne houses in Épernay, where many of the world’s most recognizable Champagne brands maintain historic cellars.
📌 Recommended: Don’t be disappointed when high-rated Champagne tasting and winery tours sell out. Book now before they’re all full.
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Visit Champagne Thiénot: Champagne museum, tasting room and accommodations
One of my favorite discoveries was Champagne Thiénot, a family-owned Champagne house located within walking distance of the cathedral.
The house recently unveiled an intriguing museum and stylish accommodations in the city center. White chalk-inspired tones and warm beech wood create a contemporary atmosphere that feels both elegant and welcoming.
Families will appreciate the interactive exhibits, while adults can deepen their understanding of Champagne production through guided visits and tastings. The museum itself is free to visit, although I recommend reserving a personalized tour and tasting in advance.
Things to Do Reims Visitors May Not Expect
Reims continues to evolve with exciting new attractions and accommodations.
One of the city’s newest hotels, Hyatt Centric Reims, provides a comfortable base for exploring nearby attractions, restaurants and Champagne houses. During my stay, Room 132 became my home away from home as I explored the city on foot.
Walkable neighborhoods, lively cafés and beautiful public spaces make it easy to fill several days discovering things to do in Reims Champagne beyond the famous wine houses.
Check your dates for your Hyatt Centric Reims stay now. Travelers extending their visit should also explore my recommendations for hotels in Épernay.
Best hotels in and near Reims
Are you still looking for a hotel in or near Reims Champagne? To experience the city’s atmosphere, I recommend booking a hotel in or near the center. A number of hotels that really stand out in terms of experience are:
- Hyatt Centric Reims offers two distinct food and beverage experiences that celebrate the art of tasting, sharing, and discovery. I loved my room with picture windows to the city.
- Hôtel De La Cathédrale is where I stayed as a frugal pilgrim when I walked here from Belgium.
- Champagne Thiénot: I walked to the Reims Cathedral from this classy boutique hotel. Enjoy the terrace, bar and museum at this 5-star retreat.
- Domaine Les Crayères: a luxury hotel and gourmet restaurant in a classic French chateau in Reims.
When you use one of these links to book your room— any room —I get a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of this website.
A Culinary Side of Reims Worth Savoring
Food lovers will discover that Reims delivers far more than Champagne. One of my favorite ways to experience a destination is through its restaurants, markets and cooking classes. Travelers who enjoy culinary adventures may also want to explore my guide to the best places to eat in Donegal, where local cuisine provides another delicious introduction to regional culture.
One memorable Reims dinner took place at Le Jardin, the restaurant at prestigious Domaine Les Crayères. The service was polished without feeling formal. Servers seemed to instinctively know when to engage in conversation and when to step back and let guests enjoy the experience.
When I asked whether I could meet the chef, I was escorted into the kitchen, where smiles and camaraderie proved just as impressive as the food.
Cook with Chef Éric Geoffroy
The highlight of my visit was a morning spent with Chef Éric Geoffroy, creator of Au Piano des Chefs.
I arrived expecting a cooking class. Instead, I got a front-row seat to a culinary comedy show.
Chef Éric didn’t simply teach us recipes. He entertained us from start to finish. We laughed our way through chopping, stirring and tasting while learning techniques from a true professional. His timing rivaled that of many stand-up comedians, and the joyful atmosphere made the experience unforgettable.
By lunchtime, our group gathered around the table to enjoy a fabulous meal created from the dishes we had prepared together. It was one of those travel experiences that reminds you why we explore the world in the first place—not just to see new places, but to connect with people.
Things to Do in Reims: Ways to Celebrate:
Spots for the best Reims celebrations disappear quickly — plan ahead so you don’t miss the beauty, color, and connection.
Most popular: Morning Champagne tour and tastings (always book your tickets ahead of time)
Most authentic: Reims Food Tour Champagne & French Full Meal
Personal favorite: Guided tour of Reims Cathedral
Best choice for Ebike: Ebike tour with local guide through Champagne vineyards
When you use one of these links to book your experience— any experience—I get a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support of this website
Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Reims Champagne
When people ask me about things to do Reims offers visitors, I certainly mention the Champagne houses, cathedral and museums. I also recommend taking one of the many champagne tours from Reims to experience the surrounding countryside and vineyards.
Yet it is often the personal experiences—a conversation with a chef, a shared meal or a warm welcome—that remain longest in memory.
Whether you come for the history, the food, the architecture or the bubbles, you’ll discover that the list of things to do in Reims Champagne extends far beyond the wine glass. Reims delivers the kind of authentic French experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
If Reims inspires you to explore more of Champagne country, don’t miss my guides to Champagne tasting in Épernay, the best Champagne houses in Épernay and where to stay in Champagne country.
📌 Recommended: Ready for a night you’ll never forget in Reims? Grab a coveted spot at Champagne Thiénot or Domaine Les Crayères now before someone else does.
How to Visit Reims from Paris
Reims is located 82 miles / 142 km from Paris. You have the following 3 options to visit Reims from Paris.
- Public transport: You have two options. From Paris, you can take the FLIX bus to Reims in 1 hour and 50 minutes. You can also take a direct train from Paris Est train station, which will take you in about 45 minutes (more info via the SNCF website)
- By rental car: This is a nice way to visit Champagne country, driving directly to Epernay is just 1 hour and 37 minutes. I like to rent a car via Expedia.com, where all rental companies are compared. The advantage of a rental car is that you can also take detours to other Champagne destinations like Reims or Hautvillers (compare rental cars on Expedia.com).
- Day trip from Paris: The most comfortable way to visit Reims is with an organized day trip from Paris. With this day trip to Epernay and Reims, you spend a day on a chauffeur-driven minivan with a guide who takes you to the most beautiful places. You can choose between two combinations:
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Traveling soon? Don’t forget to pack these essential items
Here are 4 often-forgotten items you don’t want to leave home without:
- I would have been lost in Europe without this power bank: Anker Nano Power Bank, 10K, 45W, 8.1 oz. Just imagine your phone running out of battery while you’re exploring London.
- And speaking of power, you def don’t want to forget a plug adapter – this is the one I use – I love it because it has 3 USB-C ports!
- You can’t beat this Sea to Summit premium neck pillow in terms of minimum weight and packed size. Who doesn’t want to get some shuteye on those long flights?
- I’m hooked on longer rain jackets that look as good on Paris boulevards as protect you on the trail.
📌 Bonus: Here’s the carry-on I swear by! My travel-tough Samsonite bags have lasted decades.
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
I hope you enjoy what I post here. You are encouraged to leave comments! Read more…
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As is common in the travel industry, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey was provided with accommodations, meals, and other compensation for the purpose of review. While it has not influenced this review, the author believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
In addition, this blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
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