15 Best Things To Do In Reims
Written by Joeri Van Overloop
Reims, France is a city with a rich history and culture. It has been the site of many important events throughout history and is now home to exquisite architecture, vibrant festivals, and amazing food and champagne tours. If you're visiting Reims for the first time, it can be overwhelming trying to decide what to see and do in Reims. Luckily, this article will provide an overview of some of the best things to do in Reims so that you can make the most out of your visit.
1. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims, also known as the Notre-Dame of Reims, is a stunning Roman Catholic church located in the city of Reims, France. This awe-inspiring architectural wonder dates back to 1210 when it was first ordered to be built by Archbishop Aubrey of Reims. The construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral was completed in 1275 and serves as one of France's most treasured monuments and attractions in Reims today.
The Reims Cathedral its rich history is just part of what makes it so captivating. Its exterior features two exquisite Gothic towers that make up its façade, while its interior showcases an impressive collection of sculptures and stained glass windows which were all made between the 13th and 15th centuries. It also boasts several stunning spires which can be seen from miles away.
Contact:
Address: Pl. du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 47 55 34
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2. Palace of Tau
The Palace of Tau is a remarkable example of French Gothic architecture that goes back to the 13th century. This Reims attraction was originally built as part of the Abbey of Saint-Remi and is now a Unesco World Heritage Site. The palace was originally used for religious ceremonies and coronation rites for the kings of France. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage and sharing its rich history with visitors from around the world.
The exterior walls are made from limestone blocks, which feature intricate carvings depicting Biblical scenes from both Old and New Testament stories. Amongst these carvings are figures of angels, lions, and monsters carved into each stone block to create an amazing visual effect. Inside the Archbishops' Palace lies a spectacular chapel filled with beautiful sculptures depicting saints and apostles along with stained glass windows that add a touch of color to the interior walls.
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3. Villa Demoiselle
Villa Demoiselle is one of the most spectacular landmarks in Reims and one of the top things to see. This remarkable villa was built in 1930 for a well-known French industrialist named Paul Dessaux. The exterior features an exquisite blend of Renaissance and Gothic architecture, with intricate brickwork and stone statues adorning its facade.
Inside, the villa has been painstakingly preserved to maintain its original grandeur. From beautiful wooden floors to opulent marble fireplaces, every detail speaks to the luxurious experience that awaits visitors who are lucky enough to visit the villa.
The grounds surrounding Villa Demoiselle are equally impressive, boasting exquisite gardens and majestic fountains all designed by renowned landscape artist Alexandre-Chapelain Chevalier.
Contact:
Address: 56 Bd Henry Vasnier, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 61 62 56
4. Saint-Remi Basilica
The Saint-Remi Basilica in the French city of Reims was built between 1005 and 1049 (for a Benedictine abbey) on the site of an 8th-century Carolingian chapel, which drew many pilgrims, and is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture. It is renowned for its intricate display of stained glass windows, as well as its magnificent sculptures and paintings.
The oldest church in Reims has become especially well known for being the location of coronations for previous French kings; Charles VII was famously crowned here in 1429. As a result, it holds an immense amount of historical significance in France's history.
Today, the Basilique Saint-Rémi still stands strong and remains an important landmark in Reims' city center. Inside, visitors can see the tomb of Saint Rémi (440-533), which has made this basilica a place of veneration since the 8th century. Additionally, there are several works from famous painters such as Jean Daret which are still on display today inside this awe-inspiring structure.
Contact:
Address: Rue Saint-Julien, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 85 31 20
5. Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall)
The beautiful town hall in Reims, Northern France, is a sight to behold and definitely worth a visit during your stay in Reims. Located smack dab in the middle of Reims city centre, the Hôtel de Ville stands as an imposing but elegant monument dedicated to the region’s local government. It was built in 1785 under the direction of architect François-Jacques Lequeux, who wanted to create a structure that would be both impressive and full of promise for a bustling French city.
Constructed using stone from nearby quarries, its distinctive architectural style features tall arches and vast pillars making it one of the most striking buildings in Reims. Inside you will find an array of grandiosely decorated rooms filled with artworks and furnishings that pay homage to this remarkable building's storied legacy.
Contact:
Address: 9 place de l'Hôtel de Ville - Esplanade Simone Veil 80036, 51722 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 77 78 79
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6. Musée des Beaux-Arts
The Museé des Beaux-Arts in Reims is a museum located in the city of Reims, France, and a great place to visit. The museum is dedicated to fine arts and features a permanent collection as well as rotating exhibitions and events. The building itself dates back to the 19th century and was constructed with neo-classical inspiration in mind. Today, it stands as an ode to French culture, heritage, and artistry.
The permanent collection at the Museé des Beaux Arts includes a wide range of works from the Renaissance period all the way up to pieces from contemporary artists. Some of its most notable works include masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, Manet, Degas, Boudin, Marc Chagall and Pissarro. Guests can explore sculptures by Rodin as well as ancient artifacts from Roman times including coins and jewelry from centuries ago.
Contact:
Address: 8 Rue Chanzy, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 35 36 00
7. Porte de Mars
The Porte de Mars is an impressive relic from France's past that has been preserved for centuries. It was initially constructed in the 3rd century as a gateway to the city of Reims, and since then it has gone through numerous restorations. The most recent restoration occurred in 2004 when the original stones were used to reconstruct the archway to its former glory.
Standing atop a flight of stairs, this grand structure is made up of two towers with a large archway between them that stands as tall as 10 meters. The bottom half of each tower is made out of stone while the upper half consists of red bricks and white stones creating a beautiful contrast between colors. The walls are decorated with intricate carvings depicting scenes from ancient times which make it an even more remarkable place to see in Reims.
Contact:
Address: Pl. de la République, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 77 78 79
8. Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur
Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur is one of the best places to visit in Reims. It is a unique mix of hotel, museum, and gallery that houses stunning works of art from the 16th century. This incredible structure dates back to 1590 and is a great example of Renaissance architecture.
The building itself offers an exceptional experience; it has been carefully restored to preserve its historic character. Inside the museum, travelers can explore collections of furniture, porcelain, silverware, paintings and sculptures from across Europe that range from the 17th to 19th centuries.
The highlight of Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur are its 18th-century private apartments that have been authentically restored to their original state with opulent interiors featuring gilded woodwork and gorgeous frescoes on the walls and ceilings.
Contact:
Address: 36 Pl. du Forum, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 35 61 95
9. La Maison Mumm
La Maison Mumm is a vineyard in the Reims champagne region that produces some of the highest quality champagne. Founded by George Christian Mumm in 1827, this winery has long been celebrated for its commitment to excellence and attention to detail. Visitors of La Maison Mumm can tour the vineyards and cellars, and experience the tradition and history that continues to make this champagne so sought after today.
The estate itself consists of over 200 acres of vineyards, which are dedicated exclusively to growing grapes used for sparkling wines. The tasting room is situated within a space designed with modern architecture and expansive windows overlooking stunning views of the lush vineyards. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of champagne wine tastings as well as a guided tour and learn about the history behind each bottle before making their selection.
Contact:
Address: 34 Rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims, France
10. Fort de la Pompelle
Fort de la Pompelle (Fort Herbillon) in Reims is a historical site of considerable importance. Built at the beginning of World War I, the fort was used by Germany to store their artillery and other weapons in a strategic location. It has since become an important part of France's cultural heritage and is now open to visitors who come to admire its impressive architecture. Its defensive walls are made from solid red brick and reinforced by multiple passages, making it one of the most well-fortified sites in Europe.
On top of its military history, Fort de la Pompelle also served as an important site for political meetings during World War II. Countless important negotiations have taken place within its walls, including some that have helped shape modern French politics.
Contact:
Address: RD 944, , route de Châlons-en-Champagne, 51500 Puisieulx, France
Phone: +33 3 26 49 11 85
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11. Musée Automobile Reims Champagne
The Musée Automobile Reims Champagne is a fascinating museum located in Reims city. This automobile museum houses some truly remarkable and historic cars, including vintage models from brands such as Renault and Citroen. The museum was founded in 1996 by two passionate car collectors; Roger Aubertin and his wife Annie. Since then, it has been a must-see destination for those who are interested in learning about the history of automobiles in Europe.
The museum features more than one hundred vehicles that span over a century of automotive history, including racing cars and classic models from pre-war times to the present day. Visitors can also view unique items such as motorcycle engines and miniatures on display. There are interactive educational exhibits that provide insight into how technology has advanced over time and what industry regulations were like during different eras.
Contact:
Address: 84 Av. Georges Clemenceau, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 82 83 84
12. Place Royale
Place Royale is a historical area located at the heart of the capital of the champagne. It was built between 1690 and 1705 during the reign of Louis XIV, who wanted to honor his son's coronation as King of France. The square was designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, one of the leading architects of its time.
This beautiful architectural site features several elements along with its symmetrically laid out garden. The magnificent Corinthian colonnade encircling Place Royale stands out amongst these features and consists of eight columns which are each topped by an elaborately decorated statue depicting a classical Roman emperor or empress.
The gardens themselves offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Reims' busy streets and feature plenty to explore such as geometrically shaped flower beds, fountains, sculptures and more.
13. Bibliothèque Carnegie
The Bibliothèque Carnegie, established in 1895, this library was one of many philanthropic efforts by Andrew Carnegie, who wanted to make knowledge more accessible for everyone. The building itself is an impressive Gothic structure that makes it easy to understand why it's called "Carnegie Cathedral".
The interior of the Bibliothèque Carnegie is just as breathtaking as its exterior. It features two floors and contains over 100,000 books from across different genres and languages. There are also special collections dedicated to rare works and old manuscripts, making this library a great spot for any scholar or lover of literature.
Contact:
Address: 2 Pl. Carnegie, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 77 81 41
14. Chapelle Foujita
Chapelle Foujita is a unique and stunning piece of art that captures the essence of French culture. Created by Japanese-French artist Foujita, this chapel has a perfect combination of both Eastern and Western influences. With its intricate ceiling frescoes, stained glass windows, and painted sculptures, it is an incredible sight to behold.
The layers of history within the chapel are fascinating; with artwork completed between 1929-1932, the chapel combines Renaissance style architecture with modern Art Deco elements to create an atmosphere that is truly breathtaking. The interior features depictions of Jesus Christ surrounded by angels on one side while Buddhist figures adorn the other side—each with their own unique cultural connotations.
Contact:
Address: 33 Rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 35 36 00
15. Musée de la Reddition
The Musée de la Reddition is an important historical site to visit on your tour of Reims. Located near the Reims Cathedral, it marks the surrender of Nazi Germany in 1945. It was in this very building where German military leaders signed the documents that put an end to World War II. As a result, it is considered a symbol of peace and liberation for many people around the world.
Built on land donated by champagne house Pommery, the museum is housed within a former artillery barracks from 1882 which was then known as "The House of Honours". Inside there are multiple artefacts that tell stories of bravery and courage during WW2. Tourists will be able to view original photographs taken at the ceremony as well as banners hung during occupation and liberation periods throughout Europe.
Contact:
Address: 12 Rue du Président Franklin Roosevelt, 51100 Reims, France
Phone: +33 3 26 47 84 19
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FAQ
Q: Is Reims worth visiting?
A: One of the main reasons why Reims is worth visiting is its historical significance. The city was once the coronation site for French kings, and its magnificent Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims still stands as a testament to this grand past. Dating back to the 13th century, this Gothic masterpiece boasts intricate stained glass windows and breathtaking sculptures.
Q: What is Reims well known for?
A: Reims is celebrated for being at the heart of Champagne production. As one of the principal cities within the Champagne region, it boasts an array of prestigious champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot that offer tours and tastings to visitors. The city's wine culture extends beyond just champagne, however, with countless bars and restaurants offering an extensive selection of local wines.
Q: What are the most beautiful villages near Reims?
A: Reims is not only famous for its splendid cathedral and champagne production but also for its charming surrounding villages. Nestled amidst rolling vineyards and lush countryside, these villages offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. One such village is Verzenay, known for its stunning views of the Champagne region and its iconic lighthouse. This quaint village boasts picture-perfect houses adorned with vibrant flowers, winding streets that lead to cozy cafes and local wineries waiting to be explored.
Another gem near Reims is Hautvillers, a village that holds great historical significance in the world of champagne. It was here that Dom Pérignon refined and perfected the process of making sparkling wine during the 17th century.
Q: Do you need a car in Reims?
A: Reims itself is a compact city with most attractions within walking distance of each other. Its historic center boasts stunning architecture, including the famous Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, making it easily explorable by foot. Additionally, the city has an efficient public transportation system consisting of buses and trams that can take you to various parts of town and its surrounding areas.
If you plan to stay within the city limits for your entire trip, relying on public transportation will likely be sufficient. The extensive network covers not only the major sights but also provides easy access to nearby Champagne houses for those who wish to indulge in tastings without worrying about driving afterward.
Q: Is Reims safe at night?
A: The good news is that Reims generally maintains a safe environment for visitors after dark. The city's well-lit streets and active nightlife contribute to its overall safety. Popular areas such as Place Drouet d'Erlon and Rue de Vesle are bustling with people until late hours, creating a vibrant atmosphere that deters potential criminals. Additionally, the local authorities have implemented effective security measures to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. Regular police patrols are common in busy areas, providing reassurance to those exploring the city during nighttime.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO REIMS
Book Your Hotel In Reims
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Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illnesses, an injury, luggage theft, and even trip cancellations. It’s a comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong during your trip. I never travel to Reims without it as I’ve had to use it several times in the past. My favorite travel insurance companies that offer the best service and value are:
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