Before you go

Your trip to Reims.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Reims – Grande Leste Destination Champagne about 350 km from Estrasburgo

How to get there

Aéroport Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Roissy-en-France · 145 km
Gare de Reims 1 km
Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV Bezannes · 6 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

From Paris, the TGV departs from Gare de l'Est and arrives at Gare de Reims, in the center, in about 45 minutes. From Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport there are direct TGVs to Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV, south of the city, linked to the center by tram. Check before you buy.

How many days

One day is enough for the cathedral, the Basilique Saint-Remi and a cellar visit on a day trip from Paris. With two days, add the Musée de la Reddition, the Porte de Mars, a second cellar and a walk through the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims. Use Reims as a base for visiting Épernay.

When to go

From May to September the days are long and the weather is mild; the grape harvest usually takes place in September. In the European winter, from December to February, it is cold, it gets dark early and it often rains, but the cathedral, museums and cellars remain open. In December there is usually a Christmas market near the cathedral.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

You don't need a car for the city: the center is walkable, and the tram and buses reach the cellars and the Basilique Saint-Remi. A car only helps for the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims, such as Verzenay, where public transport is limited. Those planning tastings should prefer a guided tour with transportation.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Reims

Morning
Reims Cathedral
Arrive by TGV from Paris and walk from Gare de Reims to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, about 15 minutes. Take in the façade and the Anjo Sorridente before entering, and go to the Chagall stained-glass windows behind the altar.
Afternoon
Lunch and Basilique Saint-Remi
Have lunch in the center, near Place Drouet-d'Erlon, between 12:00 and 14:00. Afterwards head to the Basilique Saint-Remi, with its Romanesque nave and the tomb of Saint Remi, and, if time allows, the cloister of the Musée Saint-Remi.
Late afternoon
Visit to a champagne cellar
Book the reserved tour of the cellars at Maison Taittinger or Maison Pommery, on the Saint-Nicaise hills, near the basilica. Bring a coat: the chalk galleries are cool year-round.
Evening
Dinner and return
Dine in the center from around 19:30 or return by TGV to Paris. On some summer nights there are often light projections on the cathedral façade; check the schedule.

2 days in Reims

Day 1

Morning
Cathedral and center
Start at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame at a relaxed pace: façade, nave and Chagall windows. If it's tower-visiting season, reserve your time slot in advance.
Afternoon
Saint-Remi and the abbey museum
After lunch, walk to the Basilique Saint-Remi and visit the Musée Saint-Remi, with its cloister and the rooms about Durocortorum, Roman Reims.
Late afternoon
Saint-Nicaise cellars
Visit the cellars of Maison Taittinger or Maison Pommery, a few minutes from the basilica, with reservations made before you travel.
Evening
Place Drouet-d'Erlon
Dine on Place Drouet-d'Erlon, a pedestrian street full of restaurants and cafés between the station and the cathedral.

Day 2

Morning
Porte de Mars and Musée de la Reddition
See the reliefs under the arcades of the Porte de Mars and walk to the Musée de la Reddition, where Germany signed the surrender on 7 May 1945.
Afternoon
Vineyards of the Montagne de Reims
After lunch, go by car or on a guided tour to Verzenay. Climb the 101 steps of the Phare de Verzenay and visit the Musée de la Vigne.
Late afternoon
Maison Mumm
Back in Reims, take the reserved tour of the Maison Mumm cellars, near the Porte de Mars and the station.
Evening
Farewell dinner
Dine in the center, near the cathedral or Place Drouet-d'Erlon, or catch the TGV back to Paris.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How long is the train from Paris to Reims?

The TGV departs from Gare de l'Est and arrives at Gare de Reims, in the center, in about 45 minutes. Buy your ticket in advance to pay less and check schedules before you go.

Can you do a day trip from Paris to Reims?

Yes. In one day you can see the cathedral, the Basilique Saint-Remi and take a cellar visit with a reservation. Maison Mumm is a 15-minute walk from the station, which helps if you're short on time.

What is the difference between Gare de Reims and Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV?

Gare de Reims is in the center, near the cathedral. Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV is in Bezannes, about 5 km to the south, and receives TGVs from various cities and from Charles de Gaulle airport. The two are linked by tram and regional train.

Do I need to book cellar visits?

Yes. Champagne houses run guided tours at fixed times and in small groups. Book on each house's website before you travel and confirm the language of the tour.

Are the Palais du Tau and the Musée des Beaux-Arts open?

Both are undergoing extensive renovations, with reopening planned. Check before you go. In the meantime, the cathedral, the Basilique Saint-Remi and the Musée Saint-Remi are open to visitors as usual.

Back to Reims