Destination guide

Reims

Reims is far more than a convenient base for the famous cellars. It is a lively city where you can leave the cathedral, browse the shops, linger over lunch and descend into the chalk cellars later in the day. Book the major houses in advance; enjoy the rest of the city without an overfull schedule.

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Best for

A first trip to Champagne, a car-free weekend and monumental chalk cellars

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A realistic day

How to plan your time

Start at Notre-Dame Cathedral, then walk through the shopping streets around Rue de Vesle and Place Drouet-d’Erlon. Take your time over lunch, book one cellar tour for the afternoon and finish around Boulingrin.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Walk around the richly carved west façade before going inside for the stained glass.

One house in Saint-Nicaise

Ruinart, Pommery, Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot are in the same part of the city. Choose one for the kind of tour you want.

Shopping, then Boulingrin

Start with the larger shops on Rue de Vesle, explore the side streets around Place Drouet-d’Erlon and continue to Boulingrin for a drink or dinner.

More to see

Sights in Reims

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01 · Gothic · UNESCO

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The city’s defining monument, with a richly carved façade and stained glass by artists including Marc Chagall.

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02 · Abbey · history

Saint-Remi Basilica and Museum

A quieter companion to the cathedral, with the history of Reims from Roman times onwards.

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03 · Roman Reims · outdoors

Porte de Mars

A monumental Roman arch within easy walking distance of Boulingrin.

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04 · Art Deco · city life

Halles du Boulingrin

A landmark market hall surrounded by cafés, shops and terraces.

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05 · Shopping · Art Deco

Rue de Vesle and the centre

Reims is surprisingly good for shopping. Start with Rue de Vesle, then explore the smaller streets around the centre and look up at the Art Deco façades.

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Architecture opposite Pommery

Villa Demoiselle

Art Nouveau · guided visit

A very different side of Reims

Cross the boulevard after Pommery to explore a richly restored Art Nouveau interior. The visit lasts about an hour and ends with a glass of Champagne.

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Champagne houses

6 visits in and around Reims

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Reims · Montagne de Reims

Ruinart

If you only have time for one of the big houses in Reims, go to Ruinart. The two-hour tour takes you deep into the old chalk quarries, with artworks appearing along the route.

Chalk cellars2 hrFrench · English · German

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Reims · Montagne de Reims

Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot offers an accessible introduction to the historic cellars of Reims and the story behind its famous yellow label. The one-hour entry tour fits easily into a day with other sights.

Chalk cellars1 hrFrench · English

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Reims · Montagne de Reims

Domaine Pommery

Pommery immediately stands out for its neo-Gothic buildings. Beneath the estate, long chalk galleries regularly host contemporary art.

Art and cellars1–3 hr, depending on the tourFrench · English · German · Spanish · Italian

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Reims · Montagne de Reims

Maison Lanson

Lanson shows many stages of the production process. The route runs from the small vineyard beside the house through the winery and into the cellars.

From grape to bottle1 hr 30French · English · German · Italian

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Reims · Montagne de Reims

Champagne Taittinger

Taittinger welcomes visitors into historic chalk quarries beneath Saint-Nicaise. The renewed visitor centre is modern and gives the site’s history plenty of attention.

Chalk cellarsAbout 1 hourFrench · English · German · Spanish · Portuguese · Russian

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Reims · Montagne de Reims

G.H. Mumm

G.H. Mumm is close to central Reims. Its tours cover the history of the house, the role of Pinot Noir and the cellars.

Historic cellars1 hr 30French · English · German · Spanish · Italian · Japanese

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Winter in Reims

Planning a visit in the colder months?

See which cellar tours, tastings, Christmas events and indoor sights work best from November through March.

Read the winter guide to Reims