🇫🇷 France · Places to discover
What to see in Reims ?
21 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
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Reims defines itself through a constant tension between stone and champagne-the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, a seven-century building project, dominates a city that crowned twenty-six Kings of France and continues to produce its bubbles in caves excavated by the Romans. It's not a museum town: brasseries in the centre sit alongside contemporary art galleries, and locals possess a quiet pride, free of chauvinism.
Spring and early autumn offer the best visiting conditions, with temperate days and the cellars of Maison Ruinart or Taittinger accessible without advance booking for weeks ahead. Two days suffice to cover the essentials without rushing. The train from Paris-Est takes forty-five minutes, making a car unnecessary. Avoid group tastings at the grand houses on the boulevard-inflated prices don't buy a better experience.
Landmarks & heritage (10)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAVilla Douce – Musée Hôtel Le Vergeur
Landmark
A medieval and Renaissance manor house with a unique collection of Albrecht Dürer prints of the Apocalypse. An inner courtyard of rare beauty, overlooked by most visitors.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SABasilica Saint-Remi
Landmark
An 11th-century Romanesque basilica housing the tomb of Saint Remi, the bishop who baptised Clovis. Less frequented than the cathedral, its interior radiates absolute serenity.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SASurrender Room
Landmark
It was in this room at Roosevelt high school that the armistice of 7 May 1945 was signed, ending the Second World War in Europe. A sober and moving museum, preserved as it was.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SASaint-Jacques Church, Reims
Landmark
Thirteenth-century Gothic church with soaring nave and contemporary stained glass by Simon Vouet. A stop on the Way of St. James, it retains an atmosphere of genuine reverence.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAPalais du Tau
Landmark
Former archiepiscopal palace adjoining the cathedral, now an essential museum. Houses the original statues from the façade and the sacre treasure, including the Holy Ampulla.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAReims Cathedral
Landmark
A masterpiece of Rayonnant Gothic where 25 Kings of France were crowned. The Chagall stained glass windows in the apse are worth the journey alone, especially in the late afternoon.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPorte Mars
Landmark
A 3rd-century Roman triumphal arch, one of the widest in the ancient world. A discreet yet striking relic in the city centre, often overlooked by hurried visitors.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAFoujita Chapel
Landmark
A small chapel entirely built and decorated by Franco-Japanese painter Léonard Foujita in 1966. An intimate and little-known gem, with frescoes of enchanting gentleness.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAHôtel de Ville de Reims
Landmark
A 17th-century Baroque edifice adorned with a bust of Louis XIII on its facade. Its lively square is the beating heart of Reims life, bustling with markets and terraces.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAMusée des Beaux-Arts de Reims
Landmark
Housed in a former Benedictine abbey, it displays a remarkable collection of Flemish paintings and a unique series of 27 portraits by Cranach the Elder. Free admission on the first Sunday of the month.Nature & parks (3)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SALeo Lagrange Park
Nature
Large popular park on the banks of the Vesle with water features and play areas. Families from Reims come here at weekends, away from the bustle of the historic centre.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAParc de la Patte d'Oie
Nature
The green lung of the Clémenceau district, beloved by Reims residents for morning jogging and picnics. Its star-shaped paths lend it the elegant geometry typical of French parks.Aisne to Marne Canal Path
Nature
Green way following the canal for several kilometres on the outskirts of town. Ideal for cycling to reach the Champagne countryside, away from conventional tourist routes.Viewpoints (1)
Activities (5)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAReims Planetarium
Activity
One of the few public planetariums still active in France, run by the city. Thematic shows are accessible to all and often fully booked – advance booking recommended.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SATaittinger Cellars
Activity
Cellars carved into UNESCO-listed Gallo-Roman chalk quarries, among Reims' most beautiful. House Taittinger is one of the rare large houses still family-owned – this shows in the hospitality.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAMuseum of the Surrender
Activity
Faithful recreation of the room where the armistice was signed on 7 May 1945. A small museum but of rare historical intensity – with intact period maps, furniture and artefacts.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SABoulingrin Market
Activity
Large Art Deco covered market on Saturday mornings, the essential meeting point for Reims residents seeking local producers, Champagne cheeses and charcuterie. Built in 1929, the building itself is remarkable.Pommery Caves
Activity
19 km of Gallo-Roman galleries converted into champagne cellars, adorned with contemporary art installations. The guided tour is one of the most spectacular in the region, 30 metres underground.More to discover (2)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPlace Drouet d'Erlon
Place
Lively pedestrian avenue and heart of Reims' nightlife and café culture. The illuminated Subé fountain in the evening makes it an unmissable meeting point for locals.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARue du Trésor
Place
Small medieval pedestrian alley hidden behind the cathedral, lined with art galleries and craft workshops. One of the most photogenic and least crowded corners of the historic centre.