Experience the sparkle of Reims, the French city with a rich champagne-making heritage. While most of the city’s history was lost after being bombed during World War I, there’s still a wealth of cultural attractions to discover before heading out into the gorgeous green surroundings.
Jewels in the crown
The standout attraction of any visit to Reims is undoubtedly the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Slightly larger than its namesake in Paris, this magnificent gothic structure is where more than 30 kings of France were crowned.
The church’s unique façade is adorned by thousands of statues – see if you can spot its famous smiling angel as you stand outside. Inside, you can admire the intricate stained glass windows that date back to the 13th century as they bathe the cathedral in colorful light.
From here, make your way to nearby Palais du Tau. Once the palace of the Archbishop of Reims and the place where royals would stay during their coronation, today it houses an intriguing museum. Wander the exhibits and you’ll discover artifacts from the cathedral, including statues and decorative 15th-century tapestries.
Not far away from the cathedral and palace you’ll find another of the city’s historic attractions, the Basilique St-Remi. This exceptional building dates back to the 11th century but like the cathedral was badly damaged during World War I and took several decades to restore. An array of religious relics can be seen here, along with the tomb of the city’s patron Saint Remi.
Cultural highlights
For art lovers, a trip to the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Reims is a must. Housed in the former Abbey Saint-Denis, it contains works by Renoir, Monet and many more European artists. It’s particularly noted for its collection of works by the landscape and portrait painter Camille Corot, the largest in the world after the Louvre in Paris.
After a morning of gazing at masterpieces, dedicate an afternoon to the champagne houses nestled within Reims. More than 150 miles of champagne cellars lie beneath the city’s streets, storing around 200 million bottles..
Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot are among the famous producers located on the site of Saint-Nicaise Hill, a Roman UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a tour of the atmospheric cellars carved from chalk, discover how champagne is made and pick up a purchase from the onsite shop to take home with you.
City of Lights
Who can resist the charm of Paris? Less than 100 miles away from Reims, the magical French capital is a must-see while in the area.
Atmospheric cafes, designer boutiques and leafy parks are peppered throughout the elegant boulevards but a great place to start your trip to Paris is with its most famous attractions.
First stop, the Eiffel Tower. Admire its vast iron architecture from the Champ de Mars before taking the elevator up to the viewing platform to enjoy spectacular panoramic vistas of the city.
Make your way to Ile de la Cité to see the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. The 13th century church’s magnificent façade, decorated with gargoyles and flying buttresses, is a truly spectacular sight. Finish off with a wander around the Louvre, one of the world’s top art museums and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous ‘Mona Lisa’.
With a rental car from Reims, it’s possible to explore all of this and more during your visit to France’s famous Champagne region.