Reims (Rheims) City Guide
Reims is famous for being the centre of the Champagne region in France, and you can visit all of the famous Champagne houses for a tasting! Kings of France were crowned in Reims from 481 onwards, and Reims is home to 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Cathedral, and the Tau Palace.
What to do and see in and around Reims
Champagne
Reims is the capital of the Champagne region and there are several Champagne cellars in Reims centre including Taittinger, Piper-Heidsieck, Mumm, Krug and Veuve Clicquot. Many of the Champagne houses offer tours of their cellars and a history of the champagne and a tasting, but you may need to book in advance, or check when the cellars are open.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is in the centre of Reims and is a gothic masterpiece, built in the 13th century. French Kings have been baptized and crowned on the site since 498 and in 1429 Joan of Arc succeeded in getting the Dauphin crowned at Reims Cathedral, in total 26 French Kings have been crowned in Reims. Don't miss the stained glass windows and the giggling angels which run around the west side of the Cathedral.
Tau Palace
Tau Palace was built in 1690 next to Reims Cathedral as a residence for the Bishops of Reims. The Palace is now the Cathedral's museum and many of the figures and statues from the Cathedral can now be seen up close at the Tau Palace, alongside tapestries, historical coronation documents, and Holy Relics.
St. Remi Basilica
St Remi Basilica is 15 minutes walk from the Cathedral and is the spot where many of France's early Kings were buried, it was built in 1007 as a shrine to St Remi. St Remi christened the first King of the Franks - Clovis, and his tomb is in the crypt of the Basilica. The museum inside the Abbey buildings contain a history of Reims including a collection of artifacts, tapestries, weapons, armour and portraits.
Fine Arts Museum
Reims' Fine Arts Museum is housed in the former living quarters of the Abbey of Saint-Denis, and includes a collection of paintings, furniture, and art from the Renaissance to the modern day. Highlights of the collection include works by David, Gaugin, Corot, and Cranach the Elder and Younger.
Motorcar Museum
The Motorcar Museum contains a large collection of classic cars and motorbikes, model cars, and antique toys. All of the exhibits are part of a private collection owned by Philippe Charbonneaux, and the exhibits change frequently
Surrender Museum
Behind Reims train station is the Surrender Museum which was Eisenhower's headquarters from February to May 1945. The map room is where the surrender of the German troops took place on 7th May 1945. The room has been left exactly as it was, with the chairs and tables where Eisenhower and General Jodl sat and signed the surrender.
Epernay
30 minutes from Reims by train.
Epernay is south of Reims in the heart of Champagne countryside. Epernay is surrounded by Champagne vineyards, and is a wealthy town with wide tree lined streets and several champagne houses including Moët & Chandon and Mercier. There is a Champagne Museum housed in the 19th century Château Perrier.
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