A Day trip to Reims from Paris: Champagne & History

The fact that I took the time and write an article about my day trip to Reims from Paris gives it already away: Of course, Reims is worth visiting. Let me tell you why.

However, what truly sets Reims apart and is the No.1 reason is obviously Champagne. Reims is the Champagne capital, after all.

It’s here that you can savor the world’s finest bubbly at renowned champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Pommery. You can explore the famous Champagne cellars, sample rare vintages, get insights into the art of champagne-making, and buy a few bottles at a good price for your personal stock.

In short, a day trip from Paris to Reims makes for an ideal getaway if you are fascinated by French history, are a wine enthusiast, or just fancy exploring more of France without committing to extensive travel. You are all of the above? Then Reims is simply perfect.

Paris to Reims Day Trip: Where is Reims?

Reims, pronounced as “Rance,” is nestled in the northeastern part of France, in the heart of the Champagne-Ardenne region, now part of the Grand Est Region. Reims is known as the capital of the Champagne wine-producing region. It also boasts a rich history dating back to Roman times.

Did you know that only Champagne, made from grapes harvested in the Champagne region, is legally allowed to be called Champagne?

Distance Paris to Reims

➲ Book your train to Reims here

Its location, approximately 144 kilometers (90 miles) east of Paris, makes it a super convenient destination for a day trip. Mostly because of the fantastic French high-speed train TGV. It reduces the travel time to an unbelievable 40 minutes. You are literally there in no time.

How to get to Reims from Paris

Getting from Paris to Reims is a breeze. As it’s only 144km (90 miles) east from Paris, it’s an easy-to-access destination. Overall, you have 3 options:

#1 Paris to Reims by Train: The TGV

➲ Book your train to Reims here

If you decide to organize your Paris to Reims day trip, taking the train is by far your best option. The high-speed TGV trains run regularly between Gare de l’Est in Paris and Reims Center, with a journey time of around 40 minutes to an hour.

It’s best to book your tickets here in advance to secure the best prices and availability. Once you arrive at Reims, you find the train station just a few minutes from the city center.

Reims is compact and easily navigable on foot, so you don’t have to worry about getting from A to B.

Driving to Reims by car, a journey of 144 kilometers, takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. It’s a good choice if you’re looking for maximal flexibility and wish to embark on a scenic road trip through the picturesque vineyards.

However, careful planning is crucial to avoid wasting time. Importantly, keep in mind that the alcohol tolerance for drivers in France is exceptionally low and is it’s of course, a dangerous endeavor if you plan to attend champagne tastings. Also keep rush hour and traffic in mind.

This option is advisable only if you have a designated, sober driver at the wheel.

Best Things to Do on a Reims Day Trip from Paris

Now that you’ve arrived in Reims, it’s time to dive into the city’s top attractions. Here’s a list of the best things to do during your day trip from Paris to Reims.

#1 The Cathedral of Reims

➲ Book your guided tour of the Cathedral of Reims here

The most impressive sight you’ll see on your day trip to Reims from Paris is the the awe-inspiring Reims Cathedral. Officially the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and played a pivotal role in French history as the place where the French monarchs were crowned from the 12th century on. Well, all French kings, except two: Louis VI and Henry IV.

It’s a stunning piece of architecture. And eve though it’s not the Cathédral de Notre Dame de Paris, it is a great alternative to visit, knowing that Notre Dame is still under restoration.

#2 The Wine Cellars of Veuve Clicquot

➲ pay less with the Reims City Pass

No visit to Reims would be complete without indulging in some exquisite champagne. Head to the renowned Veuve Clicquot Champagne House, where you can explore their historic cellars and learn about the champagne-making process.

From the center of Reims, you can walk to the Veuve Clicquot Visitor’s Center. That’s at leaset what we did. It takes 30 minutes from the Cathedral of Reims and it is an ok walk, with not much to see.

But that’s being said, you can also take a bus (20 min) or simply hail a taxi.

Regarding Veuve Clicquot I might be a biast, though. Because my husband and I went to Reims on our wedding anniversary, as Veuve Clicquot was our wedding Champagne. So, of course, I loved everything about our visit.

But even looking back and more objectively, it was fantastic. Visiting the cellar, trying Champagne and then spending a little fortune on champagne from the birth year of our children. It’s one of my fondest memories.

#3 Wine Cellars of Vranken Pommery

➲ pay less with the Reims City Pass

Right next to Veuve Cliquot lies – very conveniently – the wine Cellars of the Champagne House Vranken Pommery. Perfect to seamlessly continue your champagne odyssey in Reims without missing a beat.

Pommery is the second-largest Champagne group. So, if you plan to visit their cellars, you can expect a top-notch experience.

Their estate is massive. A surface more or less like the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden and the Place de la Concorde combined. This is without considering the underground maze of caves: more than 18 km of cellars and chalk pits, some of them date back to the Romans. And did I mention that they have an Art Deco Villa that is almost a castle?

Other Champagne houses you can visit in the City of Reims:

• Champagne Mumm
• Champagne Taittinger
• Champagne G.H.Martel & Co.
• Champagne Lanson

#4 Basilica Saint-Remi

After savoring the effervescent pleasures of champagne, take a step back in time with a visit to the Basilica of Saint-Remi. The basilica dates back to the 11th century and holds the relics of Saint Remi, the patron saint of the city.

Moreover, during the era when kings were still being crowned in the nearby Cathedral de Notre Dame, the Basilica Saint-Remi safeguarded the sacred oil.

Like the Cathedral de Notre Dame de Reims and the Palace de Tau, the Basilica Saint-Remi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you are not a French history buff, it might not be worth it to walk down here. But, if you are visiting the Champagne Houses on your day trip from Reims to Paris and are therefore in the neighborhood, the Basilica is definitely worth a brief visit.

You find here as well the Musée de Reims, if you are keen on knowing more about your destination.

#5 Musée de la Reddition

➲ free with the Reims City Pass

For history and World War 2 enthusiasts, the Musée de la Reddition, is a must-visit on your Reims day trip from Paris. This unassuming building served as the site where the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany was signed on May 7, 1945.

Explore the museum’s exhibits, including artifacts from World War II, and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s role in this pivotal moment in history.

#6 Palais du Tau

The Palais du Tau is an absolute must-visit in Reims, conveniently situated right in the heart of the city, adjacent to the Cathedral de Notre-Dame de Reims. The Palais du Tau was the palace of the Archbishop and today, it proudly holds the distinction of being Reims’ third UNESCO Heritage Site.

The Palace was also the venue for lavish banquets hosted for French monarchs, who resided here before and after their crowning ceremonies.

In present times, this elegant building showcases an impressive array of sculptures, tapestries, and treasures from the cathedral.

#7 Cryptoportique of Reims

The Cryptoportique de Reims it’s one more of the Roman Ruins sites that you find all over Reims. It comprises three semi-underground corridors dating back to the year 100 AD. Originally serving as grain storage, it also doubled as a covered market and shelter from the elements.

Today, it offers free access to visitors and often hosts events and markets, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s ancient history and versatile use over the centuries. As it’s located right in the center of Reims, you can easily put it on your day trip itinerary.

#8 Place Drouet d’Erlon

For a taste of local life, make your way to Place Drouet d’Erlon. Honestly, you can’t miss it, really. When you leave the train station, you will walk right onto it. It’s a cute and central square, with plenty of cafés, restaurants, and shops.

It’s the perfect spot to savor a leisurely lunch or sip on a coffee while people-watching. If you’re visiting during the evening, the square comes alive with vibrant nightlife.

#9 Place Royale

As you stroll through Reims, take a moment to explore the elegant Place Royale. It’s one of this typical massive squares that you find in many French cities. Decorated with statues and sculptures, honoring kings and emporers. It’s a picturesque spot for taking photos.

#10 Porte de Mars

Wrap up your day trip with a visit to Porte de Mars, one of the city’s remaining Roman gates. This ancient structure dates back to the 3rd century and is, in fact, the largest existing Roman arc.

Until the 16th century, the Porte de Mars was the entry gate to Reims, connected to the ramparts of the city. It’s pretty impressive to see how well the details and sculptures on the gate are preserved.

Copy our itinerary: A Day trip to Reims from Paris

➲ or book a premade tour for less organization and stress

As promised, I share with you now a quick break down of our Paris to Reims day trip. It was very straightforward and if you are in for a good and hassle-free time in Reims, feel free to copy it.

#1 Transportation: Paris to Reims by Train

➲ Book your train to Reims here

My husband and I traveled to Reims by train, and the journey, lasted 45 minutes. This was mind-blowing because it took us actually longer to reach Gare de l’Est from our home in Paris than it did to get from Paris to Reims.

Usually, there are 7 directs trains between Paris and Reims. The first train leaves Paris at 7:30 in the morning and to come back from Reims, your latest train is at 19:15.

You can book here on omio. It’s an English-speaking page that’s very easy to use. They send you your tickets right into your mailbox.

#2 Champagne Tasting in Reims

We did the Veuve Clicquot tasting and cellars tour loved every second of it. We booked our tour ahead of time with Veuve Clicquot directly. They offer different tours, but we took the basic one that included a cellar tour and a Champagne tasting.

Following the tour, we decided to enhance our experience with some extra tastings, available for an additional cost at their shop.

My tip: Our timing turned out to be a bit unfortunate. With better planning, we could have seamlessly continued our journey with a visit to Champagne House Pommery, which is located right next to the Veuve Clicquot House.

#3 Sightseeing in Reims

➲ free with the Reims City Pass

Our day trip from Paris to Reims felt like a leisurely stroll from the train station to the Veuve Clicquot Cellar. Along the way, we explored all the city’s sights, including a delightful lunch stop.

What made it exceptionally convenient was that all the attractions are in the city center, allowing us to visit them one after another at a relaxed pace.

What we saw in Reims:

• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Reims
• Palais du Tau (the outside)
• Place Royal
• Place Drouet d’Erlon
• Cryptoportique
• Porte de Mars
• Veuve Clicquot
• Basilica Saint-Remi

#4 Lunch in Reims

Reims boasts an abundance of fantastic restaurants. Given that it was our wedding anniversary, we did a lot of research and opted for a Michelin-starred dining experience at Racine.

Wait! Dining? I thought we’re talking about Lunch! That’s true, but my husband and I spent one day in Reims, but left only the next morning. So we had dinner there. But Racine offers as well a Lunch Menu, which is – by the way – by far not as expensive as the dinner menu.

Anyway, Racine was an exquisite choice, with absolutely delicious cuisine. I wholeheartedly recommend it for a memorable culinary experience.

Racine serves a unique fusion of Japanese and French dishes in a simple, cozy setting with only 15 seats, which makes it a very intimate dining experience. It felt very private and the service was excellent.

Voilà, now you have everything at hand to plan your fantastic day trip from Paris to Reims. Whether you are venturing out there on your own or joining an organized tour, you can be sure to make memories for life.

FAQ: Day Trips from Paris to Reims

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