Discover Reims: Champagne’s Crown Jewel
Reims, the unofficial capital of France’s Champagne region, offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and world-class sparkling wine. This bustling city, known for its stunning Gothic cathedral and prestigious Champagne houses, serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding vineyards and charming villages.
Towns and Villages
While Reims is the main attraction, several nearby towns and villages are worth exploring:
- Épernay: Home to the famous Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand Champagne houses
- Hautvillers: A picturesque village where Dom Pérignon allegedly invented Champagne
- Ay: Known for its Grand Cru vineyards and charming town center
- Verzenay: Features a unique lighthouse in the vineyards, offering panoramic views
Wine Producers
Reims boasts some of the most renowned Champagne houses in the world:
- Veuve Clicquot: Offers tours of its historic chalk cellars and tastings
- Taittinger: Provides insights into Champagne production in its UNESCO-listed cellars
- Pommery: Known for its impressive neo-Gothic estate and extensive underground galleries
- Ruinart: The oldest established Champagne house, featuring Crayères (chalk caves) tours
For a more intimate experience, consider visiting smaller producers like Champagne Drappier or Henri Giraud.
Accommodations
Reims offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences:
- Luxury: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa, overlooking the cathedral
- Mid-range: Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix, centrally located
- Budget: Séjours & Affaires Reims Clairmarais, offering apartment-style rooms
- Unique: Le Clos des Roys, a charming bed and breakfast in a historic mansion
Dining
Reims’ culinary scene perfectly complements its Champagne offerings:
- Le Parc Les Crayères: Two-Michelin-starred restaurant set in a beautiful park
- Brasserie Excelsior: Classic French cuisine in an Art Deco setting
- Au Petit Comptoir: Cozy bistro featuring local specialties and an extensive wine list
- Café du Palais: Historic café known for its Art Deco interior and traditional dishes
Don’t miss trying local specialties like Jambon de Reims (ham in pastry) and Biscuit Rose de Reims (pink cookies perfect for dipping in Champagne).
Wine Shops & Bars
Reims offers excellent options for wine enthusiasts:
- L’Epicerie au Bon Manger: A charming wine shop and deli with a wide selection of local wines
- Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage: Cozy bar offering an extensive Champagne list and small plates
- La Cave des Sacres: Well-stocked wine shop with knowledgeable staff and tasting events
- Trésors de Champagne: Showcases wines from independent Champagne producers
Other Shops
Beyond wine, Reims has plenty to offer shoppers:
- Galeries Lafayette: High-end department store for fashion and luxury goods
- Maison Fossier: Famous for traditional Biscuit Rose de Reims
- Les Halles du Boulingrin: Art Deco covered market for local produce and specialties
- Chocolaterie Deléans: Artisanal chocolatier perfect for souvenirs
Attractions
Reims boasts numerous attractions beyond its Champagne houses:
- Notre-Dame de Reims: Stunning Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned
- Palais du Tau: Former Archbishop’s palace, now a museum of cathedral treasures
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: Houses an impressive collection of art from the 16th to 20th centuries
- Porte Mars: Ancient Roman triumphal arch, the widest in the Roman world
Events
Plan your visit around these exciting events:
- Habits de Lumière (December): Festive celebration in Épernay with light shows and Champagne
- Fêtes Johanniques (June): Medieval festival honoring Joan of Arc
- Flâneries Musicales de Reims (June-July): Classical music festival held in various venues
- Route du Champagne en Fête (August): Weekend festival in different villages each year
Appellations
The Champagne region includes several appellations:
- Champagne AOC: The main appellation covering the entire region
- Coteaux Champenois AOC: For still wines produced in the region
- Rosé des Riceys AOC: A unique still rosé from the southern Aube department
Within Champagne AOC, look for Grand Cru and Premier Cru designations, indicating top-quality vineyards.
Grape Varieties
Reims-Champagne boasts three primary grape varieties used in Champagne production: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each contributes unique characteristics to the final blend.
- Chardonnay: Adds finesse, elegance, and freshness
- Pinot Noir: Provides body, structure, and red fruit flavors
- Pinot Meunier: Contributes fruitiness and roundness
Main Wine Styles
Champagne comes in various styles, each offering a distinct taste profile:
- Blanc de Blancs: Made exclusively from Chardonnay
- Blanc de Noirs: Produced using only red grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier)
- Rosé Champagne: Created by adding red wine or through skin contact
- Vintage Champagne: Made from grapes harvested in a single, exceptional year
- Non-Vintage: Blended from multiple years for consistency
Food Specialties
The Champagne region offers delectable local specialties that pair perfectly with its sparkling wines:
- Jambon de Reims: A pink, tender ham
- Chaource cheese: A creamy, soft cow’s milk cheese
- Biscuits roses de Reims: Pink cookies traditionally dipped in Champagne
- Lentilles de Champagne: Local green lentils with a nutty flavor
Drives & Walks
Explore the picturesque Champagne region through scenic drives and walks:
Drives
- Route Touristique du Champagne: A 360-km route through vineyards and charming villages
- Montagne de Reims Scenic Drive: A 45-km loop offering panoramic views of the region
Walks
- Sentier du Vigneron: A 15-km trail through the Marne Valley vineyards
- Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims: Offers numerous hiking trails amidst forests and vineyards
Itineraries
Plan your Reims-Champagne adventure with these curated itineraries:
3-Day Champagne Experience
- Day 1: Explore Reims, visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, tour Veuve Clicquot cellars
- Day 2: Drive to Épernay, visit Avenue de Champagne, tour Moët & Chandon
- Day 3: Explore charming villages like Hautvillers, visit small family-run wineries
5-Day Wine and Culture Tour
- Days 1-2: Reims (cathedral, champagne houses, museums)
- Day 3: Épernay and Avenue de Champagne
- Day 4: Montagne de Reims National Park and village exploration
- Day 5: Côte des Blancs vineyards and cellar visits
Getting There & Around
Reims, the main city in the Champagne region, is easily accessible from Paris:
- By train: 45-minute high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est
- By car: 1.5-hour drive via A4 motorway
- By bus: 2-hour journey with Flixbus or Blablabus
To explore the region:
- Rent a car: Offers flexibility for visiting remote vineyards
- Join guided tours: Convenient for visiting multiple champagne houses
- Use local buses: Connect major towns, but have limited schedules
Best Time to Visit
The Champagne region offers unique experiences year-round:
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, vibrant vineyards
- Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures, bustling atmosphere, harvest preparations
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season, wine festivals, beautiful foliage
- Winter (November-March): Quiet period, potential for snow-covered vineyards
Sustainability Efforts
The Champagne region is committed to sustainable viticulture:
- Viticulture Durable en Champagne: Regional sustainability certification program
- Organic and biodynamic practices: Increasing adoption among producers
- Carbon footprint reduction: Goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 25% by 2025
- Water management: Implementation of efficient irrigation systems
Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few French phrases can enhance your experience:
- Bonjour: Hello
- Merci: Thank you
- S’il vous plaît: Please
- Une coupe de champagne: A glass of champagne
- Santé: Cheers
Further Resources
For more information on the Champagne region:
- Official tourism website: Champagne-Ardenne Tourism
- Champagne appellation guide: Comité Champagne
- Regional events calendar: Tourism in Champagne
- Wine route information: La Route du Champagne
