10 not-to-be-missed addresses in Reims
Reims, listed by UNESCO for its cathedral and champagne houses, is an exceptional city. Discover its heritage, young chefs, oenological experiences and contemporary art.
Renowned the world over for its historic heritage and prestigious wine cellars, Reims is now experiencing a veritable renaissance. This revival is driven by its champagne houses, which now offer unique experiences combining art, gastronomy and tasting. A new way to rediscover the city, without forgetting to admire its rich heritage. Here's the proof with our top 10 picks.
Where to stay in Reims?
La Demeure des Sacres
The chicest guesthouse in Reims. Located at the foot of the cathedral, this 1900s residence, with its preserved Art Deco charm, houses two rooms and two sumptuous suites. Wood panelling, mosaics and period parquet flooring also embellish the large ground-floor lounge, which opens onto a flower-filled garden. The wellness area, with a Finnish sauna, is ideal for relaxing after a day exploring the city.
- Double room from €270
- 29 rue Libergier, 51100 Reims
- See Gault&Millau's review of La Demeure des Sacres
suite Royale La Demeure des Sacres Maison d'hôtes Reims © Charles Lafon
Domaine Les Crayères
In the heart of Reims, this former residence of the de Polignac family, completely refurbished by Pierre-Yves Rochon, offers the refinement of its 20 rooms and suites, decorated in the purest French style: painted woodwork, velvet fabrics and floral tapestries. Rooms offer superb views over the main courtyard and park. When it comes to gastronomy, epicureans have two choices: the gourmet restaurant Le Parc, headed by chef Christophe Moret, or the brasserie Le Jardin, with its bucolic terrace and loft atmosphere. An exceptional location, perfect for exploring the region or taking advantage of the estate's activities: tennis, horse riding, golf...
- 64 boulevard Henry Vasnier, 51100 Reims
- See Gault&Millau's review of Le Domaine des Crayères
Where to have lunch, dinner or a drink in Reims?
Arbane
Here's the review of this 3-toque restaurant:"It was the most important announcement of this gastronomic year in Reims: Philippe Mille's departure from Les Crayères, where he had worked for nearly fifteen years, and his move to a new location, the beautiful Art Nouveau pavilion where the CG restaurant used to be." Read more
anne-Emmanuelle Thion
Le Crypto
Here's the review of this 1-toque restaurant:"There are good ideas and good vibes at Frédéric Dupont, who handles tradition to his heart's content in this welcoming, barely off-center and conveniently accessible venue." Read more
Aux 3 P'tits Bouchons
Ideal for afterwork, this warm and cosy bar offers a selection of organic or biodynamic wines and champagnes, produced by passionate winemakers. Accompany these nuggets with homemade tapas and take part in the events on offer, including Tuesday meetings with local producers and oenologists.
▶ 29 rue Henri IV, 51100 Reims. Tel: 09 66 84 29 59
things to see and do in Reims
Notre-Dame Cathedral and Tau Palace
Begun in 1211, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a historic landmark not to be missed. It hosted the baptism of Clovis and the coronation of 30 kings. Admire its rose windows, copper gargoyles and 2,300 statues, as well as the stained-glass windows by Chagall. Round off your visit with the Palais du Tau, former residence of the archbishops, home to magnificent 15th-century tapestries.
▶ Palais du Tau, Place de la cathédrale, to the right of the monument.
robertdering - Adobe Stock
The old town, from the cathedral to Halles Boulingrin
Walk a kilometer and explore centuries of history. Discover the Place Royale, the ancient remains of the Gallo-Roman cryptoportico, and the Musée Le Vergeur, with its engravings by Dürer. Finish off at Halles Boulingrin, an Art Deco masterpiece, or Place Drouet-d'Erlon, famous for its houses rebuilt in the 1920s.
▶ Musée Le Vergeur, 36 place du Forum, 51100 Reims
Tour of the Champagne Houses
Discover Taittinger's Gallo-Roman chalk pits, Pommery's sculpted vaults, or Ruinart's new tasting area, imagined by Sou Fujimoto and adorned with contemporary works.
- Taittinger: 9 Place Saint-Niçaise, 51100 Reims. Tel: 03 26 85 84 33
- Pommery: 5 Place du Général Gouraud, 51100 Reims. Tel: 03 26 61 62 56
- Ruinart: 4 rue des Crayères, 51100 Reims. Tel: 03 26 77 51 51
natalia Bratslavsky - Adobe Stock
A further escape into the mountain of Reims and its villages
The Reims Mountain Regional Nature Park invites you to take a stroll through vineyards and forests. Explore the villages of Verzy, with its 300-year-old beech trees, Hautvillers and its abbey, or Fleury-la-Rivière, nestled in the heart of the vineyards.
