10 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Reims

One of the must-see destinations in the Champagne region, Reims combines the culture of a big city with the charm of a smaller town. There's plenty to see on a quick day trip from Paris (less than one hour away by TGV train) and enough to keep visitors entertained for a longer stay.

Inspiring architecture and a rich heritage have earned Reims a place on France's list of "Villes d'Art et d'Histoire" (Cities of Art and History). This historic town abounds with impressive monuments, elegant public squares, and stylish restaurants.

兰斯拥有三个被联合国教科文组织列为世界文化遗产的景点和four Michelin-starred dining rooms. Most of all, Reims is renowned for its glorious Gothic cathedral, where French kings were crowned.

Although Reims was damaged during the First and Second World Wars, the town has been marvelously rebuilt, and many of the newer buildings were designed in a lovely Art Deco style.

Discover interesting places to visit and things to do in Reims with our list of the top attractions.

See also:Where to Stay in Reims

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

Designated aUNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame stands proudly in the center of Reims with its soaring towers visible from a distance.

Reims' cathedral enjoys a very special position in French history. Similar to Westminster Abbey in London, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims was used for the monarchy's coronation ceremonies (for more than eight centuries). Joan of Arc also attended mass here.

这个神圣的纪念碑位于5 th-cen的网站tury church where Clovis, the first Christian king, was baptized. When that church was destroyed by a fire in 1210, the construction for the present cathedral began a year later.

The magnificent 13th-century edifice is a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the finest cathedrals in France. The vault of the nave is 38 meters high, supported externally by a flurry of flying buttresses whose technical performance is concealed behind a profusion of delicately sculpted angels.

The richly patterned west front of the cathedral features three magnificent doorways, with a gorgeous rose window over the central doorway. Above this is the iconicGallery of Kings, a long row of statues set in niches. The sculpture on the central doorway depicts the life of the Virgin. One amusing feature of the facade is the "Sourire de Reims" (Smiling Angel).

Upon entering the sanctuary, visitors are overwhelmed by the enormity of the space. The vast nave has an ambience of solemnity and is illuminated by many stained-glass windows. Although many of the original windows were destroyed, new stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall and the German artist Imi Knoebel have added a contemporary touch to the cathedral.

地址:du红衣主教Lucon,兰斯

2. Palais du Tau (Archbishops' Palace)

AnotherUNESCO-listedmonument, the Palais du Tau, adjoining the cathedral, is the former residence of archbishops. The ancient palace was almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century in French Neoclassical style, however the building has several perfectly preserved medieval rooms.

Visitors can see the royal apartments where kings stayed during their coronation ceremonies. In these splendid surroundings, it's easy to imagine the grandeur of past royal events.

TheSalle de Tau, the banquet hall used after coronation ceremonies (held next door at the cathedral), is adorned with exquisite 15th-century Arras tapestries.

Within the palace's 13th-centuryChapelle Palatine, a treasury contains remarkable items, including the 9th-century talisman of Charlemagne and the 12th-century chalice of Saint Rémi.

The palace also displays statues from the cathedral and tapestries depicting the story of King Clovis.

Address: 2 Place du Cardinal-Luçon, Reims

3. Basilique Saint-Rémi

The oldest church in Reims, the Basilique Saint-Rémi is an exceptional Early Romanesque monument and is listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site. This awe-inspiring church was built between 1005 and 1049 (for a Benedictine abbey) on the site of an 8th-century Carolingian chapel, which drew many pilgrims.

Although the exterior is Gothic, the interior still has elements of the original Romanesque structure. The harmonious 11th-century nave is illuminated by 12th-century stained-glass windows, giving the sanctuary a warm and ethereal ambience, while the choir and surrounding chapels exemplify a serene Early Gothic style that inspires spiritual worship.

The church houses thetomb of Saint Rémi(440-533), which has made this basilica a place of veneration since the 8th century.

During the Hundred Years' War, the abbey fell into decline and was later revived during the Renaissance. However, during the French Revolution, the monks were expelled, and the basilica was converted into a parish church.

The First World War caused damage to the building, which took forty years to repair.

Today, the Basilique Saint-Rémi is open to the public for visits and is occasionally used as a venue for music concerts.

Address: Place du Chanoine Ladame, Reims

4. Elegant Public Squares & Ancient Monuments

The first square most tourists will see in Reims city center is thePlace du Cardinal-Luçon, where the cathedral, the Palais de Justice (Law Courts), and a bronze Joan of Arc statue are located.

Also a must-see attraction, the expansivePlace de la Républiqueboasts a well-manicured park space and an imposing 3rd-century Roman triumphal arch, thePorte de Mars, which served as a town gate until 1544.

South of the Place de la République is theHôtel de Ville(Town Hall), constructed between 1627 and 1630. Another well-preserved 3rd-century Roman monument is theCryptoportique, found at thePlace du Forum. This archaeological site is used as a venue for summertime music concerts.

The most happening area of Reims is thePlace Drouet d'Erlon, a pleasant tree-lined square with many bustling brasseries and restaurants. Dining at an outdoor terrace on this square is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Reims.

At the southern end of the Place Drouet d'Erlon stands the second oldest church in Reims, theEglise Saint-Jacques, which dates from the 12th to 16th centuries.

The most elegant square in Reims is thePlace Royalelined with handsome Neoclassical buildings and featuring a bronze statue of King Louis XV at the center.

5. Musée des Beaux Arts

As would be expected from a "City of Art and History," Reims has an excellent fine arts museum. The permanent collection includes an extensive array of paintings, drawings, statues, art objects, and antique furniture.

收集包括法国和欧洲的艺术作品from the 16th to the 21st centuries, showing the evolution of art from the Renaissance to Art Déco of the modern era. Paintings of the Grand Siècle are well represented.

Highlights include the religious art; 19th-century landscape paintings (including many pieces by Camille Corot); and Impressionist paintings by masters such as Monet, Renoir, and Pissarro.

Note: The Musée des Beaux Arts is currently closed due to a renovation project. The museum is expected to reopen by the end of 2023.

Address: 8 Rue Chanzy, Reims

6. Musée Saint-Rémi

This wonderful history museum is housed in various rooms of the formerRoyal Abbey of Saint-Rémi, an architectural jewel that is listed as aUNESCO World Heritage Site. The buildings reveal centuries-old architectural aspects, such as the cloister, a grand staircase, and the chapter house - a masterpiece of Romanesque art featuring intricately carved 12th-century capitals.

The museum collection includes art objects and antiquities, such as archaeological finds from the Gallo-Roman era. This museum is one of the best places to visit to learn about the history of Reims, from ancient times through the Renaissance period.

Address: 53 Rue Simon, Reims

7. Musée Hôtel Le Vergeur

On the Place du Forum, the Musée Hôtel le Vergeur displays a unique collection in a fabulous 13th-century mansion that is listed as a Historic Monument. The Hôtel Le Vergeur takes its name from the wealthy Vergeur family who owned the house until the 16th century.

The previous owner, Hugues Krafft, devoted much of his fortune to restoring the house. He decorated the rooms with splendid furniture and created an art collection consisting of objects brought back from his many trips abroad.

Today, the museum displays Krafft's decorative arts collection, as well as an eclectic assortment of prints and paintings that illustrate the history of Reims; objects that were part of royal coronations; and exceptional pieces of religious art, most notably the engravings by Albrecht Dürer.

Address: 36 Place du Forum, Reims

8. Chapelle Foujita

The Japanese artist of the Ecole de Paris, Tsuguharu Foujita was so inspired by a visit to the Basilique Saint-Rémi that he decided to convert to Christianity. His baptism took place on October 14, 1959 at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, and he received the baptismal name, Leonard.

In 1965, with the financial support of René Lalou and with a single-minded artistic vision, Leonard Foujita built his very own chapel in Reims. The Chapelle Foujita was designed entirely by Foujita, from start to finish. He oversaw the architectural plans and supervised the construction of the building. Foujita then designed the sketches for the ironwork and stained-glass windows, and next he painted the frescoes in the chapel's choir.

Foujita chose the Romanesque style for the chapel because it recalls the Saint-Rémi Basilica and because a simplistic Romanesque structure would be ideal for displaying his exquisitely detailed murals. Foujita's sense of spirituality and artistic panache shines through in each scene of his monumental work adorning the chapel.

The Chapelle Foujita is open to the public for visits from May through September.

Address: 33 Rue du Champ de Mars, Reims

9. Musée de la Reddition (World War II Museum)

In a listed historic building, the Musée de la Reddition (Museum of the Surrender) is dedicated to the remembrance of the Second World War. The museum is housed in the building where Eisenhower's headquarters and the Operations Room of the Allied Forces were located during WWII.

最重要的是,这个建筑是德国的地方n General Jodl announced the surrender of the Third Reich's armed forces on May 7, 1945, ending the war. The news was then announced simultaneously in the Allied capitals on May 8, 1945.

The museum gives visitors a vivid impression of the historical events. Exhibits show the role of Reims at the end of a full-scale war. From Occupation to Liberation, the story of the war is told through objects, documents, memorabilia, and models. There is also interesting information about the French Resistance.

Address: 12 Rue Franklin Roosevelt, Reims

10. Festivals

Every year in spring or early summer (dates vary), Reims transforms itself into the scene of a medieval celebration forLesFêtesJohanniques, the Joan of Arc Festival. The 10-day festival reenacts the Saint's arrival in Reims, after her military victories, for the coronation of King Charles VII at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims.

Les Fêtes Johanniques commemorates this pivotal event in French history (which took place on July 17, 1429) with authentic pageants, an artisan crafts market, musical performances, and other street entertainment. Town residents dress up in period costumes to follow "Joan of Arc" and "King Charles VII" in a Grand Coronation procession to the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Another lively cultural event isLes Sacres du Folklore, which brings together folk singers, musicians, and dancers from across the globe. The festival takes place for several days in June or July and features dance performances, music concerts, and a gala event.

Where to Stay in Reims: Best Areas & Hotels

The city of Reims offers a wide variety of accommodations from upscale luxury hotels to affordable budget lodging. The most upscale properties are surrounded by tranquil parklands, appealing to those who prefer a more resort-like ambience in an idyllic rural setting.

Luxury Hotels:

• Nestled in a seven-hectare parkland, theDomaine LesCrayèresis a five-star Relais & Châteaux property in a sumptuous neoclassical château with generously sized guest rooms. The hotel boasts two superb restaurants: Restaurant Le Parc, with two Michelin stars, and the modern, casual Le Jardin. Guest services include a concierge, bikes for cycling on the grounds, and continental breakfast. The Domaine Les Crayères is in the outskirts of Reims, within walking distance of the Basilique Saint-Rémi.
• Another Relais & Châteaux property, the five-starL'AssietteChampenoiseoffers stylishly modern minimalistic guest rooms with park or garden views. The hotel's gastronomic restaurant serves the finest local seasonal cuisine. Guests may take advantage of the property's gardens, relaxation areas, and indoor swimming pool. Services include valet parking and assistance with booking tours. L'Assiette Champenoise is located in the town of Tinqueux, three kilometers (a 10-minute drive) from Reims.
• TheBest Western Premier Hotel de laPaixis well situated in the heart of Reims, just a short walk away from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. This four-star hotel offers luxurious, contemporary-style rooms and conveniences such as on-site parking and a concierge. Guests will also appreciate the indoor swimming pool, restaurant, and spa. A continental breakfast buffet is available for an additional charge.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• In the historic heart of the city, the four-starHoliday Inn ReimsCentreis within walking distance of the cathedral and other top tourist attractions. This recently refurbished modern hotel has simple but stylish guest rooms, and conveniences such as a 24-hour front desk, parking, and laundry services. A breakfast buffet is available for an additional charge.
• TheMercure Reims CentreCathédraleis a great choice near the historic center, about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. This four-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk, business center, and parking. The soundproofed guest rooms feature a sleek contemporary style, updated bathrooms, wide-screen televisions, and refrigerators. Specializing in authentic French cuisine, the hotel's restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Breakfast is served in the guest rooms.
• TheGolden Tulip Reims LUniversis located near the train station about a 10-minute walk from the cathedral and other landmarks in the historic center of town. This convenient four-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk, concierge, and a restaurant serving lunch and dinner. The soundproofed rooms feature modern decor and premium bedding. A continental breakfast buffet is available.

Budget Hotels:

• In the historic center of Reims near the bustling Place Drouet d'Erlon, theHôtel desArcadesis within easy walking distance of the cathedral and the museum of fine arts. The hotel offers basic rooms at an affordable price, but has considerable style and sleek modern bathrooms for a two-star property. A continental breakfast buffet is available.
• Theibis Reims CentreHotelis conveniently located near the historic city center within walking distance of many top tourist attractions. This three-star hotel offers excellent value without compromising on style. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and snack bar. A breakfast buffet is available for an additional charge.
• If you're on a tight budget and don't mind very basic accommodations, the再保险sidence HôtelièreLaudineis a good option on the outskirts of town near the Basilique Saint-Rémi. The small, simple guest rooms include kitchenettes with refrigerators and microwaves. Amenities include a fitness center and paid parking. For an additional fee, a breakfast buffet is available in the cafeteria, or served to your room.

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The Champagne and Lorraine Regions:Reims is nestled in thebeautiful Champagne region, a landscape of woodlands, valleys, and rolling vine-covered hills. Besides its gorgeous pastoral scenery, the area is full of historic treasures, such as medieval towns and ancient castles.

Neighboring the Champagne region, theLorraine regionis appreciated for its pristine countryside, especially the Vosges Mountains' forested hills and alpine lakes, as well as for its cultured cities. The"City of Art and History," Metz(a two-hour drive away) is the closest urban center to Reims in the Lorraine region. Renowned for its refined Baroque architecture, theelegant town of Nancyis about a 2.5-hour drive away from Reims or just a two-hour ride on the TGV train.

Cultured Towns in Northern France:Many vibrant cities and atmospheric towns are found north of Reims. At the top of most tourist itineraries isParis, about a 90-minute drive or 45-minute TGV train ride from Reims. In the historic Picardy region,charming and cultured Amiens(less than a two-hour drive away) delights visitors with its impressive monuments and trendy medieval quarter.

Farther north, theNord-Pas-de-Calais regionis dotted with quaint villages and typical Flemish towns, such as Arras (about a two-hour drive). A tour of Flemish Baroque architecture continues inLille(two hours away by train or car), the most important metropolis in French Flanders. Travelers will enjoy discovering the city's appealing old-world character, as well as its exceptional fine arts museums.