Top Five Things to Do in Reims

A proper discovery of the storied city of Reims, in the Marne, has to include these five experiences.

1. Champagne houses

If you only do one special thing while in Reims make it a visit and tasting at one of the city’s maisons de champagne. There are many renowned houses to choose from and you can easily book online, which you should do in advance. You can also ask at the tourist office in the main square in front of the cathedral if you’re not sure where to go.

2. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

The cathedral’s exquisite balance and harmony influenced many of Europe’s 13th-century cathedrals. Though destroyed and rebuilt several times (you can still see the pockmarks of WWI German shells), a sensitive restoration succeeded in replacing most of the edifice’s peerless sculptures and you’ll see some of the original stained glass up high. Other windows were designed by modern artists, including Marc Chagall.

3. Abbaye Saint-Remi, Basilique Saint-Remi de Reims and Musée Saint-Remi

This smashing UNESCO triumvirate contains the remains of Saint-Remi, who baptised King Clovis I, in the I Ith-century basilica’s central choir. Take time to walk its circumference and perhaps sit for a while you can’t help but feel its serenity. There’s something for everyone at the Musée Saint-Remi, which narrates the history of Reims and is a delight to explore.

4. Les halles Boulingrin

This is Reims’ central food and flower market, where you’ll find every French foodstuff under the sun, from meats and fish to cheese, charcuterie, pastries, you name it. The listed Art Deco space, with its central clock and mezzanine, poses an interesting contrast to France’s more traditional markets. Open Wednesdays. Fridays and Saturdays.

5. An historic brasserie

You’ll find the true flavour of Reims, and France, at these historic brasseries. The more formal but classic Brasserie du Boulingrin keeps restaurant hours, but the lively, chaotic and ever-popular Café du Palais is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9am to 9pm. For a more contemporary experience, the Hôtel Caserne Chanzy’s La Grande Georgette is a more gourmet version of the classic brasserie, with a refined menu courtesy of chef Julien Raphanel.

From France Today Magazine