Reims packs an extraordinary amount of history into a walkable city center. From the UNESCO-listed cathedral where 33 French kings were crowned to the 250km of champagne cellars carved into chalk beneath the streets, there’s at least two full days of sightseeing. Most attractions cluster within a 15-minute walk of the cathedral, making Reims an easy city to explore on foot. Here are the essential things to do in Reims, organized by category. For an overview of the city, see the Reims travel guide.
Things to Do in Reims: Cathedral and UNESCO Sites
Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
The centerpiece of Reims and a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 13th-century Gothic cathedral is where French kings were crowned for over 1,000 years — from Louis the Pious in 816 to Charles X in 1825. The western facade features over 2,300 carved statues, including the famous Smiling Angel (L’Ange au Sourire). Inside, Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows in the axial chapel cast blue and yellow light across the nave. Entry is free. Open daily 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM (closes 7 PM in winter). The tower climb (249 steps) costs 9 euros and gives panoramic views of the city and champagne vineyards beyond. Book tower tickets at the Palais du Tau across the square. Also see our Reims weather by month guide.
Palais du Tau
The Archbishop’s palace, directly next to the cathedral, served as the residence for French kings during their coronation weekends. Now a museum, it houses the cathedral’s original statuary (including weathered gargoyles replaced during restoration), royal coronation robes, and the Talisman of Charlemagne — a 9th-century gold and gemstone reliquary. Entry is 8 euros, open Tuesday to Sunday 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closes 12:30-2 PM for lunch). Combined ticket with the cathedral tower costs 12 euros. Allow 60-90 minutes. Also see our best time to visit Reims guide.
Basilique Saint-Remi
This 11th-century Romanesque-Gothic basilica, also UNESCO-listed, holds the tomb of Saint Remi, the bishop who baptized Clovis I — the first king of the Franks — in 496 AD. The basilica is larger than the cathedral and far quieter, with most visitors heading straight to Notre-Dame. The attached museum (Musee Saint-Remi) covers Gallo-Roman and medieval Reims history. Basilica entry is free. Museum costs 5 euros, open Wednesday to Monday 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. Located about 15 minutes’ walk south of the cathedral on Rue Saint-Julien. Also see our Reims events and festivals calendar.
Things to Do in Reims: Champagne Houses and Tastings
Taittinger
Taittinger’s cellars occupy the ancient Saint-Nicaise abbey, with tunnels carved into the chalk that date back to the 4th century — some of the oldest champagne cellars in the region. The guided tour takes you through Gallo-Roman chalk quarries lined with millions of bottles, ending with a tasting of their Brut Reserve and Comtes de Champagne prestige cuvee (on the premium tour). Tours cost 28 to 45 euros depending on the tasting selection. Located at 9 Place Saint-Nicaise. Book online 1-2 weeks ahead from May through October. The cellar temperature is a constant 10°C (50°F) — bring a jacket even in summer.
Veuve Clicquot
The house that Madame Clicquot built into one of champagne’s most recognized brands. Tours focus on the widow Clicquot’s innovations — she invented the riddling rack (pupitre) in 1816, revolutionizing champagne production. The yellow-label branding runs through the visitor center, and the tour descends into 24km of crayeres (chalk cellars). Tasting of Yellow Label Brut included. Tours from 30 to 70 euros. Located at 1 Place des Droits de l’Homme. Their gift shop is one of the best for champagne accessories. Reservations essential year-round — book 3-4 weeks ahead in summer.
Pommery
Madame Pommery’s 19th-century estate is the most architecturally striking champagne house visit. The Elizabethan-style chateau sits above 18km of chalk cellars that Pommery transformed into an art gallery — you walk through ancient Roman quarries past contemporary art installations while learning about champagne production. The 120-step staircase down into the cellars is carved directly into the chalk. Tours from 28 euros including one glass. Located at 5 Place du General Gouraud. The grounds include a sculpture garden open in summer. Less crowded than Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger, making it a good choice for walk-in visits.
Mumm and Ruinart
G.H. Mumm (29 Rue du Champ de Mars) is known for its Cordon Rouge cuvee and offers well-organized tours through its modernized cellars — 28 euros for the classic tour. Ruinart (4 Rue des Crayeres) is the oldest champagne house, founded in 1729, with UNESCO-listed crayeres and a focus on Chardonnay-dominant blends. Ruinart tours cost 40 to 80 euros depending on the cuvee selection and require booking 4-6 weeks in advance due to limited daily capacity. Both are within walking distance of the cathedral.
Things to Do in Reims: Roman and Medieval History
Porte de Mars
The widest surviving Roman triumphal arch in the world, built around 200 AD when Reims was Durocortorum — the capital of Roman Gaul Belgica. The arch spans 33 meters with three passageways decorated with reliefs depicting Romulus and Remus, the seasons, and agricultural scenes. It’s a free, open-air monument standing in a small square at the intersection of Rue de Mars and Boulevard du General Leclerc, about a 5-minute walk from the train station. There are no barriers or ticket booths — you walk right up to it.
Musee-Hotel Le Vergeur
A 13th-century merchant’s townhouse turned museum, showing how wealthy Reims residents lived from the medieval period through the 19th century. The collection includes 16th-century engravings by Albrecht Durer, Art Deco furniture, and a view of the cathedral from the upper windows. Entry is 5 euros. Open Tuesday to Sunday 2 PM to 6 PM. Located on Place du Forum, just behind the cathedral. The small courtyard garden is free to enter.
Things to Do in Reims: Art and Museums
Musee des Beaux-Arts
Housed in the former Saint-Denis Abbey, the Fine Arts Museum covers European painting from the Renaissance to the 20th century. Highlights include 27 works by Camille Corot (the second-largest Corot collection in France after the Louvre), paintings by the Le Nain brothers, and an Art Deco room designed for the 1925 International Exhibition. Entry is 5 euros, free on the first Sunday of each month. Open Wednesday to Monday 10 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. Located at 8 Rue Chanzy, a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.
Carnegie Library and Villa Demoiselle
The Carnegie Library (2 Place Carnegie) was funded by Andrew Carnegie in 1928 as a gift to the city after World War I destroyed much of Reims’ heritage. The Art Deco reading room with its glass ceiling and walnut shelving is worth a 15-minute stop — free entry during opening hours. Villa Demoiselle (56 Boulevard Henry Vasnier), restored by the Vranken-Pommery group, is an Art Nouveau mansion from 1908 with a guided tour (22 euros including champagne tasting) that shows how Belle Epoque champagne families lived. Open Thursday to Monday by reservation.
Things to Do in Reims: Squares and Markets
Place Drouet d’Erlon
The city’s main pedestrian boulevard, running from the train station toward the city center. Lined with brasseries, cafes, and the Sube Fountain at its center, this is where Reims’ social life happens. Cafe de la Paix (31 Place Drouet d’Erlon) and Brasserie Le Boulingrin (48 Rue de Mars, just off the square) are the two classic dining spots — both open daily from 7 AM to midnight. The Christmas market chalets line the upper section of this square in December. The Boulingrin covered market (Marche du Boulingrin) at the north end is open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings for local produce, cheese, and champagne by the glass.
Place Royale
A smaller, elegant 18th-century square with arcaded buildings and a central statue of Louis XV. The architecture matches the Place Stanislas in Nancy, built by the same royal architect. The square connects to the cathedral square via Rue Colbert. Surrounding cafes offer outdoor seating in summer with a direct view of the cathedral towers. Good for a morning coffee stop between sights.
