How to Spend 2 Days in REIMS France | Travel Itinerary

How to Spend 2 Days in REIMS France | Travel Itinerary

Welcome to Reims, where kings 
were crowned, champagne was born, and French history was written 
in stone. This is two days of royal cathedrals and grand promenades, of 
ancient chalk cellars and golden bubbles. Stick with us till the very end for the stories, 
flavors, and insider tips that will make your Reims adventure truly unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Reims Reims is at its best in late spring 
and early autumn, May, June, September, and early October. Days are mild, around 
60–70°F (15–21°C), and the city feels open and relaxed. It’s the kind of weather that 
makes you want to linger on grand promenades, take your time in the chalk cellars, and enjoy a 
seat at a café terrace without the summer rush. In July and August, expect warmer days, 75–80°F 
(24–27°C), and a busier energy as festivals and visitors from around the world fill the squares. 
Winter slows the pace. The air turns crisp, temperatures drop to 40–45°F (4–7°C), and 
festive lights glow above quieter streets. It’s a more intimate side of Reims, though 
some champagne houses shorten their hours. Airport Tips
The closest major airport to Reims is Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), about 90 miles 
(145 km) away. From there, the easiest way into Reims is by high-speed TGV train; the ride takes 
around 45 minutes and tickets usually range from 30 to 50 dollars. Trains depart directly from 
the airport’s Terminal 2 station, so there’s no need to travel into central Paris first.
If you prefer the flexibility of driving, car rentals are available at the airport, 
and the journey takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes via the A4 motorway. For those on 
a budget, long-distance buses connect CDG to Reims in around 2 hours, often for under 
20 dollars, but with fewer daily departures. Once you arrive in Reims, the central 
train station is just a short walk from the historic core, making it 
easy to start exploring right away. Where to Stay in Reims
If you want to wake up with cathedral spires just outside your window, stay in the historic 
city center. You’ll be steps from Reims Cathedral, the Palais du Tau, and some of the city’s 
best dining. La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa blends elegance with modern comfort, with 
rooms from around 300 dollars per night. For mid-range comfort, the Boulingrin district 
offers Art Deco charm, the famous covered market, and a quieter atmosphere while still 
being within walking distance of the sights. Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix 
is a favorite here, with stylish rooms and an indoor pool for 150–250 dollars per night.
On a tighter budget, base yourself near the main train station. You’ll have easy 
transport connections, plenty of cafés, and just a short walk to the old town. Rates 
here often start from 90 dollars per night. How to Get Around Reims
Reims is a city best experienced at street level. The historic center is compact, so you can 
walk from the cathedral to the covered market, or from the promenades to a champagne 
house, in just minutes. Along the way, you’ll pass shopfronts, shaded squares, and café 
terraces that invite you to stop and linger. When you need to go farther, the bus 
and tram network is clean, reliable, and easy to navigate. A single ticket costs 
about 2 dollars and lasts for one hour, while a 24-hour pass is around 5 dollars, 
ideal if you’re hopping between neighborhoods or visiting sights on the city’s edge.
Taxis and rideshares are available, though pricier, so they’re best for late 
evenings or when carrying luggage. Cycling is also a pleasant option on warmer days, 
with rental bikes and paths linking key areas. Day 1 – The Heart of Historic Reims
Morning – Foujita Chapel Begin your Reims journey in a place that feels 
almost secret, the Foujita Chapel. Officially known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Peace, it was 
designed in the 1960s by Japanese-born painter and printmaker Tsuguharu Foujita, who spent his final 
years in France. From the outside, it’s a modest, pale stone building tucked away from the 
main tourist flow. Step inside, and the walls bloom with soft, dreamlike frescoes, angels, 
saints, and scenes from the life of Christ, painted in Foujita’s unmistakable style that 
blends Eastern delicacy with Western tradition. The chapel is small, so you can take it in 
slowly, letting your eyes follow the pastel tones, the fine brushwork, and the way the light 
shifts across the curved surfaces. Entry is about 7 dollars, and 20 minutes here is enough to absorb 
its quiet beauty before the day gathers pace. Insider Tip: When you’re near the altar, pause 
for a moment and look closely; you’ll spot Foujita himself painted into the scene, a small 
figure among the saints, quietly leaving his mark. Surrender Museum
From the chapel, make your way toward a piece of history 
that changed the course of the 20th century, the Surrender Museum. Set inside a former school 
building, this is where, on May 7th, 1945, the German forces signed the unconditional surrender 
that ended World War II in Europe. Walking through the modest entrance, you step into rooms 
preserved almost exactly as they were that day. The highlight is the war room itself, 
with its long wooden table, worn chairs, and the maps still pinned to the walls, frozen 
in time. Entry is about 6 dollars, and the museum also houses displays on the liberation of 
Reims, the city’s strategic role during the war, and the international press coverage that followed 
the signing. Black-and-white photographs and original documents line the walls, giving a sense 
of the tension and relief that filled the air in those final days of the conflict.
Mars Gate From the museum, follow the streets toward one of 
Reims’ oldest surviving monuments, the Mars Gate, or Porte de Mars. This massive Roman arch once 
marked the northern entrance to the city when Reims was known as Durocortorum, the capital 
of Roman Gaul. At 108 feet (33 meters) wide, it’s one of the largest surviving triumphal 
arches in the world, and walking beneath it feels like stepping back nearly two thousand years.
Its three archways are framed with weathered reliefs showing scenes of harvests, 
military victories, and Roman deities. Though time and war have softened the details, you 
can still make out intricate carvings of Jupiter, Venus, and the city’s original founders. 
It’s free to visit, and a short walk around the site reveals just how much of Reims’ 
history is still rooted in its Roman past. Insider Tip: Did you know Roman monuments 
weren’t always bare white, as many believe? Step back toward the grassy edge and look 
closely at the stone. In the right light, you might see faint traces of the original paint 
that once covered the arch in vibrant color. Late-Morning: Walk through Promenades 
Jean-Louis Schneiter (Hautes Promenades) From Mars Gate, follow the path into one of 
Reims’ most graceful green spaces, the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, also called the Hautes 
Promenades. Once part of the city’s defensive ramparts, this long, tree-lined park now stretches 
like a living boulevard of lawns, fountains, and flowerbeds right through the heart of the city.
As you wander beneath rows of plane trees, you’ll pass ornate statues, quiet benches, 
and fountains catching the light. In spring and summer, the beds burst with color; in autumn, 
the walkway glows gold beneath a canopy of leaves. The path naturally leads you toward the lively 
streets ahead, where it’s time to take a break and enjoy what Reims does best: good food.
Brunch at L’Atelier Entrecôte et Volaille Your stroll leads you straight to L’Atelier 
Entrecôte et Volaille, a brasserie that keeps its focus on two French favorites, juicy steak and 
tender chicken. The set menu is simple but done right: a crisp house salad to start, followed by 
your choice of meat served with the restaurant’s signature sauce and golden fries. At around 
30-40 dollars per person, it’s a satisfying pause in the heart of Place Drouet d’Erlon, with 
white tablecloths, warm service, and the hum of the square just outside the window.
Afternoon: Place Drouet d’Erlon Brunch leaves you right on Place Drouet d’Erlon, 
a wide pedestrian boulevard that feels like Reims in full motion. Lined with cafés, brasseries, 
and shops behind elegant 19th-century facades, it’s a space that always seems to be alive, 
whether it’s the morning rush for coffee, the clink of cutlery over lunch, or the slow 
drift of people shopping in the afternoon. At its center, the Subé Fountain stands tall, 
its golden angel glinting above the crowd. If you have a few minutes, take a short stroll 
along the avenue; it’s pedestrian-only, so you can wander without traffic interrupting the view. 
You’ll pass chocolatiers, boutique wine shops, and terraces perfect for an impromptu 
glass of champagne. But with history waiting just around the corner, we’ll turn off 
the boulevard and make our way to your next stop. Hotel Le Vergeur Museum
Leaving the bustle of the boulevard behind, you step into the quieter charm 
of the Hôtel Le Vergeur Museum. This 16th-century townhouse belonged to a wealthy merchant 
family and later to collector Hugues Krafft, whose travels across the world fill the rooms 
with art, photographs, and rare objects. Inside, timber-beamed ceilings and creaking wooden 
floors set the stage for a collection that moves from medieval furniture to delicate porcelain, 
from Reims’ civic history to artifacts Krafft brought back from Asia and the Middle East. One 
highlight is the set of 16th-century engravings by Albrecht Dürer, a treasure you don’t often find 
outside major European capitals. Entry is about 7 dollars, and the guided tours bring the stories 
behind each room to life in a way that makes the house feel lived in, not just preserved.
Place du Forum – Gallo-Roman Cryptoporticus From the museum, it’s a short walk to Place 
du Forum, a square that blends the energy of modern Reims with the footprint of its ancient 
past. Beneath your feet lies the Gallo-Roman cryptoporticus, a semi-subterranean gallery 
built in the 3rd century AD. Once part of the city’s Roman forum, it served as a covered 
walkway and storage area, keeping goods cool before the days of refrigeration.
Today, you can descend into the stone corridors and imagine the hum of market life 
above as merchants stored their wine, grain, and olive oil here. Entry is free, and the cool, 
echoing space is a welcome change of atmosphere before you step back into the open square.
Late-Afternoon: Reims Cathedral A few blocks away rises the city’s most 
iconic landmark, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. For more than 600 years, this 
was the coronation site of French kings, its towering Gothic facade a statement of royal 
power and faith. Up close, you’ll notice the intricacy of its sculptures: saints, angels, and 
biblical scenes carved into every arch and column. Inside, the vast nave soars above you, colored 
light spilling from stained-glass windows, some medieval, others modern works by 
Marc Chagall. A guided tour, for about 10 dollars, brings the building’s layered history 
to life, from the baptism of Clovis in 496 to the near destruction during World War I and its 
painstaking restoration. Whether you’re drawn to the art, the architecture, or the weight 
of history, this is the heart of Reims’ story. Palais du Tau
From the cathedral square, your path naturally leads toward the imposing 
stone facade of the Palais du Tau. For centuries, this was the residence of Reims’ archbishops 
and the official lodging for French kings before their coronations. Inside, the grand ceremonial 
rooms still echo with that royal connection, high ceilings, gilded details, and the weight 
of state occasions that once unfolded here. The museum holds some of the cathedral’s most 
precious treasures: intricate 15th-century tapestries depicting the life of Clovis, 
glittering reliquaries, and the coronation robes of Charles X, the last king crowned in Reims 
in 1825. Entry is about 10 dollars, and wandering through its galleries gives you a fuller picture 
of the elaborate rituals that made this city the stage for the French monarchy.
Carnegie Library Continue through the city streets until a 
different kind of beauty comes into view, the clean, elegant lines of the Carnegie 
Library. Built in the 1920s with funding from American philanthropist Andrew 
Carnegie, it stands as one of France’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture.
The entrance alone is worth pausing for: sculpted stone panels, ornate ironwork, and 
geometric details that set the tone for what’s inside. Step into the reading room and you’re 
met with tall windows, colorful stained glass, and soft, dappled light falling across 
rows of books. Mosaics decorate the floors, while every fixture and fitting carries the same 
careful craftsmanship. It’s not just a library, but a monument to a period when design 
and function were in perfect harmony, and a peaceful pause before the evening ahead.
Evening – Dinner at Restaurant Gabrielle Toit Terrasse
As the day winds down, make your way to Restaurant Gabrielle Toit 
Terrasse, where modern French cuisine meets sweeping rooftop views. The menu shifts with 
the seasons, but you can expect refined dishes built around fresh regional ingredients, think 
tender cuts of meat, delicate fish, or creative vegetarian plates, each plated with care.
Dining here isn’t rushed; it’s meant to be savored as the city lights begin to glow below. 
Pair your meal with a glass from their well-chosen wine list, or end with a dessert that feels like 
a final celebration of the day. Plan for around 50–70 dollars per person for a full dinner with 
drinks, and enjoy the combination of flavors and views that make this a fitting 
finale to your first day in Reims. Day 2 – From Vintage Wheels 
to Champagne Dreams in Reims Morning: Breakfast at En Aparthé
Your day begins at En Aparthé, where the smell of fresh coffee and warm pastries makes 
it impossible to rush. The plates arrive generous and colorful, maybe a stack of hibiscus pancakes 
dusted with sugar, a basket of buttery croissants, or a bowl of fresh fruit. On Sundays, the tables 
fill with their all-you-can-eat brunch spread for about 33 dollars, but even on weekdays, the à la 
carte choices are enough to linger over. It’s the kind of breakfast that lets you settle in, sip, 
taste, and enjoy Reims waking up around you. Car Museum
From the café, it’s a short drive or bus ride to the Musée Automobile Reims-Champagne, 
one of France’s largest collections of classic cars. Spread across a warehouse-style space, 
more than 230 vehicles tell the story of a century of motoring, from elegant pre-war tourers 
to quirky microcars and the sleek lines of 1960s sports models. Entry is about 8 dollars, and the 
layout invites you to wander at your own pace. Among the standouts are early Citroëns and 
Peugeots that look nothing like their modern descendants, plus rare French marques 
long vanished from the roads. And here’s something most visitors don’t realize: the entire 
collection was built privately, piece by piece, by local enthusiasts. That passion shows 
in the care and detail of every display, turning this from a simple museum visit 
into a glimpse of French engineering pride. Insider Tip: If you’re more fascinated by 
the stars than by engines, you could swap this stop for a visit to the Reims Planetarium 
instead; it’s a completely different experience, but just as memorable in its way.
Late-Morning: Saint-Rémi Basilica From the hum of engines to the hush of history, 
your next stop is the Saint-Rémi Basilica, a masterpiece of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. 
Built on the site where Saint Remigius, the bishop who baptized Clovis, the first king 
of the Franks, was buried, it’s one of Reims’ most sacred landmarks. The moment you step inside, 
the space feels different from the soaring drama of the cathedral. Here, the light is softer, the 
arches lower, and the atmosphere deeply serene. Entry is about 9 dollars, and as you move along 
the nave toward the ornate choir, you’ll notice centuries of craftsmanship layered into every 
detail: carved capitals, delicate stained glass, and the impressive organ that still fills 
the church during services. This isn’t just a building; it’s a place that has witnessed over 
a thousand years of prayer, ceremony, and history. Afternoon:Saint-Rémi Museum
Right beside the basilica, the Saint-Rémi Museum is housed in a former royal abbey, its 
quiet cloisters and stone corridors now filled with artifacts that tell Reims’ story across 
the centuries. Entry is about 8 dollars, and the collection is impressively broad, including Roman 
mosaics, medieval weaponry, intricate tapestries, and everyday objects from the city’s past. One 
gallery focuses on the life of Saint Remigius himself, while others explore Reims’ role in the 
coronations of French kings. The building alone is worth the visit, with its vaulted ceilings, 
winding staircases, and peaceful garden views that remind you this was once a place of devotion.
Lunch at Le Fléch By now, you’ve earned a pause, and Le Fléch is the 
perfect spot for it. Known for its modern French cooking with a creative twist, the menu changes 
with the seasons but might include dishes like slow-cooked meats, fresh seafood, or inventive 
vegetarian plates. Expect to spend about 25–35 dollars for a main and dessert, or a bit more 
if you add wine from their carefully chosen list. It’s the kind of lunch that leaves you 
comfortably full, ready to step back out and keep exploring without missing a beat.
Late-Afternoon: Champagne House Visit No trip to Reims is complete without stepping 
into the cool, chalky depths of a Champagne house. These cellars, carved into the limestone 
beneath the city, have been used for centuries to store and age the bottles that made Reims famous. 
Tours range from about 27 dollars for a simple tasting to over 100 dollars for premium vintages, 
depending on the house and experience you choose. Three of the most renowned are Taittinger, 
dating back to 1734 and celebrated for its Chardonnay-driven style and guided tours that end 
with tastings in elegant salons; Pommery, founded in 1858, famous for its bold, artistic approach 
to Champagne and vast 18-kilometer network of underground cellars decorated with contemporary 
art; and Veuve Clicquot, established in 1772, whose visionary Madame Clicquot revolutionized 
production and left a legacy now reflected in its iconic yellow label. Whichever you choose, 
expect an unforgettable walk through centuries of tradition, surrounded by thousands of bottles 
resting in perfect silence, before raising a glass to the very heart of Champagne.
Parc de Champagne After the refined glamour of the Champagne 
house, stretch your legs in Parc de Champagne, a sprawling green space just outside the city 
center. Once the estate of the Pommery family, it’s now a public park filled with wide lawns, 
shady paths, and quiet corners perfect for unwinding. On sunny days, locals gather here 
for picnics, games, or simply to enjoy the fresh air. Entry is free, and it’s a gentle, 
refreshing pause before your evening meal, a way to let the day’s experiences settle while 
you watch the light soften over the treetops. Evening: Dinner at Restaurant Le Parc
End your Reims journey with an unforgettable dining experience at Restaurant Le 
Parc, the two-Michelin-starred jewel of Domaine Les Crayères. Set within a grand 
château surrounded by manicured gardens, the dining room is as refined as the cuisine, with 
crystal chandeliers, crisp linens, and service that feels both formal and warmly attentive.
The menu is a showcase of French gastronomy at its highest level, blending classic techniques 
with seasonal creativity. You might start with delicate seafood prepared with Champagne sauce, 
move on to perfectly cooked game or tender beef, and finish with a dessert that’s as artful as 
it is indulgent. Tasting menus start around 120 dollars, with the signature experience 
reaching 270 dollars for a full culinary journey, wine pairings optional but highly recommended.
A fitting finale to two days in the Champagne capital, this dinner lets you savor the city’s 
elegance one last time before you say au revoir. In just two days, Reims has 
given you grand architecture, centuries of history, and the taste of 
Champagne at its source. Each moment, from quiet basilicas to glittering cellars, 
is part of the city’s story you now share. If Paris is your next stop, we’ve got a guide 
ready to keep your journey flowing like the finest vintage. And if you enjoyed this trip through 
the Champagne capital, hit the like button, subscribe, and turn on notifications, 
so you never miss the next adventure.

This ultimate Reims 2-day itinerary will guide you through the heart of France’s Champagne region, where Gothic cathedrals, world-famous champagne houses, charming French cafés, and rich history collide. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend getaway, a romantic trip, or a stopover from Paris, Reims promises unforgettable moments filled with bubbles, beauty, and culture.

🍇✨ WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER IN THIS VIDEO:
✔️ Best Time to Visit Reims for champagne tours & festivals
✔️ Reims Transportation Tips – arriving by train from Paris or driving into Champagne country 🚆🚗
✔️ Where to Stay in Reims – chic boutique hotels & cozy stays near the Cathedral 🏨
✔️ Must-See Landmarks – Reims Cathedral, Palais du Tau & Porte de Mars 🏰
✔️ Champagne House Tours & Tastings – from Veuve Clicquot to Taittinger 🥂
✔️ Hidden Gems & Local Spots only Reims insiders know 🌿
✔️ Best Places to Eat in Reims – French bistros, pâtisseries & Michelin-starred dining 🍴
✔️ Insider Tips to avoid crowds & taste champagne like a pro 🍇
✔️ Budget Hacks for enjoying Reims without overspending 💶
✔️ Complete 2-Day Reims Itinerary – step-by-step guide from sunrise to sunset 🌅

💲*To streamline your travel planning, we’ve converted all local currency prices into USD. This simple step means easy budgeting for our international travelers, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip without the fuss of currency calculations!*
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▬▬▬▬▬▬ T I M E S T A M P S ⏰ ▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:15 Introduction
00:45 Best time to visit Reims
01:36 Reims Airport Tips
02:27 Where to Stay in Reims
03:18 How To Get Around Reims
04:08 Day 1 – The Heart of Historic Reims
14:16 Day 2 – From Vintage Wheels to Champagne Dreams in Reims 
20:49 Final Thoughts
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