Just a short journey from the heart of France’s capital, the trip from Paris to Reims is one of the easiest and most rewarding trips you can take. Whether you are looking for a quick day trip, a relaxing overnight escape, or an extended stay, Reims offers a perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and, of course, world-renowned champagne.
Located in the heart of the Champagne region, Reims is famous for its prestigious champagne houses, where you can tour historic cellars and indulge in some of the finest bubbly in the world. Beyond the champagne, Reims also boasts stunning architecture, including the iconic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the coronations of French kings were held for centuries. The city is also home to an incredible food scene, from Michelin-starred restaurants to charming brasseries. And with the high-speed TGV train connecting Paris to Reims in just 46 minutes, getting there could not be easier. Whether you want to sip champagne in an elegant tasting room, admire its breathtaking Gothic cathedral, or indulge in gourmet French cuisine, Paris to Reims makes for a perfect trip—no matter how long you stay.
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One of the best things about traveling from Paris to Reims is the easy train trip! The high-speed TGV train whisks you from Paris to Reims in just 46 minutes, making it one of the easiest (and quickest) day trips you can take from Paris. Trains frequently depart from Paris's Gare de l'Est (Paris Est), so there is plenty of flexibility whether you want to leave early in the morning, opt for a later start, or spend an overnight in the heart of Champagne.
I highly recommend booking your train tickets ahead of your trip from Paris to Reims online, using the SNCF Connect website and/or app, since trains can book up in advance. When booking your train tickets, make sure you select a train that is direct between Paris and Reims. The high-speed TGV trains from Paris to Reims arrive at Reims Station (Gare de Reims) which is in the city center. Other, slower trains from Paris to Reims will typically arrive into Reims Maison Blanche which is about 2.6 miles (4.3 kilometers) away. If you are heading from Paris to Reims, you are going to want to arrive via Reims Station since this is walking distance to many hotels, champagne houses, and is a major transit hub in the city center.
Driving from Paris to Reims is also an option. It takes approximately 90 minutes by car and can be an excellent option if you are hoping to visit some of the smaller villages and champagne houses in the region.
Getting around Reims is incredibly easy, thanks to its efficient public transportation system and walkable city center. The city’s tram and bus network makes it simple to travel between major attractions, champagne houses, and neighborhoods.
Reims has two modern and convenient tram lines (A & B) that run through the city, connecting key spots like the train station, city center, Reims Cathedral, and several champagne houses. The trams are clean, reliable, and easy to use, making them a great option if you want to explore beyond the historic center. You can purchase tickets for the trams in Reims from the ticketing machines at the tram stops. Tickets can be purchased with either cash or debit card. A photo of the ticket kiosk is below.
In addition to the trams, Reims has an extensive bus network that covers the city and surrounding areas. If you are staying a bit farther from the center or planning to visit locations just outside of Reims, the buses provide a convenient way to get around. The tickets for the buses in Reims are the same as those for the two tram lines, making it easy to get around the city center using both forms of public transportation. If you have yet to purchase a ticket from a ticket machine at the tram stop, you can buy your bus ticket directly from the bus driver (cash only).
Like Paris, one of the best ways to experience Reims is on foot. The city center is compact and incredibly walkable, allowing you to stroll from one attraction to another with ease. Many of the champagne houses, restaurants, and landmarks are within a short walking distance of each other, making it an enjoyable city to explore at your own pace.
If you are only visiting for a day, you will find that walking combined with the tram is the most efficient way to get around. For those staying overnight or longer, using the bus network can help you reach attractions outside the city center.
No trip from Paris to Reims is complete without indulging in the city’s most famous export: champagne! Reims is home to some of the world’s most prestigious champagne houses, many of which offer guided tours and tastings. I have personally visited four (Pommery, G.H. Mumm, Pol Couronne, and Lanson) in Reims, so this guide will mainly focus on these esteemed champagne houses. However, I will also include a list of some of the other popular houses in Reims at the end of this section.
If you are traveling from Paris to Reims just for the day, I would recommend visiting two champagne houses. If you are spending an overnight in Reims, like I did this past January, then a total of four champagne houses is sufficient! As you visit the champagne houses and take tours of the cellars, you will find that they all have overlapping elements. Therefore, I recommend picking a couple that interest you most, instead of trying to visit them all. Santé! 🍾
A visit to Champagne Vranken-Pommery in Reims is unlike any other champagne tour and tasting experience. (It is worth noting that Vranken-Pommery is two distinct champagne houses with shared ownership: Vranken and Pommery. While their champagnes may be bottled separately, a visit to Vranken-Pommery on a trip from Paris to Reims will allow you to taste cuvées from both brands.)
Known for its bold blue branding and innovative spirit, Pommery combines historic winemaking traditions with contemporary art, making it one of the most unique champagne houses in the region. Champagne Pommery is my favorite champagne house in Reims—for both the champagne and the cellar tour! Beyond its champagne and art, Champagne Pommery boasts a truly remarkable history and who doesn't love a strong, revolutionary female business woman?!
Madame Louise Pommery was a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the world of champagne. Widowed in 1858, she took over Champagne Pommery at a time when the industry was dominated by men and transformed it into one of the most prestigious champagne houses in the world. Under her leadership, Madame Pommery became synonymous with innovation, elegance, and a pioneering spirit—most notably for creating the first commercially successful brut champagne. (Before Madame Pommery, champagne was typically much sweeter, catering to the 19th-century preference for sweet, sugary wines.)
Madame Pommery was not just a champagne innovator—she was also a brilliant businesswoman and visionary. Under her guidance, Champagne Pommery moved its operations to an impressive 123.5 acre (50-hectare) estate in Reims, where it remains today, and commissioned the excavation of 11 miles (18 kilometers) of underground chalk cellars (crayères) to store and age champagne. Today, these historic cellars are one of the most iconic attractions in Reims, blending tradition with modern art installations as part of the Expérience Pommery project in honor of the spirit and legacy of Madame Pommery.
Located across the street from the main Pommery estate, Villa Demoiselle is one of the most beautiful architectural gems in Reims. This elegant mansion, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau and Art Deco design, perfectly complements the bold and innovative spirit of Champagne Pommery. Originally built between 1904 and 1908, the villa fell into disrepair over the years but was lovingly restored by Paul-François and Nathalie Vranken, the owners of Vranken-Pommery, in the 2000s. Today, it shines as an example of early 20th-century luxury and craftsmanship.
Villa Demoiselle can be visited on a guided tour and feels like traveling back in time to the height of the Belle Époque. The interiors are a blend of curved Art Nouveau lines and geometric Art Deco details, featuring: stained glass windows with intricate floral and organic motifs, beautifully carved woodwork and a grand staircase, and elegant chandeliers and vintage furnishings that evoke the grandeur of early 20th-century France.
The guided tour of Villa Demoiselle includes a tasting of Vranken champagne. While I personally would skip the Villa Demoiselle portion of the tour on my next visit to Reims and stick with just Pommery, it was an interesting experience, especially when coupled with the tour and tasting of Pommery's cellars and modern art exhibits.
Vranken-Pommery is a must-visit champagne house while you are in Reims and my favorite cellar tour, thanks to its rather unconventional, but interesting modern art exhibits. Guided tours for Vranken-Pommery, including Villa Demoiselle, can be booked online in-advance of your visit. Guided tours are available in English. If you are interested in visiting Vranken-Pommery just for a tasting or would prefer to explore the cellars at your own leisure, you can certainly do so without advance reservations or tickets required.
Vranken-Pommery is open seven days a week, including during the winter months. To view their most up-to-date opening hours and book a tour, please visit the Vranken-Pommery website.
Vranken-Pommery is most easily accessed via the public bus in Reims. There is a bus stop down the block from the main entrance to Vranken-Pommery. From Reims Cathedral, take the 03 Bus or the 10 Bus towards Moulin Housse and get off at Gouraud. Vranken-Pommery's main gates are visible from the bus stop.
One of the most well-known and respected champagne houses in Reims, G.H. Mumm has been producing exceptional champagne since 1827. Recognized by its signature red ribbon (Cordon Rouge) bottles, inspired by the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest order of merit, G.H. Mumm has long been associated with prestige, celebration, and innovation. G.H. Mumm is one of the largest champagne houses in the world, so visiting G.H. Mumm will feel a bit more industrialized than the small houses, but their tour is still engaging and interesting.
For what it is worth, I found both the champagne and the tour experience at G.H. Mumm far more enjoyable than Moët & Chandon in Épernay—if you are comparing large, industrial champagne houses and their guided tours.
Beyond its French roots, G.H. Mumm has strong ties to the United States through Mumm Napa, its California-based sparkling wine brand. In the 1970s, Mumm expanded across the Atlantic, establishing Mumm Napa in Rutherford, California, where they apply traditional champagne-making techniques to California-grown grapes. The result is a New World take on classic sparkling wines, offering a unique connection between Reims and the United States. The more you know!
Visitors traveling from Paris to Reims can experience G.H. Mumm through an immersive cellar tour that takes you deep into the nearly 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) of underground chalk tunnels where the champagne is stored and aged to perfection, followed by a guided tasting session. Their tasting room is also open to the public in the event that you would like to skip the cellar tour and just try some of their champagnes.
I highly recommend booking the Grand Cru Experience which gives you the opportunity to try some really fantastic champagnes from their RSRV Collection. On my trip to G.H. Mumm, I booked the cheapest tour option (the Cordon Rouge Experience) which only included a glass of their signature brut. It was fine, but it was a champagne I had tasted previously, so I ultimately ended up paying for an extra tasting of two champagnes from their RSRV Collection which were fantastic. The RSRV Rosé Foujita, pictured below, was my favorite at GH Mumm! So do not make the mistake that I did and just book the Grand Cru Experience tour and tasting from the start! Tours are available in English. The G.H. Mumm tasting room is also open to the public in the event that you want to visit the champagne house but not take a tour of the cellars.
G.H. Mumm's opening hours vary based on the season. During peak tourist season in Reims, May 1st to October 31st, G.H. Mumm is open daily. Otherwise, G.H. Mumm is open to the public from Thursday to Saturday in January and February, from Thursday to Sunday in March, Thursday to Monday in April, November, and December. To book a tour and tasting of G.H. Mumm, and to check their updated opening hours, please visit the G.H. Mumm website.
G.H. Mumm is located a 17-minute walk (0.7 miles, 1.2 kilometers) from Reims Station (Gare de Reims) and can easily be reached on foot.
For travelers looking to experience champagne on a more intimate and artisanal scale, Pol Couronne is a hidden gem in Reims. Unlike the massive champagne houses with sprawling underground cellars, Pol Couronne offers a personalized and modern tasting experience right in the heart of the city, just steps from Reims Cathedral.
While Pol Couronne may not have the centuries-old history of some of Reims’ larger houses, it makes up for it with a strong focus on craftsmanship and quality. The house specializes in Grand Cru champagnes, ensuring that only the finest grapes from the Champagne region make it into their bottles.
Unlike many of the bigger champagne houses, Pol Couronne does not have extensive caves to tour, but instead, it offers a chic and modern tasting room right in the city center. This is a great option for visitors traveling from Paris to Reims who want to enjoy a champagne tasting without the time commitment of a full cellar tour. I opted for their Tasting Set of three cuvées (brut, 75-25, and brut rosé) which I really enjoyed. The staff onsite and the champagne were both excellent, contributing to a really nice evening in Reims.
Champagne tastings at Pol Couronne can be booked online, in advance of your visit. Walk-ins are also welcome, subject to availability. Pol Couronne also offers the opportunity to learn how to open a bottle of champagne with a sabre (known as sabrage in French), in the event that is something that interests you on your trip from Paris to Reims. Pricing varies based on the bottle that you elect to open. To make a reservation for a tasting and/or the sabrage experience, please visit the Pol Couronne website.
The tasting room at Pol Couronne is open Monday through Saturday. Tastings are typically available from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, however, this schedule may change based on holidays and the time of year. Champagne tastings take approximately one hour.
Pol Couronne is located only a 3-minute walk from Reims Cathedral, making it a fantastic stop to taste a smaller champagne house on your trip from Paris to Reims.
Champagne Lanson, founded in 1760, is one of the oldest champagne houses in Reims and offers a unique perspective on the champagne-making process. Unlike many of the traditional underground cellar tours, a visit to Lanson provides an inside look at the more industrial side of production, including their stainless steel storage tanks and on-site vineyard, making it an intriguing stop for those who want a deeper understanding of how champagne is made on a large scale. (Do not worry, you will get the opportunity to visit their underground chalk cellars, too!)
Lanson is one of the few champagne houses with vineyards on-site in Reims, allowing visitors to see the vines up close without leaving the city. Even in the midst of winter when I traveled from Paris to Reims, it was still really cool to see the vines up-close. This portion of the tour definitely made Lanson stand out from the rest of the champagne houses that I have visited in both Reims and Épernay.
If you are planning a trip from Paris to Reims and want to experience a different side of champagne production, Champagne Lanson offers a fascinating look at both the vineyard and industrial processes that go into crafting high-quality champagne.
I booked the Original Creation: The House Signature tour and tasting when I visited Champagne Lanson in January. The tour was great and the tasting was fine, but in hindsight, I wished I booked a tasting that gave the ability to try more than just one glass of the signature cuvée, Le Black Création. As such, I would recommend booking either The Signature or The Vintage experiences at Champagne Lanson. Lanson also has a tasting room that allows you to try other champagnes without the need for taking a tour. After my tour at Lanson, I opted to try a few other glasses in the tasting room, for an additional fee. I am so glad I did because Champagne Lanson's Le Vintage 2013 is one of the best champagnes I have ever had the opportunity to taste!
Tours at Lanson are conducted in both English and French. Private tours are also available upon request. Champagne Lanson is closed on Sundays. Tours are available throughout the week. For additional information and to book a tour, please visit the Champagne Lanson website.
The easiest way to reach Champagne Lanson is by tram from Reims Cathedral. From the Opera-Cathedrale tram stop, you are going to board the tram heading towards Hopital Debre and exit at Coulancy. The tram ride takes about 5 minutes. From the Coulancy tram stop, it is a short walk to Champagne Lanson. (Both tram lines, A and B, follow this route.)
There are a number of champagne houses in Reims, many of which offer tasting rooms and tours open to the public. Some of the other popular champagne houses to visit on a trip from Paris to Reims, include:
After sipping champagne, you will want to enjoy a fantastic meal in Reims. The city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as cozy bistros serving up classic French cuisine. Some of my top picks for restaurants in Reims include:
While all of the restaurants I ate at in Reims during my visit were absolutely fantastic, I want to add a note here about L'ExtrA Restaurant Reims. Brian found L'ExtrA on The Fork, it had fantastic reviews, and they had availability for dinner while we were in Reims in January. L'ExtrA was such a wonderful and memorable meal! The staff at L'ExtrA, both in the dining room and kitchen, are adults with intellectual disabilities. The food and level of service provided were extraordinary, serving as a powerful testament that disabilities need not be a barrier in life. The cuisine is elevated French food and everything was fantastic. In fact, I am still dreaming about the Grand Marnier soufflé I had for dessert! It was hands down one of the best desserts that I have ever tasted! The ambiance at L'ExtrA was warm, welcoming, and truly delightful. I am hardly the first person to sing L'ExtrA's praises and I am sure I will not be the last. So, if you find yourself in Reims and are looking for an amazing meal, check out L'ExtrA!
If you are looking for additional restaurant recommendations for your trip from Paris to Reims, check out the Michelin Guide and TripAdvisor. I highly recommend making advance reservations for lunch and dinner while in Reims, especially if you are choosing to eat at one of the many fine dining establishments in the city. More casual restaurants, like Alfred Burger, however, do not require reservations.
A visit from Paris to Reims is not just about champagne—it is also a fantastic place to discover delicious regional specialties that pair perfectly with a glass of bubbly. Here are some must-try foods when visiting Reims:
While champagne is the main draw, there is plenty more to explore in Reims! In-between your visits to champagne houses, I highly recommend visiting at least one of these other attractions within Reims.
One of the most iconic landmarks in France, Reims Cathedral is a must-visit on any trip from Paris to Reims. This stunning Gothic masterpiece, dating back to the 13th century, is famous as the traditional coronation church of French kings—including Charles VII, who was crowned here with the help of Joan of Arc. In fact, 25 French kings were crowned inside of Reims Cathedral!
Reims Cathedral suffered significant damage during World War I. In September 1914, German artillery bombarded the cathedral, setting fire to its roof and causing severe structural damage. The intense heat from the fire shattered many of the stained glass windows, collapsed the roof, and destroyed much of the interior. After the war, an extensive restoration project began, largely funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr., which helped finance the reconstruction of the roof and much of the interior. By 1938, most of the restoration work had been completed and the cathedral reopened to the public, but the onset of World War II posed another threat. Fortunately, Reims Cathedral was spared from major damage during WWII, though restoration efforts continued throughout the 20th century. If you wish to learn more about the extent of the damage to Reims Cathedral, I recommend this article from Smarthistory.
Highlights inside Reims Cathedral include its incredible stained glass windows, including modern designs by Marc Chagall. Marc Chagall’s stained glass windows were installed in 1974. These magnificent and vibrant blue windows, located in the apse behind the high altar, bring a contemporary yet deeply spiritual touch to the cathedral. Chagall, known for his dreamlike and poetic artistry, created a design that blends biblical themes with Reims’ historical significance. The left window honors the Old Testament. The center window intertwines the lives of Abraham and Jesus Christ, complete with scenes from the Crucifixion. The right window reflects the history of French royalty, referencing the many coronations held in the cathedral. Chagall’s work harmonizes beautifully with the medieval setting, bringing a sense of renewal and peace to a cathedral that has endured so much.
Other stained glass windows within the Reims Cathedral are also modern additions, including vibrant works by the German artist, Imi Knoebel. These particular windows were created in 2011 to celebrate the 800th anniversary of Reims Cathedral. The windows also symbolize the reconciliation in relations between France and Germany, nearly a century after German bombings reduced Reims Cathedral to ruins.
Other interior highlights in Reims Cathedral include:
While you are visiting Reims Cathedral, be sure to spend time admiring the grand façade which is adorned with over 2,300 statues. Some key exterior highlights include:
Reims Cathedral is open daily and is free to visit. Reims Cathedral is open to the public from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with the last admission at 7:15 PM, Monday through Saturday. Reims Cathedral is closed to the public on Sunday mornings for Mass, but reopens at noon for visitors. Reims Cathedral closes at 7:15 PM on Sundays and public holidays (the last admission is at 7:00 PM). For additional information, please visit the Reims Cathedral website.
Less visited than Reims Cathedral, but equally rich in history, the Basilica of Saint Remi is a Romanesque-Gothic church that houses the tomb of Saint Remi, the patron saint of Reims. Saint Remi was a bishop who baptized Clovis, the first King of the Franks, in 496 AD—an event that shaped France’s Christian history. It is the oldest church in Reims. The basilica’s peaceful atmosphere, beautiful stained glass windows, and intricate stonework make it a nice place for reflection. Next door, you will also find the Saint Remi Museum, which showcases archeology exhibits related to the region’s founding, religious history, and military history.
The Basilica of Saint Remi is located near G.H. Martel and Taittinger, best reached by public bus. The Basilica of Saint Remi is open daily and is free to visit. However, there is a small charge to visit the Saint Remi Museum next door. The basilica is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Saint Remi Museum is closed on Mondays, but otherwise open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Saint Remi Museum is also closed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th, annually. For additional information, please visit the Saint Remi Museum website.
For those interested in World War II history, the Museum of the Surrender is one of the most significant sites in Reims. Located in the former headquarters of General Eisenhower’s Allied forces, this is where Germany officially surrendered to the Allies on May 7, 1945 at 2:41 AM, marking the end of WWII in Europe. The highlight of the museum is the original map room, left exactly as it was on the day of the surrender, complete with war maps and strategy boards. The museum also features photographs, documents, and artifacts that provide insight into the final days of the war. A visit here offers a powerful glimpse into a pivotal moment in world history.
The Museum of the Surrender is closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, and December 25th, annually. The museum is otherwise open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Please note that the Museum of the Surrender will be closed for renovation work beginning Monday, May 12, 2025 until March 2026. The Museum of the Surrender is located near Reims Station and the Porte de Mars. For additional information regarding the Museum of the Surrender, please visit the Museum of the Surrender website.
While Reims can easily be visited as a day trip from Paris, it also makes for a wonderful overnight stay. Thanks to the efficient public transportation system in Reims, you can really stay anywhere in the city and still be well connected to the top attractions. However, I recommend staying near Reims Cathedral. Reims Cathedral is centrally located and walking distance to many champagne houses, great restaurants, and even the train station. When I visited Reims in January, I stayed at La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa, Autograph Collection (), which is part of Marriott. This five-star hotel made for an extremely comfortable and fantastic stay. I was even blessed with an upgraded room featuring the most incredible views of Reims Cathedral!
La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa can be a bit on the pricey side, so if you are looking for some more budget-friendly hotels, I would also recommend the following places to stay in Reims:
As always, if you book a hotel or vacation rental through one of our Expedia Group affiliate links, we may earn a small commission.
In the event that you are planning an extended stay in Reims or would like to see more of Champagne, there are two nearby towns that are well worth exploring!
If you are visiting Reims, consider adding a stop in Épernay, or even choosing it as an alternative destination in Champagne. Located just 25 minutes away by train from Reims, Épernay is a must-visit town for champagne lovers! While Reims is the historic and cultural center of the Champagne region, Épernay is often considered the true capital of Champagne, as it is home to some of the most prestigious champagne houses.
My favorite part about visiting Épernay is the fact that everything is walkable from the train station. Épernay is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, L'Avenue de Champagne (Avenue de Champagne), on which every champagne house in Épernay has a presence. L'Avenue de Champagne is less than a 10-minute walk from Épernay's train station. Beneath your feet, more than 68 miles (110 kilometers) of underground cellars hold millions of bottles of champagne.
While not every champagne house in Épernay is open to the public, many are and some top houses to visit along the Avenue de Champagne include:
With its charming town center, top-tier champagne houses, and easy accessibility from Reims, Épernay makes for an excellent day trip. If you are looking to visit Épernay directly from Paris, direct trains are also available. Know that the train from Paris to Épernay is longer than that to Reims, taking about 80 minutes. Trains to Épernay depart from Paris's Gare de l'Est (Paris Est), with multiple trains throughout the day linking the two cities, but make sure you book a train that is direct (aka zero changes).
For a more picturesque, countryside escape, head to Hautvillers, a quaint hilltop village. While Hautvillers does not have a train station, it is just 10 minutes from Épernay by car or taxi (and 30 minutes by car from Reims). This charming town is famous as the birthplace of champagne, as it was here that Dom Pérignon, a 17th-century Benedictine monk, made key contributions to the development of the champagne-making process. (The below sculpture of Dom Perignon is on display at Moët & Chandon in Épernay.)
The village itself is tiny and incredibly walkable, with cobblestone streets, flower-adorned houses, and stunning vineyard views. A visit here is not just about champagne—it is about experiencing the romantic, rural side of the region. Highlights in Hautvillers include:
Whether you visit Hautvillers as a peaceful retreat after exploring Épernay or as a stand-alone stop, it is a wonderful way to experience the authentic, small-town charm of the Champagne region.
Absolutely! A resounding yes—a trip from Paris to Reims is absolutely worthwhile! This journey offers the perfect blend of history, culture, gastronomy, and, of course, world-class champagne. Plus, the surrounding countryside—dotted with vineyards, charming villages, and rolling hills—adds to the magic of the experience.
One of the best parts? Getting from Paris to Reims is incredibly easy. In just 46 minutes by high-speed train, you can escape the droves of tourists in the French capital and find yourself in the peaceful heart of Champagne. Whether you opt for a day trip, an overnight stay, or a more extended getaway, Reims offers an unforgettable experience that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. I, for one, cannot wait to return to Reims!
Looking for more information to help you plan your trip to Paris? Check out our Paris Travel Guide for hotel recommendations, restaurants suggestions, and more! Looking for other day trip suggestions from Paris? Consider visiting Versailles, the Chateau de Fontainebleau, or even Brussels! Bon voyage!
Have you traveled from Paris to Reims? We would love to hear from you!