The unofficial capital of the Champagne region, Reims has luxury in its regal veins, not to mention bubbly. Many of the world’s top Champagne houses—including the likes of Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, and Pommery—are headquartered here, and descending into their UNESCO-listed, Roman-era chalk cellars (some up to 131 feet, or 40 meters, deep) for a degustation session is among the top things to do in Reims. The High-Gothic Reims Cathedral, where French kings were once crowned, is another unmissalbe UNESCO-listed site, although don’t leave without indulging in a fine-dining experience, complete with flutes of local fizz.
Reims is at its warmest and busiest in summer, when travelers are primed to toast their vacations with ample glasses of Champagne. The deep chalk caves can be pleasingly cooling when temperatures hit highs of 77°F (25°C). But to enjoy a slightly calmer side of Reims and the wider Champagne region, come in autumn to see the vineyards turn golden (though avoid harvest, when many smaller producers may be too busy to do tastings).
The Reims Station (Gare de Reims) is the city’s main transit hub, and connects it directly to Paris. Reims has a public transportation network, including trams and buses. Central Reims itself is easily walkable and quite compact, though cars or taxis may be needed to reach some of the outlying Champagne houses or wineries. Guided tours offer an easier way to tour the region’s vinous destinations.
The Champagne region is dominated by big houses—names such as Veuve-Clicquot, Moët-Chandon, and Dom Pérignon—that are worth visiting, but check out "grower Champagnes," or those made and bottled by independent producers who cultivate the grapes, too. (Most big-name Champagnes are blends of grapes grown by dozens, if not hundreds, of farmers in the region.) Reims’ Trésors de Champagne tasting room brings together 28 regional producers, and offers the chance to try the broad spectrum of Champagnes being made today.
