Travel
Raise a Glass to Reims: Fun and Unexpected Ways to Explore This Historic French City
Reims: A Remarkable French City Worth Discovering
Reims is a remarkable city with a special feel. It's large enough to keep you busy yet still offers plenty of spaces to sit, relax, and soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful French metropolitan spot. Unmissable attractions include the Cathedral and numerous champagne tours, but even more hidden gems await discovery.
Let's start with a few facts. Reims (sometimes spelled Rheims in English) is France's 12th most populous city, located 129 km northeast of Paris on the Vesle River. It sits on the northern edge of the Champagne wine region—hence the abundance of champagne tours. Reims is also the traditional coronation site of French kings, which is why it is often called La Cité des Sacres (The City of Coronations).
Whether you enjoy fine dining (including four Michelin-starred restaurants), Roman remains, or awe-inspiring architecture, Reims has everything you could ask for. Whether you spend a few days here or take an easy day trip from Paris by train, it is a truly special place to visit. So, let's explore the best things to do in Reims.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
You could be forgiven for mistaking Reims Cathedral for Notre-Dame in Paris. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosted 25 royal coronations between 1223 and 1825. Stepping inside, you can immediately feel the vibrant weight of its historical importance.
The best way to appreciate the cathedral's full Gothic glory is to walk along the bustling but ordinary rue Libergier. If you feel fit, consider climbing the 250 steps up the cathedral tower for a one-hour tour and some of the best views over the city. You can book this at the Reims Tourist Office, opposite the cathedral on the square. In that same square, you will also find the somewhat eerie statue of Joan of Arc, staring expressionlessly at the cathedral. Joan stood alongside Charles VII during his coronation in 1429, and she is frequently referenced throughout the city.
One of the cathedral's least-publicized offerings became one of my favorite things to do in Reims: the Rêve de Couleurs light show. Visit at nightfall for this magical performance, which transforms the cathedral's façade into a shimmering jewel. The show lasts 25 minutes and is typically held at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., though times may vary.
Palais du Tau
Another UNESCO site, located right next to the cathedral, is the Palais du Tau—the former residence of Reims' archbishops. It was also where French princes stayed before their coronations, and the Gothic-style Salle de Tau hosted their extravagant post-coronation banquets. Today, it is a museum displaying some of the city's most remarkable treasures.
Look for the 9th-century talisman of Charlemagne and St. Remi's golden, jewel-encrusted Coronation Chalice, dating back to the 12th century. The richly colored images of these relics seen online do not do them justice; you must see their golden hue with your own eyes.
If you wish to see the glass vial containing the anointing oil used in most royal coronations, look for the Holy Ampulla. Legend has it that the vial was miraculously filled with heavenly-sent oil, which is why this site was chosen for the anointing of kings.
Note: As of 2025, the Palais du Tau is closed for restoration. It is scheduled to reopen in 2026.
