Reims in 2 Days: Your Ultimate Guide to Champagne, Culture, and Culinary Delights

Reims, the historic heart of the Champagne region, is an exquisite destination just a short 45-minute train ride from Paris. If you’re seeking a captivating foodie adventure paired with rich cultural experiences, Reims offers an unforgettable escape. We recently enjoyed two romantic days à deux in this charming city, immersing ourselves in its fabulous eats and unique food experiences. Reims proved to be an exceptional choice for a short, luxurious getaway. Continue reading to discover our top recommendations for restaurants, Champagne tours, and must-see sights to make the most of your 2 days in Reims.

When to Book Your Trip to Reims

Our recent trip to Reims was planned for a Sunday morning departure from Paris, with our return on Monday evening. While this timing allowed for a peaceful, uncrowded experience, it’s worth noting that Sunday and Monday are generally the quietest days in Reims. Most shops are closed on Sundays, and some remain shut on Mondays, which also applies to a number of restaurants. However, don’t let this deter you! These quieter days offer a unique charm, allowing you to stroll the historic streets at your own pace and explore attractions without the usual crowds. We found the serene atmosphere incredibly enjoyable and were able to visit everything on our list with ease, making for a truly relaxing and romantic getaway. For those who prefer a more bustling environment with all shops open, consider visiting Tuesday through Saturday. The summer months (June-August) bring warmer weather and more events, while the fall (September-October) offers beautiful foliage and harvest season activities in the vineyards.

Where to Stay in Reims

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Choosing the right accommodation is key to a comfortable and convenient stay in Reims. Here are two excellent options that combine comfort, location, and value:

• La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa: This highly-rated 5-star hotel offers an incredible location directly across from the magnificent Reims Cathedral. Guests can enjoy luxurious amenities including a sauna, jacuzzi, and hammam, all while being within easy walking distance of major attractions and dining options. It’s a perfect blend of modern comfort and historical proximity.
• Continental Hotel: Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century residence, the Continental Hotel is a charming and affordable 4-star option. It boasts modern rooms and excellent amenities, providing a comfortable base for exploring the city. Its central location ensures easy access to Reims’ main sights and culinary scene.

Notre Dame of Reims Cathedral

Upon our arrival in Reims at approximately 10:30 am on Sunday, our first order of business was to check into our hotel and drop off our luggage. With our small suitcase for two safely stored, we eagerly set off to begin our day of exploration and culinary delights.

Our initial stop was the iconic Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned as the traditional location for the coronation of French kings. Stepping inside, its grandeur and architectural mastery surpassed any image or painting we had seen. The cathedral’s majestic scale and intricate Gothic details instantly reminded us of Paris’s Notre Dame, sharing a similar awe-inspiring presence. We arrived just before 11 am, as the grand bells began to toll, signaling the start of Sunday mass and welcoming families into its hallowed halls. We respectfully stayed for about 15 minutes, observing the mass from the back rows before quietly slipping out, ensuring we had ample time to pursue all the other experiences on our carefully crafted 2-day itinerary in Reims. Witnessing a snippet of this timeless tradition added a profound layer to our visit, connecting us to centuries of history.

Book your Guided Tour of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims here!

A Visit to the Pommery Champagne Caves + the Villa Demoiselle

No trip to Reims, the capital of Champagne, would be complete without a visit to one of its prestigious Champagne houses and a delightful tasting experience. With several esteemed houses like Ruinart, Taittinger, and Veuve Clicquot to choose from, we opted for a tour of the Pommery caves. Our decision was driven by Pommery’s unique offering: a combined tour of their historic Champagne cellars and the stunning Villa Demoiselle located just across the street. The Villa Demoiselle is a magnificent Art Deco manor house, also owned by the Vranken Pommery Monopole group, offering a fascinating glimpse into a different aspect of Champagne’s heritage.

To ensure your spot and preferred time, it is highly recommended to reserve your visit in advance. The standard tour, which includes both the caves and the Villa Demoiselle, is priced at 35€ per person. This price typically includes a tasting of two glasses of Champagne per person – usually one brut and one rosé, allowing you to appreciate the distinct styles. Pommery also offers various other packages, allowing you to customize your experience with more extensive tastings or premium Champagne selections, with prices varying accordingly. This combined tour offers excellent value, providing both historical insight into Champagne production and an architectural marvel.

If you want to visit the Pommery Champagne caves as well as the surrounding vineyards, we recommend you book the Pommery Champagne Tour and Tasting here.

Pommery Champagne Caves

Our visit to the Pommery Champagne caves was truly captivating. Our knowledgeable tour guide brought the history of Champagne production to life, sharing fascinating insights into the intricate process and the delicate art of storing these precious bottles. The Pommery Caves themselves boast a compelling origin story. Founded by Mr. Pommery in the 1850s, it was his wife, Madame Pommery, who took the helm just a few years later after his passing. Her visionary leadership, creativity, and sheer courage transformed the fledgling business into the renowned Champagne house it is today, pioneering innovations that shaped the industry, including the creation of the first brut Champagne.

During the tour, we learned an astonishing fact: in the early days of Champagne production, approximately 75% of bottles stored in the caves would explode due to the unpredictable secondary fermentation! This explains why early visitors to the cellars were humorously (and practically) invited to wear fencing masks – a vivid reminder of the dangerous realities of winemaking at the time, protecting heads and faces from flying glass. Descending many winding steps, we plunged into the cool, dark subterranean world of the Champagne caves, a labyrinth of chalk tunnels stretching for miles.

Within these impressive cellars, we had the privilege of seeing one of the oldest existing bottles of Champagne: a prestigious “Louise” from 1874. The sheer scale is breathtaking, with countless bottles meticulously stacked along corridors, each passage thoughtfully named after significant people or places, such as the “Principauté de Monaco.” The dim lighting, essential for preserving the Champagne, made photography a challenge, as flashes could compromise the quality of the bottles. This only added to the mystique, however, making the experience all the more personal and encouraging visitors to truly soak in the unique atmosphere. You simply must visit in person to fully appreciate these stunning, historic caves!

La Villa Demoiselle

(Photo from the Pommery website)

Across from the Champagne caves stands La Villa Demoiselle, a truly magnificent manor house designed in the exquisite Art Deco style. Its history is as dramatic as its architecture. Before its acquisition and meticulous restoration by the Vranken couple, the house had fallen into disrepair, abandoned and subsequently occupied by squatters. Tragically, much of the original interior was destroyed, with walls and floors damaged and furniture burned. Consequently, very few original elements of the house’s interior survived.

However, the Vranken family embarked on an ambitious project to restore the villa to its former glory, meticulously adhering to its original look and design principles. Their dedication shines through in every detail, recreating the opulent Art Deco ambiance. One of the only truly original surviving features is the intricate parquet flooring in the central hall, directly in front of the grand staircase. Fragments of original parquet from various parts of the house were carefully salvaged and reassembled here, serving as a testament to the villa’s resilient past. Throughout the manor house, the rich culture and artistry of Champagne are beautifully represented, interwoven into the decor and design elements, creating a seamless connection between the grand residence and its Champagne heritage.

Indeed, the intricate details celebrating Champagne culture are evident throughout the mansion. From subtle motifs in the stained glass to the elegant furniture reflecting the era, every room tells a story. This commitment to authenticity ensures that visitors not only admire the architecture but also feel a deeper connection to the region’s most famous export.

A particularly delightful find was this collection of charming drawings showcasing 1930s clothing styles, adding a touch of vintage fashion flair to the Art Deco surroundings. It was a lovely detail that further immersed us in the era.

The visit culminated in a delightful Champagne tasting, where we savored both a brut and a rosé. While both were excellent, the rosé (pictured on the right) truly captured our palates with its vibrant fruit notes and elegant finish. This tasting provided a perfect conclusion to a fascinating tour, allowing us to appreciate the final product of the region’s rich winemaking tradition.

Restaurants in Reims

While we meticulously planned our Champagne tours and cultural visits well in advance (which we highly recommend you do too!), we approached our dining experiences in Reims with a spontaneous spirit. We didn’t book any restaurants ahead of time, preferring to discover local gems as we explored. Despite this approach, our 2 days in Reims were filled with fantastic culinary adventures, proving that the city offers a diverse and delicious array of options for every palate. From traditional French brasseries to unexpected international flavors, Reims has something to satisfy every foodie.

Le Comptoir de Boeuf

For our Saturday lunch, we settled into the inviting atmosphere of Le Comptoir du Boeuf, a charming restaurant offering classic French cuisine with a local touch. I started with a perfectly prepared “œuf meurette,” a delightful poached egg served in a rich red wine and onion sauce – a true Burgundian classic, beautifully executed here in Champagne. Hugo, ever the enthusiast for regional specialties, chose “les lentillons de la Champagne,” a comforting dish of small, flavorful lentils from the Champagne region, prepared in a creamy, savory sauce. It was a wonderful introduction to local flavors.

For our main courses, Hugo opted for a robust andouillette sausage, a French delicacy, while I savored a tender guinea fowl served alongside creamy, perfectly seasoned mashed potatoes. Both dishes were hearty and showcased excellent French cooking.

To conclude our meal, we shared a truly divine layered lemon curd crumble. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors was the perfect finish to a very satisfying lunch, leaving us with a wonderfully refreshing palate. Our entire lunch meal at Le Comptoir du Boeuf, including these delicious dishes, came to approximately 60€, offering excellent value for such quality French cuisine.

La Brasserie FLO (now the Brasserie Excelsior)

On Sunday evening, we enjoyed a truly romantic dinner at the former La Brasserie Flo, now known as the Brasserie Excelsior. Nestled in the very heart of Reims, the restaurant was beautifully adorned with festive Christmas lights, creating a wonderfully enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complemented our romantic evening. The elegant decor and classic brasserie ambiance made for a memorable dining experience.

For starters, I chose “les lentillons,” those delicious lentils from the Champagne region that had caught my eye earlier, while Hugo indulged in a rich and perfectly prepared foie gras. Both appetizers were exquisite, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal.

For the main course, I opted for a perfectly cooked salmon, served in a delicate and creamy leek sauce that truly highlighted the fish’s freshness. Hugo, adventurous as ever, chose the steak tartare, a classic French dish prepared with precision and served with all the traditional accompaniments. Both dishes were superb, showcasing the brasserie’s commitment to quality ingredients and skilled preparation.

We regrettably skipped dessert, but only because we were completely satisfied after a full day of delightful eating! Every dish was absolutely delicious. We were also fortunate to find an offer on Trip Advisor for Brasserie Excelsior (then Brasserie Flo) that gave us a generous 20% off our entire meal on Sunday evening. After this reduction, our total for a truly romantic and gourmet dinner was approximately 60€, making it an exceptional value for such a high-quality experience.

Le Riad

Our dining experience at Le Riad was an unexpected highlight and one we absolutely adored. While searching on Trip Advisor for restaurants open for lunch on Monday, we stumbled upon this Moroccan gem. As avid food enthusiasts, we enthusiastically decided to embrace a change of pace and enjoy couscous and Moroccan sweets in Reims – a delightful deviation from traditional French fare. After all, we had already indulged in classic French cuisine for our major meals on Sunday, and we were excited to explore something a little off the beaten track.

And we were certainly not disappointed! Le Riad proved to be a true culinary discovery, a vibrant restaurant in the heart of Reims serving incredibly delicious and authentic Moroccan food. The warm, inviting ambiance, adorned with traditional Moroccan decor, immediately transported us. They offer flexible menus: a starter/main course, a main course/dessert, or for those with larger appetites – what the French would call “gourmands” – a comprehensive three-course starter/main/dessert menu. We opted to share a flavorful platter of mixed starters, each ordered our own main dish, and concluded by sharing a heavenly dessert. We left feeling thoroughly satisfied and wonderfully stuffed!

Hugo, for whom classic vegetable couscous is an absolute favorite, was thrilled with his choice. The dish was generously packed with fresh, vibrant vegetables, all homemade and bursting with authentic Moroccan flavors – truly a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality.

I ventured into a new flavor combination with a chicken and cinnamon poached pear tagine. The idea of chicken with poached pears was a first for me, and it was an absolute treat – the warm spices and tender fruit created a delightful and harmonious combination with the savory chicken. It was an unexpected culinary revelation!

For dessert, we shared a Moroccan pastilla, a delicate pastry filled with a luscious cream and subtly perfumed with fleur d’oranger. It was an ethereal and truly heavenly finish to our meal, providing a sweet, fragrant, and utterly satisfying experience. The crisp layers of pastry contrasted beautifully with the creamy, aromatic filling.

We booked our table at Le Riad through Trip Advisor / La Fourchette (now simply The Fork), which offered us a fantastic 30% discount. It’s important to note that with such reductions, there are usually some guidelines: each person must typically order at least a starter and a main course, or a main course and a dessert. Drinks are generally excluded from the discount. With our 30% reduction, our exquisite lunch, including a tasty bottle of red Moroccan wine, cost approximately 55€. It was an incredible culinary value and a delightful break from the expected.

Pink Biscuits from Reims

During our two days in Reims, we were also incredibly excited to delve into another local specialty: the iconic Pink Biscuits of Reims, known as “Biscuits Roses de Reims.” These charming, subtly sweet, and vibrant pink biscuits are a true symbol of the city, traditionally enjoyed with a glass of Champagne. We had planned a visit to the historic Fossier factory to see firsthand how these delightful confections are made, eager to learn about their history and unique preparation. While this article focuses on our broader itinerary, we’ll be dedicating a separate, detailed piece to our Fossier experience, complete with fascinating insights and even some recipes incorporating these delicious biscuits in the coming weeks. Be sure to look out for it!

Saved for Our Next Visit (or What to Do for Our Next 2 Days in Reims!)

My mother has always instilled a wonderful travel philosophy in us: always leave something to see for the next time. This ensures that we consistently return to our favorite destinations to discover new facets. It’s a beautiful concept – planning your next adventure before the current one even ends! And indeed, even after two packed days, Reims has left us with plenty to explore on a future visit.

One particular discovery that beckons us back is the gorgeous “Halles du Boulingrin,” a magnificent covered market in the city center. Unfortunately, our 2 days in Reims weren’t enough to fully immerse ourselves in its foodie glory; we walked over, only to find it closed. We learned that on Fridays, the market hosts an organic market featuring live food demonstrations, which sounds absolutely captivating and is high on our list for a return trip. Beyond the market, Reims offers so much more: perhaps a visit to other prestigious Champagne houses like Taittinger or Ruinart, exploring the fascinating Roman Cryptoporticus, or spending a relaxing afternoon in the Parc de Champagne. The city’s rich history, from its Roman roots to its World War I significance, means there are countless museums and historical sites still awaiting our exploration. We can’t wait to return and uncover more of this enchanting city’s treasures!

Practical Information

To help you plan your own unforgettable trip to Reims, here’s some essential practical information for the places mentioned in our guide:

Pommery + the Villa Demoiselle

• Booking: Reserve your visits directly on the Pommery Website or by telephone at +33 (0)3 26 61 62 56.
• Guided Tours: If you wish to combine a Champagne tasting with a guided tour of the surrounding vineyards, we highly recommend booking the Pommery Champagne Tour and Tastings here for a comprehensive experience.

Le Comptoir du Boeuf

• Address: 38 rue des Elus – 51100 Reims
• Telephone: +33 (0)3 26 40 05 85
• Reviews: Find more details and reviews on Tripadvisor for Le Comptoir du Boeuf.

Brasserie Excelsior (formerly Brasserie FLO)

• Address: 96, Place Drouet d’Erlon – 51100 Reims
• Telephone: +33 (0)3 26 91 40 50
• Website: Visit the Brasserie Excelsior website for menus and reservations.

Le Riad

• Address: 12 rue de Tambour – 51100 Reims
• Telephone: +33 (0)3 26 89 60 26
• Website: Explore their offerings on the Le Riad website.

Conclusion: 2 Days in Reims

We hope this guide has provided you with a wealth of ideas and inspiration for spending two unforgettable days in Reims! From its majestic cathedral and world-renowned Champagne houses to its diverse and delicious culinary scene, Reims truly offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a foodie adventure, this charming city promises a memorable experience just a stone’s throw from Paris. Enjoy your trip to the heart of Champagne!

First published November 28, 2016. Last updated February 4, 2024 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.