Visiting Reims means discovering the « city of coronations », where most of the kings of France were crowned, and the capital of champagne, whose cellars stretch beneath the city. What to see in Reims, how to combine monuments and champagne houses over a weekend, and when to go according to Météo-France normals: here are the essentials.
With about 178,000 inhabitants (2023), Reims is the thirteenth-largest municipality in France and the most populous in the Marne department, without being its administrative capital. A designated « City of Art and History », it has monuments on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1991, and the champagne cellars of the Saint-Nicaise hill were added in 2015.
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Reims at a glance
- Location Marne, Grand Est region, on the Paris – Strasbourg axis
- Highlights Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais du Tau, Basilica of Saint-Remi, champagne cellars, Place d’Erlon, Art Deco façades
- Access TGV high-speed train; the Paris–Reims journey takes about 45 minutes according to the tourist office
- In town centre on foot, tram
- Entry Schengen rules for France; see entry requirements
- Ideal length 2 days, 3 with the Montagne de Reims
What to see in Reims: the highlights
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Begun in 1211 and completed in the 14th century, Reims Cathedral was, from the 11th century onwards, the setting for almost all the coronations of the kings of France, up to Charles X in 1825. It is one of the major achievements of Gothic art, with 2,303 statues, including the famous « Smiling Angel » on the north portal of the west façade. Its façade towers stand 81.50 m (267 ft) high. In the axial chapel, do not miss the three stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall (1974). Badly burned by German shelling during the First World War, it has been restored. Chagall windows also adorn Saint-Étienne Cathedral, featured in our guide to Metz and its highlights.
The Palais du Tau
The former archbishop’s palace, rebuilt under Louis XIV and again after the fire of 19 September 1914, the Palais du Tau is a World Heritage Site together with the cathedral. It displays the cathedral treasury and many objects used at the coronation of Charles X.
The Basilica and Museum of Saint-Remi
Built from 1007, the Basilica of Saint-Remi celebrated its millennium in 2007. The neighbouring former royal abbey, where the Holy Ampulla used for the coronation was kept, houses the Saint-Remi Museum.
The champagne cellars
There are said to be 250 km (155 mi) of champagne cellars beneath the city. The « Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars » have been on the World Heritage List since 4 July 2015; in Reims, the property includes the Saint-Nicaise hill, with the cellars of Pommery, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Charles Heidsieck, Taittinger and Martel among others. The tourist office also lists visits to Lanson, G.H. Mumm and Charles de Cazanove. Visits are generally by reservation: check each house’s website.
Art Deco Reims and the Place d’Erlon
Largely destroyed during the First World War, Reims was rebuilt in the 1920s, hence its many Art Deco façades, such as the Carnegie Library, funded by American donations. Place Drouet-d’Erlon, which locals call Place d’Erlon, is presented as the longest square in France.
The Museum of the Surrender
It was in Reims, on 7 May 1945 at 2:41 am, that the surrender of Nazi Germany was signed. The Museum of the Surrender occupies the room where the act was signed.
The biscuit rose
Alongside champagne, the pink biscuit (biscuit rose) is the edible emblem of Reims. Its recipe dates back to 1691; it is flavoured with vanilla and tradition has it that you dip it in a glass of champagne.
Itinerary: Reims in 2 days
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notre-Dame Cathedral | Palais du Tau, then the Carnegie Library and Art Deco façades | Place d’Erlon |
| 2 | Basilica and Museum of Saint-Remi | Visit to a champagne house on the Saint-Nicaise hill (booked) | Museum of the Surrender or the town centre |
| 3 (optional) | Montagne de Reims (Verzenay lighthouse, Verzy beeches) | Wine villages, Hautvillers | Back to Reims |
Reims combines easily with Paris for a weekend, or with Troyes for a tour of Champagne. Further east, the TGV line leads to Strasbourg.
When to go to Reims
From May to September: highs rise from 18.8 °C (66 °F) in May to 24.7 °C (76 °F) in July, and heat waves remain rare (7.7 days a year at 30 °C (86 °F) or more). June and September are a good compromise for visiting cellars and monuments. Winter is cold, as is usual in north-eastern France: the average low drops to 0.1 °C (32 °F) in January, with 14.0 frost days on average that month. Rainfall is moderate (628 mm / 24.7 in a year) and spread throughout the year. The underground cellars can be visited in any season.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rain days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.7 °C (42 °F) | 0.1 °C (32 °F) | 46.4 mm (1.8 in) | 10.3 | ❌ Cold, frequent frost |
| February | 7.1 °C (45 °F) | 0.1 °C (32 °F) | 41.2 mm (1.6 in) | 9.6 | ⚠️ Cold, cellars and museums |
| March | 11.3 °C (52 °F) | 2.6 °C (37 °F) | 50.9 mm (2.0 in) | 10.9 | ⚠️ Cool, frost still possible |
| April | 14.7 °C (58 °F) | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | 47.6 mm (1.9 in) | 9.6 | ⚠️ Mild, changeable spring |
| May | 18.8 °C (66 °F) | 8.1 °C (47 °F) | 61.7 mm (2.4 in) | 10.4 | ✅ Pleasant |
| June | 21.8 °C (71 °F) | 10.8 °C (51 °F) | 56.7 mm (2.2 in) | 9.5 | ✅ Ideal |
| July | 24.7 °C (76 °F) | 12.9 °C (55 °F) | 59.2 mm (2.3 in) | 8.1 | ✅ The warmest |
| August | 24.3 °C (76 °F) | 12.6 °C (55 °F) | 58.3 mm (2.3 in) | 8.3 | ✅ Warm, vineyards |
| September | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 9.8 °C (50 °F) | 48.7 mm (1.9 in) | 8.2 | ✅ Ideal, grape harvest |
| October | 15.6 °C (60 °F) | 7.2 °C (45 °F) | 52.4 mm (2.1 in) | 8.9 | ⚠️ Cool, wetter |
| November | 9.7 °C (49 °F) | 3.4 °C (38 °F) | 47.7 mm (1.9 in) | 9.7 | ⚠️ Cold, grey |
| December | 6.3 °C (43 °F) | 1.1 °C (34 °F) | 57.4 mm (2.3 in) | 10.7 | ❌ Cold, frequent frost |
How many frost and rain days over a weekend?
Scaling Météo-France monthly averages to a two-day stay, you can expect about 0.5 rain days over a weekend in July, against 0.7 in March. In January, frost affects on average 0.9 nights out of two: pack warm clothes for outdoor visits and the walks between cellars.
| Month | Rain days per 2 days | Days ≥ 25 °C (77 °F) in the month | Frost nights per 2 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.9 |
| February | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.9 |
| March | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.6 |
| April | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 |
| May | 0.7 | 2.6 | 0.0 |
| June | 0.6 | 7.5 | 0.0 |
| July | 0.5 | 13.7 | 0.0 |
| August | 0.5 | 12.4 | 0.0 |
| September | 0.5 | 3.7 | 0.0 |
| October | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 |
| November | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.5 |
| December | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.8 |
Getting there and getting around
- By train: Reims station and the LGV Est européenne high-speed line link Reims with Paris (about 45 minutes according to the tourist office). Timetables on the SNCF website.
- In town: the tram links the north, the centre and the TGV station; the centre is easy to explore on foot.
- By car: A4 (Paris – Strasbourg), A26 and A34 motorways; paid parking in the town centre, underground car parks.
Where to stay
The cathedral area and Place d’Erlon put you within walking distance of the main monuments and Reims station. The quieter Saint-Remi district is close to the Saint-Nicaise hill and several champagne houses.
If you… then…: choosing your trip
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| are coming on a day trip out of Paris | the cathedral, the Palais du Tau and a cellar booked in advance |
| love history | the coronation cathedral, the Palais du Tau, Saint-Remi and the Museum of the Surrender |
| are coming for the champagne | book one or two houses on the Saint-Nicaise hill, then the Montagne de Reims |
| love architecture | the Art Deco trail and the Carnegie Library |
| travel in winter | focus on the covered cellars and museums, and pack warm clothes |
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in the Schengen area, including France, for tourism or business; your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your stay, and you may be asked for proof of funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and be valid at least 3 months after you leave the Schengen area. Under the EU Entry/Exit System (EES), fingerprints and a photo may be taken at your first entry (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026).
- Health: UK travellers need a GHIC or valid EHIC for state healthcare; everyone should have travel insurance covering medical costs. Emergency numbers: 15 (medical), 17 (police), 18 (fire), 112 (European emergency number) (GOV.UK, travel.state.gov).
Practical tips for Reims
- Alcohol: if you plan tastings, do not drive; the tram and walking are enough in town.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Reims?
Two days for the cathedral, the Palais du Tau, Saint-Remi and a champagne house; three with the Montagne de Reims.
What is the best time to visit Reims?
From May to September according to Météo-France normals; winter is cold, with 14.0 frost days on average in January.
Which sites in Reims are UNESCO-listed?
Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais du Tau and the former Abbey of Saint-Remi (since 1991), as well as the Saint-Nicaise hill and its cellars, as part of the « Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars » (since 2015).
Can you visit a champagne house without booking?
Visits are generally by reservation: check the website of the house you choose.
How do you get to Reims?
By TGV high-speed train, about 45 minutes on the Paris–Reims line according to the tourist office, or by the A4 motorway.
Our sources
- Météo-France, climate data sheet for Reims-Courcy (51183001), 1981-2010 statistics, consulted on 23 October 2026
- Wikipedia: « Reims », « Reims Cathedral », « Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars », consulted on 23 October 2026
- Grand Reims tourist office (reims-tourisme.com), consulted on 23 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage calculations: rain days and frost nights over a weekend
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, France country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for France (updated 22 October 2026).
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our guide to France and our destinations in Europe.
