Day trip from Paris
Reims
Champagne & French History
Approximately 45 minutes by high-speed train
Why visit
Reims pairs one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in France — the coronation church of French kings — with the chalk cellars of the world's most famous Champagne houses. It is remarkably close to Paris for a destination that feels entirely its own.
Top things to see
- Notre-Dame de Reims and its Chagall windows
- The Palace of Tau, the former archbishop's palace
- Champagne cellar tours and tastings
- The Basilica of Saint-Remi
- The Art Deco streets of the city centre
Suggested one-day plan
Take a morning TGV from Paris and walk to the cathedral for the facade, interior and the Palace of Tau next door.
Lunch in the centre, then walk or take a short taxi to the Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne district.
Join a cellar tour and tasting, then browse the historic centre and Saint-Remi basilica.
Return to Paris on an early evening high-speed train.
TGV services from Paris Gare de l'Est reach Reims in about 45 minutes. The cathedral and old town are a 10–15 minute walk from Reims station, while some Champagne houses are a further 20–30 minute walk or a short tram or taxi ride.
A full day (7–9 hours) to fit the cathedral, a cellar visit and the centre.
- Cellar tours must be booked ahead and often sell out at weekends.
- Cellars stay around 10–12°C year round, so bring a layer.
- Reims Centre and Champagne-Ardenne TGV are different stations — check which one your ticket uses.
- If you plan a tasting, leave the driving to the train.