Reims sits at the elegant heart of France’s Champagne region. This is where French kings were crowned, where Gothic architecture reaches toward the sky, and where prestigious cellars hold millions of bottles of bubbly.
With its 2,000 years of history, striking Art Deco streetscapes, and grand cathedral, the city is a visual feast.
Best of all, it’s only about 45 to 50 minutes from Paris by train and surprisingly compact.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to get to Reims from Paris, why the city is so easy to explore on foot, and the best things to see and do.
You’ll also find tips for visiting the famous Champagne houses, two suggested day-trip routes (one entirely walkable, one with a short bus ride), and local foods worth trying. 😊
1. How to Get to Reims from Paris
Getting to Reims from Paris is refreshingly simple.
Most trains depart from Paris Gare de l’Est. The high-speed TGV Inoui can get you to Reims in as little as 46 minutes. Some regional TER trains or connecting routes may take between one and two hours, so check your ticket carefully.
Key travel details:
- Departure station: Paris Gare de l’Est
- Train type: TGV Inoui (fastest) or TER (slower regional trains)
- Travel time: 46 minutes to 2 hours depending on service
- Arrival station: Reims Centre (also listed as Reims Ville or simply Reims)
When you arrive at Reims Centre station, you’ll step out near Square Colbert, a pleasant green park that leads naturally into the city’s pedestrianized historic zones. From here, the walk to the Cathédrale Notre-Dame takes about 10 to 15 minutes at a relaxed pace.
There’s no need for taxis or a tram for the main central sights.
A note on stations: There’s a secondary station called Champagne-Ardenne TGV, located about 8 kilometers southwest of the city center. This one is not within walking distance of the historic sites, so make sure your ticket is for Reims Centre if you want to explore on foot.
2. Why Reims Is So Easy to Explore on Foot
Reims is built for walking.
The historic center, often called the “Hypercentre”, is remarkably compact. Major landmarks, shops, and restaurants are clustered together within a small area. The terrain is flat, so there are no steep hills to slow you down.
The city has also invested in pedestrian-friendly streets. Large sections, like the bustling Place Drouet d’Erlon, are entirely car-free. Well-maintained sidewalks and clear signage guide you between attractions.
You can walk from a Roman triumphal arch to a Gothic cathedral in less than 15 minutes. For most visitors, that means exploring almost all the main sights without needing any transport.
Sample walking times:
- Station to Porte de Mars: 5 to 7 minutes
- Porte de Mars to Halles Boulingrin: 2 to 3 minutes
- Halles Boulingrin to Place du Forum: 7 to 9 minutes
- Place du Forum to Place Royale: 2 minutes
- Place Royale to Cathedral: 5 minutes
One honest note: One honest note: The Champagne houses in the southern Saint-Nicaise district are about 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the cathedral. If you’re short on time or energy, the city’s Citura bus network (Line 1) can get you there in about 12 to 15 minutes.
3. Best Things to Do in Reims (Walkable Highlights)
a. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Why visit: This is one of the most important Gothic cathedrals in the world. It hosted the coronation ceremonies of 25 to 33 French kings over a span of 1,000 years. UNESCO designated it a World Heritage site in 1991.
What to expect: The cathedral is massive, larger than Notre-Dame de Paris. The exterior features over 2,300 sculpted figures, including the famous “Smiling Angel”. Inside, soaring ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows, including vibrant blue panels designed by Marc Chagall, create an unforgettable atmosphere. Entry to the main cathedral is free.
b. Magasin Fossier Reims Cathédrale
Why visit: This shop celebrates Reims’ oldest culinary tradition, the Biscuit Rose de Reims. Fossier has been making these pink biscuits since 1756.
What to expect: A charming “bonbonnière” setting filled with regional treats. You can learn about the history of this double-baked biscuit and pick up some to take home.
c. Halles Boulingrin
Why visit: This 1920s market hall is a triumph of Art Deco architecture. The thin-shell concrete vault was revolutionary for its time.
What to expect: A restored covered market buzzing with local vendors selling artisanal cheeses, meats, and Champagne. Visit on Saturday mornings for the best atmosphere.
d. Place Drouet d’Erlon
Why visit: This is the social heart of Reims, a long pedestrian square lined with brasseries, cafés, and shops.
What to expect: A lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings. At the center stands the Subé Fountain, topped with a gilded statue of “Victory”. This area comes alive during events like the Christmas Market.
e. Place du Forum
Why visit: This square has been a meeting place since Roman times. Today, it’s surrounded by Art Deco buildings and the historic Hotel Le Vergeur, which houses a museum of fine arts and history.
What to expect: A pleasant stop that blends ancient history with early 20th-century elegance. Beneath the square lies the Cryptoporticus, a subterranean Roman gallery from the 3rd century. Entrance to the Cryptoporticus is free, though it’s mainly open during summer and for special exhibitions.
f. Place Royale
Why visit: Designed in the 18th century to honor King Louis XV, this is a masterpiece of neoclassical symmetry.
What to expect: A quiet, dignified square anchored by a bronze statue of the king in Roman attire. It connects the city hall to the commercial center.
g. Musée de la Reddition
Why visit: This museum marks the spot where Germany’s unconditional surrender was signed on May 7, 1945, ending World War II in Europe.
What to expect: The “War Room” has remained untouched since 1945. You’ll see authentic uniforms, maps, and artifacts. The museum is just a 5-minute walk from Reims Centre station and offers a humbling, informative experience, plan about 60 minutes for your visit.
h. Porte de Mars
Why visit: This massive Roman triumphal arch dates back to the 2nd or 3rd century AD. It’s the widest Roman arch in the world, standing 13 meters high and 33 meters long.
What to expect: Remarkably well-preserved bas-reliefs depicting scenes like Romulus and Remus and an agricultural calendar. Located in a quiet park just north of the train station, it’s a free and easy starting point for a walking tour.
4. Champagne Houses You Can Visit (Key Experience)
The Champagne houses are a highlight of any visit to Reims. Their underground cellars, carved from ancient chalk pits called “crayères”, provide the perfect cool environment for aging wine.
a. Vranken Pommery
Why visit: The estate features a striking Elizabethan neo-Gothic style, designed to appeal to English tastes. The tour combines industrial heritage with contemporary art.
What to expect: A grand, immersive experience through 18 kilometers of underground tunnels that frequently host large-scale art installations.
b. Villa Demoiselle
Why visit: This Art Nouveau and Art Deco jewel, built in 1909 and meticulously restored, is directly opposite Pommery.
What to expect: A luxurious tour focused on high-end craftsmanship, featuring 22,000 gold leaves and original period furniture. A joint visit with Pommery gives you a comprehensive view of the Vranken-Pommery group.
c. Champagne Taittinger
Why visit: Taittinger offers a deeply historical cellar tour beneath the remains of a 13th-century abbey, with some chalk pits dating to the Gallo-Roman era.
What to expect: Following an 18-month renovation, the 2026 experience features immersive interpreter-guided tours exploring winemaking and the Taittinger family’s history.
Reservation tip: Advance reservations are mandatory for Champagne house tours. English-language sessions often sell out weeks ahead, so book early. Bring a sweater, as the underground cellars stay chilly year-round.
Getting there: The Champagne houses in the Saint-Nicaise district are about 20 to 30 minutes on foot from the cathedral. If you prefer to save time or energy, take Bus Line 1 from the city center, which reaches the area in about 12 to 15 minutes. These houses are not as walkable as the central historic sights, so plan accordingly.
5. Suggested 1-Day Walking Itinerary (2 Options)
Route 1: The Historical Heart & Heritage
- 9:00 AM – Reims Train Station
- 9:10 AM – Musée de la Reddition (This museum is closed for renovation work; please check the official website before visiting)
- 10:30 AM – Porte de Mars
- 11:00 AM – Halles Boulingrin
- 11:40 AM – Place du Forum
- 12:20 PM – Place Royale
- 12:30 PM (Lunch) – Le Bistrot des Anges
- 2:00 PM – Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
- 4:45 PM – Magasin Fossier Reims Cathédrale
- 5:30 PM – Place Drouet d’Erlon
- 7:00 PM (Dinner) – L’Alambic
Route 2: The Cathedral & Champagne Experience
- 9:00 AM – Reims Train Station
- 9:10 AM – Musée de la Reddition (This museum is closed for renovation work; please check the official website before visiting)
- 10:12 AM – Porte de Mars & Halles Boulingrin (Quick photo stops)
- 11:00 AM – Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
- 12:15 PM (Lunch) – Sacré Burger
- 1:30 PM – Magasin Fossier Reims Cathédrale
- 2:00 PM – Take the Bus #1 from Etape bus stop to Crayeres bus stop
- 2:30 PM – Vranken Pommery (highly recommended to book in advance)
- 4:00 PM – Villa Demoiselle (highly recommended to book in advance)
- 5:29 PM – Take the Bus #1 from Gouraud bus stop to Opera-cathedrale bus stop
- 5:50 PM – Place Royale & Place du Forum
- 6:30 PM – Place Drouet d’Erlon
- 7:30 PM (Dinner) – Brasserie du Boulingrin
6. What to Eat in Reims (Food to Try)
Reims has a proud culinary tradition. Here are five local specialties worth trying:
- Biscuit Rose de Reims: A light, vanilla-flavored pink biscuit, double-baked so it won’t break when dipped in Champagne.
- Jambon de Reims: High-quality ham made from pork shoulder and leg, seasoned with nutmeg and parsley, coated in golden breadcrumbs.
- Moutarde de Reims: A refined mustard made with local Champagne vinegar, smoother than traditional Dijon.
- Bouchons au Marc de Champagne: Cork-shaped dark chocolates filled with Marc, a strong local brandy distilled from Champagne grape pressings.
- Chaource Cheese: A creamy, melt-in-the-mouth regional cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor.