• Reims Cathedral : A lot of French kings were crowned here. It was left in tatters by WWI and played host to a mass for peace between France and Germany in 1962.
• Palais du Tau : Palais du Tau is now home to a museum exhibiting Reims Cathedral’s treasury. The cathedral’s treasure and some of the church’s original statues are on display here. The most important pieces in the royal treasury are Charlemagne’s amulet (9th century) and Saint Remi’s chalice (12th century). The reliquary of the Holy Ampulla contained holy oil to anoint the new king during their coronation.
• Musée du Vergeur : Construction began on Hôtel Le Vergeur in the 13th century. It was a patrician home in a wealthy merchant neighbourhood. The salt inspector Nicolas Le Vergeur owned it in the 16th century and transformed the building into a manor with internal walls surrounding a private courtyard. It now mainly features Renaissance architecture. Hugues Krafft (1853-1935) returned from his worldwide travels with pieces, clothes and photographic plates that formed an extensive ethnography collection. His collections, furniture, paintings, library and archives became a museum when he died. Countless generous donors add to the museum collection at Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur every year.
• Saint Remi Basilica: This Romanesque-Gothic basilica is one of the great Romanesque masterpieces in Northern France. You won’t believe how deep and intimate the 126m building feels. Remember to bring a 2 Euro coin with you to light it up when you get here… It’s worth every penny.
• Musée Saint Rémi : The museum is housed in 17th and 18th century buildings at the UNESCO World Heritage Saint-Remi Royal Abbey. The extensive collections capture local history from Prehistoric times to the Renaissance.
• Domaine Pommery : You won’t see anything else like the Elizabethan-style estate that Madame Pommery had designed and built in the 19th century in Champagne. You can visit the incredible Gallo-Roman chalk pits during your guided tour of the winery! Madame Pommery was an art enthusiast who always gave them pride of place in her cellars. The cellars regularly play host to art exhibitions.
• Villa Demoiselle : The manor is a unique example of the transition from Art Nouveau architecture to Art Déco. Villa Demoiselle was built to Louis Sorel’s plans between 1904 and 1908. Paul-François Vranken, President of Champagne Vranken, bought the villa in 2004 and spent almost 5 years renovating it. The best craftsmen were brought in to restore it to its former glory in keeping with the period. Travel back in time and explore the stylish interiors at Villa Demoiselle on a tour or at an event.
You can pick up discounted tickets when you visit the Pommery winery.
• Musée du Fort de la Pompelle : This major WWI memorial site houses an extensive collection. The fully renovated fort gives visitors a real insight into the reality of life and wartime in Champagne and Reims. Armies from all over the world came to the Champagne battlefield to settle scores. The land always bounced back.
• Le Musée de la Reddition : General Eisenhower set up his HQ at Reims technical college in February 1945. The unconditional surrender of the Third Reich army was signed at 2.41am on May 7th, right here in the Salle de la Reddition, ending the Second World War in Europe. A museum based on the “surrender room” opened in 2005 and has preserved its original features. The museum displays fifty authentic models among other exhibits.
• Café du Palais : its art déco interior often appears in TV programmes about the region. Great hospitality and food. It’s a bit pricey but worth it. Good value for money.
• Quartier Boulingrin : This lovely neighbourhood runs from Halles du Boulingrin to Place du Forum and is full of brasseries and restaurants. It’s one of the best spots in Reims and has a great atmosphere.
• Le Foch
• Le Racine
NB: Booking required months in advance.
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.