As you continue west, the crowded city of Paris will fade away into countryside orchards and vineyards. Those who enjoy high-quality wine will know that Reims is located on the northern edge of the Campagne wine region. It is the perfect place to go for tours and wine tastings at local vineyards of famous brands like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. Unlike a bus or train, your Daytrip driver can get you right where you need to go as you head into the villages nearby.

When you arrive in Reims, you’ll find it is compact and walkable, so you’ll be able to leave the car parked while you explore the city. Reims’ classical French architecture is the perfect background for vacation photos, and it will be easy to see why almost every French royal was crowned in this charming little city.

Reims through the centuries

The history of Reims dates back to Roman times when it was known as Durocortorum. You’ll find bits of Roman ruins and even a large Roman arch as you wander the city today. It flourished as a major city in medieval France, serving as the coronation site for French kings from Clovis I in 496 to Charles X in 1825. The city played a pivotal role in shaping French history, witnessing significant events such as the Treaty of Reims in 1429, which marked the end of the Hundred Years' War.

Today, Reims is a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. Also known as the "Cathedral of Our Lady of Reims," people come from all over the world to see the traditional site of French royal coronations.

Cheers to Champagne

Reims is also famous for its Champagne production. The region surrounding Reims is home to some of the world's most prestigious Champagne houses, including Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger.

Visitors to Reims can explore the Champagne vineyards, tour historic cellars, and indulge in tastings of this renowned sparkling wine. With Daytrip’s fleet of drivers and vehicles at your disposal, you’ll be able to enjoy all the wine tastings without worrying about having to drive home.

Why we keep going back to Reims

People visit Reims for a variety of reasons: the champagne, the connection to French royalty, the classical French architecture, and the art. Regardless of what brought you to Reims, one of the highlights of visiting Reims is simply exploring its charming city center. Walk its pedestrian-friendly streets, shop at the bustling markets for wine and cheese, and have a coffee at one of its lively cafes.

See more than just Reims

Reims is a great day trip destination from Paris, but there are plenty of sights along the way as well that are not too far from the main highways. With a private driver, customizing your schedule to fit your interests is much easier than taking the train or bus.

For military history buffs, stop by the Caverne du Dragon or the Chateau-Thierry Monument. Both these sites are important to commemorate soldiers’ contributions during World War I.

Dress comfortably

The last thing you need is a blister or fall to ruin the day! Reims is a small, compact town, but you will still be doing a lot of walking. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, since you will be far from home for the whole day.

If you are heading to the Champagne wine cellar tours, sturdy shoes that can withstand damp floors, steep stairs, and lots of walking are crucial to your comfort. Bring a sweater (even in the summer) if you want to stay warm while down in the chilly cellars.

Beat the crowds with a little pre-planning

If you are visiting Reims in the summer, book as many of your tours ahead of time as you can. This is the most popular time of year to visit, so you may be competing with many other people for that wine-tasting or art museum entrance.

An early departure from Paris will also help shorten your wait time at popular sights. Leave yourself plenty of time in between activities to account for any delays, and remember to have fun!

Paris to Reims with a private driver

Do your vacation on your schedule with a private driver. Have all the benefits of renting a car without having to worry about refueling before returning the car, driving in a foreign country, or parallel parking in an ancient city made for horses and carts. The countryside between Paris and Reims has a lot for the discerning traveler who would like to have a deeper cultural experience. A private driver elevates the experience by making your fully customizable itinerary a reality.

You’ll start the day by being picked up right from your accommodation in Paris by one of our English and French-speaking drivers. They will get you safely to all the excursions you have planned between Paris and Reims.

Once you’ve made it to Reims, your driver will take you exactly where you’d like to start your exploring. If you’ll be spending the night in Reims, your driver will take you to your accommodation and even help with your luggage.

Our fleet of vehicles are insured, sanitized in between rides, and can accommodate the handicapped or children’s car seats. Be sure to ask ahead about any accommodations you’ll need for your trip and our 24/7 customer service will be happy to help.

Paris to Reims by bus

Buses between Paris and Reims have an average travel time of 1 hour and 50 minutes and cost between $6.40 and $15 (€6-€14). Don’t worry about needing to transfer since there are many direct options. Buses do sell out in advance, so don’t rely on booking tickets on the day of travel.

Paris to Reims by train

High-speed trains from Paris to Reims take 45 minutes, and tickets cost between $32 and $70 (€30-€65). SNCF operates the high-speed option, and discounted tickets are available for children, the handicapped, students, and the disabled. Book a few weeks ahead for the best price. An open return ticket is the best way to have a flexible return time back to Paris, so check if that is an option for the day of your trip.

Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral Complex

The Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral is the traditional site of French royal coronations, and you will see why. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a prime example of high Gothic architecture. This spot has been used as a cathedral since the 5th century, but the current structure is from the 14th century. During World War I, the cathedral experienced some damage, and the windows were replaced with excellent replicas.

The complex also includes the Palace of Tau and, a bit further away, the Abbey of Saint-Rémi of Reims.

Palais du Tau (Palace of Tau)

The Palace of Tau was the traditional residence of French royalty before their coronations. It is adjacent to the Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral. Since 1972, its museum has hosted artifacts from previous coronations, such as tapestries, jewels, and nearly 1,000-year-old Catholic relics.

Have lunch on the main square

Place Drouet d'Erlon is the main square, lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, making it the perfect spot to relax and have lunch in between tours. Pick up some wine and cheese as a souvenir too!

Saint-Remi Basilica and the Abbey of Saint-Remi of Reims

The basilica and abbey are about a 30-minute walk south of the town center. They include relics from Saint Remi, the patron saint of Reims. The basilica and abbey are built in the same Gothic style as the rest of the Cathedral complex.

Take a tour of the Champagne houses and cellars

Discover the secrets of Champagne production by visiting renowned Champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger. Take guided tours of their cellars to learn about the winemaking process. Storing wine underground is an ancient practice that helps keep it at a constant temperature throughout the year. The best part? Definitely the Champagne tastings!

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims (The Museum of Fine Arts)

Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims, housed in a former abbey, to admire its extensive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. This includes a collection of art seized from the French aristocracy during the French revolution.

Musée de la Reddition (The Surrender Museum)

Learn about the end of World War II at the Musée de la Reddition, housed in the former Allied headquarters where the German surrender was signed on May 7, 1945. Explore exhibits detailing the events leading to the end of the war in Europe. A must-see for those interested in Europe’s military history.

Musée Automobile de Reims-Champagne (The Reims Automobile Museum)

The Musée Automobile de Reims-Champagne has a diverse collection of 250 vintage cars, racing cars, and motorcycles spanning over a century of automotive history. Explore exhibits highlighting the evolution of automotive engineering and racing, and learn about legendary drivers and iconic vehicles. Come for a unique blend of nostalgia, education, and entertainment for visitors of all ages.

La Porte de Mars Arch

Come see the widest Roman arch that is still standing. It was built in the 200s and is the highlight of the flower garden in the middle of downtown Reims. The arch is conveniently located right by the main train station, so it makes for a good first or last stop on your trip.