When I think back to my time in Reims, the city that so many people know only for its cathedral and champagne, one of the greatest surprises was just how green the city is. Between the Roman ruins, Gothic spires, and champagne houses, Reims also offers wide stretches of parkland, manicured gardens, and peaceful escapes that feel like a soft pause in the middle of a historic soundtrack.
Sometimes to rest my legs after long museum days, sometimes to soak in local life—Reims struck me as an underrated garden city. Unlike Paris, where famous parks are often crowded, the parks and gardens of Reims still feel local, approachable, and very much a part of the city’s daily rhythm.
I’ll take you through three parks and gardens I personally visited in Reims, sharing my raw impressions, little stories from my time there, and practical advice on how to get the most out of your visit. I’ll also recommend three more green escapes that I researched, peeked into, or heard about from locals, complete with their highlights and activities.
🌳 Parc de Champagne
📍 Location: 10 Avenue du Général Giraud, 51100 Reims
🚉 How to get there: From Reims train station (Gare de Reims), you can take Bus Line 6 towards “Hôpital Robert Debré” and get off at “Parc de Champagne.” The ride takes around 15 minutes, followed by a 5-minute walk. From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, the most convenient route is to take the TGV directly to Reims (45 minutes) and then a taxi or bus to the park.
🕒 Opening Hours: April to October, daily from 9:00–20:00; November to March, 9:00–17:00.
💶 Entry: Free.
My Experience
The first time I set foot in Parc de Champagne, I was struck by its sheer size. It covers more than 22 hectares, and it’s not just a park—it’s an institution for Reims residents. Opened in 1910 as a gift from Eugene Mercier (yes, from the Mercier champagne family), it’s deeply tied to the city’s history of hospitality and leisure.
I visited on a warm late-spring afternoon. The lawns were filled with families having picnics, groups of teenagers tossing Frisbees, joggers looping through the tree-lined paths, and kids chasing after each other near the play areas. What I loved most was the sense of balance: plenty of life and activity, but also quiet corners where I could sit on a bench under the chestnut trees and read in peace.
What I Loved Personally
- The Grand Lawn
o It’s like the beating heart of the park. I spread out my picnic blanket with a baguette and cheese I’d bought from a local boulangerie. Watching people cycle, chat, or simply sunbathe gave me the feeling of being part of the city, not just visiting it. - The Rose Garden
o Parc de Champagne is known for its roses. Walking among rows of vibrant reds, yellows, and soft pinks was pure joy. The scent was intoxicating. I found myself slowing down, taking photos of individual blooms like they were portraits. - The Open-Air Events
o While I didn’t plan my trip around it, I stumbled into a rehearsal for a local music festival. The atmosphere was electric. Apparently, Parc de Champagne regularly hosts concerts, cultural festivals, and sports events. It felt like the park wasn’t just green space—it was a stage for the city’s culture.
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
• Free entry and very family-friendly.
• A blend of wide-open space and quiet corners.
• Lots of activities: jogging, cycling, concerts.
❌ Cons:
• Can get crowded on weekends.
• Limited food/drink vendors inside—better to bring your own picnic.
Entertainment Activities I’d Recommend Here
• Picnicking under the trees (cheap, delicious, and very French).
• Jogging or cycling on the long loops.
• Attending a concert or open-air event (check the Reims tourism website for schedules).
⭐ Recommendation Index: 9/10. A must-visit for anyone staying more than a day in Reims.
🌸 Jardin d’Horticulture Pierre Schneiter
📍 Location: Rue du Colonel Fabien, 51100 Reims
🚉 How to get there: From Gare de Reims, take Bus Line 2 toward “Europe” and get off at “Schneiter.” It’s about 15 minutes. A taxi costs around €10.
🕒 Opening Hours: Daily, 7:30–20:00 in summer; 8:00–17:30 in winter.
💶 Entry: Free.
My Experience
This garden is smaller and more intimate than Parc de Champagne, but in some ways, it captured my heart even more. It’s a botanical garden, designed with both education and beauty in mind.
I visited early in the morning, and it felt like a hidden paradise. The dew still clung to the flowers, and the only sounds were birds chirping and a gardener trimming shrubs. The air smelled of lilacs and roses. Walking through its winding paths, I felt like I had the garden almost to myself.
What I Loved Personally
- The Greenhouses
o Though modest in size, they house exotic plants that you wouldn’t expect to find in Reims. I lingered by the orchids, feeling like I’d stepped into another climate. - The Arboretum
o Over 400 species of trees, each labeled. I’ve always loved learning about trees on my travels, and this was like a living textbook. My favorite was a giant sequoia that looked like a quiet giant among its peers. - The Pond
o Ducks, lilies, and perfect reflections. I sat here sketching for half an hour, enjoying the kind of peace you rarely find in urban life.
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
• Educational and beautifully maintained.
• Peaceful atmosphere, even on weekends.
• Great for plant lovers or quiet reflection.
❌ Cons:
• No playgrounds or big lawns—less appealing for young kids.
• Limited seating.
Entertainment Activities I’d Recommend Here
• Photography – the flowers and trees are a dream for close-up shots.
• Sketching or journaling – I found it inspiring.
• Botanical scavenger hunt – if you’re traveling with kids, make it a game to find the labeled trees.
⭐ Recommendation Index: 8.5/10. Perfect for nature lovers or anyone seeking quiet.
🌿 Parc Léo Lagrange
📍 Location: Boulevard Paul Doumer, 51100 Reims
🚉 How to get there: From Gare de Reims, Bus Line 4 toward “Cité Brimontel,” stop “Léo Lagrange.” It’s about 20 minutes.
🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7.
💶 Entry: Free.
My Experience
Parc Léo Lagrange is very different from the previous two—it’s more of a modern, sporty park. I came here on a Saturday afternoon, and it was buzzing with activity. Soccer fields, basketball courts, running tracks—it’s like the athletic lung of Reims.
I’m not usually a sports traveler, but I loved how much energy the park had. Families were playing, couples were jogging hand in hand, and teens were practicing tricks on their bikes. I joined the jogging loop, and it felt great to stretch my legs after a week of indulgent champagne tastings and cathedral visits.
What I Loved Personally
- The Running Track
o Wide, clean, and surrounded by greenery. I ran three laps and actually felt like a local for a moment. - The Outdoor Gym Equipment
o Simple, free-to-use machines scattered around. I tried a few for fun and ended up chatting with locals who were exercising. - The Playground
o Full of laughter, and honestly, it made me smile. Parks are about families as much as tourists, and here you feel that energy.
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
• Lots of sports facilities.
• Open 24 hours.
• Big and versatile.
❌ Cons:
• Less “scenic beauty” compared to botanical gardens.
• Can be noisy on weekends.
Entertainment Activities I’d Recommend Here
• Jogging or walking the loop.
• Joining a soccer or basketball game (locals are friendly if you ask politely).
• Evening strolls—the park is well-lit.
⭐ Recommendation Index: 8/10. Best if you want activity rather than quiet beauty.
🌼 Recommended Parks & Gardens
Besides the three I explored personally, I’d recommend these based on research, local tips, and brief visits:
- Parc de la Patte d’Oie
• Location: Near the train station, Rue Libergier.
• Why go: Central, with fountains and flowerbeds. Great for a quick stroll between sights.
• Activity: People-watching, eating a sandwich on a bench. - Parc Naturel Régional de la Montagne de Reims
• Location: About 20 minutes’ drive from Reims.
• Why go: Vineyards, forests, hiking trails. It’s the countryside escape.
• Activity: Hiking, cycling, champagne house visits. - Jardin de la Patte de Chat (local hidden gem)
• Why go: Small, whimsical garden with sculptures. Locals adore it.
• Activity: Photography, short relaxation.
Booking Platforms & Tips
• Reims City Pass: Covers transportation and discounts on attractions.
• Google Maps: Essential for bus routes. Reims buses are punctual but not as frequent as in Paris.
• GetYourGuide: Some tours include park visits combined with champagne houses.
When I left Reims, I realized that the city had given me more than Gothic architecture and sparkling champagne. It had offered me moments of green peace—benches under chestnut trees, roses in bloom, quiet mornings in botanical gardens, and sweaty joy on jogging tracks.
Each park I visited had its own personality:
• Parc de Champagne was grand and cultural.
• Jardin d’Horticulture Pierre Schneiter was intimate and thoughtful.
• Parc Léo Lagrange was energetic and social.
And the ones I didn’t explore as deeply still whispered promises of fountains, hills, and vineyard-lined trails.
For me, these green escapes were more than just places to rest—they were where I felt the heartbeat of Reims. The locals relaxing, the children playing, the elderly chatting on benches—all of it reminded me that cities aren’t just monuments, they’re lived-in places.
So if you visit Reims, my advice is simple: don’t just chase cathedrals and champagne flutes. Chase the green, too. Bring a picnic, lace up your shoes, slow down, and let the parks and gardens of Reims steal your heart the way they stole mine.
