When I first arrived in Reims, the so-called “City of Coronations” in the Champagne region of France, I expected grandeur. The gothic cathedral, the champagne houses, the Roman ruins—I knew they would all be there waiting. But what surprised me was how easily history and nature intermingle in Reims. One moment you’re gazing at a medieval stained-glass window, and a few minutes later you’re strolling through tree-lined boulevards or hidden gardens.
Yet, Reims felt unique. Its walking routes don’t just showcase history in stone; they offer green spaces, soft corners, and the chance to catch your breath under an elm tree before continuing your exploration of centuries-old landmarks.
I’ll take you through three walking tours I personally joined and experienced, sharing my raw impressions, logistical details, pros and cons, and heartfelt reflections. Then, I’ll recommend four other walking tours in Reims that are well worth considering. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or simply someone who enjoys strolling at your own pace, there’s a walking route here for you.
🚶♂️ My Walking Tours in Reims
- Reims Cathedral & Historical Center Walking Tour
📍 Meeting Point: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Place du Cardinal Luçon
🕒 Duration: About 2 hours
💶 Price: Around €15–€20 per person
📲 Booking Platforms: GetYourGuide, Viator, or directly through the Reims Tourist Office
My Experience
Standing in front of Reims Cathedral is like standing before time itself. I had seen photos before, but nothing prepares you for the soaring façade, the detailed sculptures, or the way the sunlight dances across the towers. My walking tour began here, with a local guide who clearly loved her city. She spoke passionately about how 33 French kings were crowned here, from Louis VIII in the 13th century to Charles X in the 19th.
We didn’t just stay at the cathedral, though. The tour wove through the historical heart of Reims: the Palais du Tau (the archbishop’s palace turned museum), the Place Royale with its statue of Louis XV, and the charming streets nearby. The pace was easy, with pauses to admire details I might have otherwise missed—like the gargoyles, each with its own expression.
What I Loved Personally
• The guide pointed out Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows inside the cathedral. The colors were like liquid light. I sat for 10 minutes just absorbing the calm.
• I loved walking down Rue de Tambour, where medieval houses still whisper stories of guilds and merchants.
• At Place du Forum, I got to step into the Roman cryptoporticus (an underground gallery). The contrast between Roman stone and modern cafés above was fascinating.
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
• Extremely informative and rich in detail.
• Small group size (10–12 people).
• Perfect for first-time visitors.
❌ Cons:
• Standing inside the cathedral can get cold—bring a light sweater.
• If you’re not interested in history, some parts might feel overwhelming.
My Recommendation Index: 10/10
If you only do one walking tour in Reims, make it this one.
- Champagne Houses & Vineyard Walking Tour
📍 Meeting Point: Champagne Taittinger House, Rue de la Montagne
🕒 Duration: Half-day (3–4 hours)
💶 Price: €50–€70 (includes tastings)
📲 Booking Platforms: Champagne-booking.com, GetYourGuide, official champagne houses websites
My Experience
This tour combined my two favorite things: nature and champagne. We started at Champagne Taittinger, where the guide explained the history of the house and the chalk caves below the city. From there, we walked through the southern edges of Reims, past tree-lined avenues, and eventually into the vineyards themselves.
The highlight was strolling between the vines, with the sun on my face and rows of green stretching endlessly toward the Montagne de Reims. The guide talked about terroir, grape varieties, and the strict rules of champagne-making. I tasted Chardonnay grapes straight from the vine (with permission), and their sweetness surprised me.
The tour ended with a tasting of two champagnes in a small salon overlooking the vineyards. I remember sitting with my glass, breathing in the crisp air, and thinking, This is why I travel.
What I Loved Personally
• Walking in the vineyards felt meditative, almost like hiking but with champagne as the reward.
• The guide was both knowledgeable and funny—he made terroir sound like storytelling.
• The tasting included a rare vintage champagne that isn’t sold in supermarkets.
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
• Combines nature and culture beautifully.
• Includes tastings, which feel like a mini celebration.
• Scenic photography opportunities.
❌ Cons:
• Pricey compared to other tours.
• Not ideal in rainy weather (bring waterproof shoes).
My Recommendation Index: 9/10
Worth every euro if you love both walking and champagne.
- Reims Parks & Gardens Walking Tour
📍 Meeting Point: Parc de Champagne, Avenue du Général Giraud
🕒 Duration: 2.5–3 hours
💶 Price: Around €20
📲 Booking Platforms: Reims Tourist Office, GetYourGuide
My Experience
Sometimes, after cathedrals and champagne houses, you just need green peace. This tour focused on Reims’ parks and gardens. We began at Parc de Champagne, strolling along its wide lawns and rose gardens. The guide explained how the park was originally a gift from Eugène Mercier in the early 20th century.
From there, we walked to Jardin d’Horticulture Pierre Schneiter, where we explored exotic plants and a peaceful pond. The final stop was Parc Léo Lagrange, where the atmosphere shifted to sports and community life.
I loved how the guide tied the parks to Reims’ history, pointing out how they reflect the city’s resilience after World War I.
What I Loved Personally
• Sitting on a bench under chestnut trees, listening to the guide’s stories, I felt like I was part of Reims life.
• The rose gardens at Parc de Champagne were unforgettable—the fragrance lingered with me for hours.
• Watching locals jog, picnic, and play gave me a sense of the city beyond tourism.
Pros & Cons
✔️ Pros:
• Relaxing, refreshing, and family-friendly.
• Off-the-beaten-path.
• Affordable price.
❌ Cons:
• Less “wow” factor if you prefer architecture.
• Some sections involve longer walking distances.
My Recommendation Index: 8.5/10
A perfect complement to cathedral tours, especially if you need a break from crowds.
🌍 Recommended Walking Tours in Reims
- World War I History Walking Tour
• Focuses on the scars left by WWI, with stops at memorials, trenches, and the Fort de la Pompelle.
• Perfect for history buffs.
• Approx. €25, 2.5 hours. - Food & Market Walking Tour
• Includes tastings at Halles du Boulingrin market: local cheese, ham, and biscuits roses de Reims.
• Prices range €35–€45.
• Great for foodies who want to mix walking with sampling. - Street Art & Modern Reims Tour
• Reims is surprisingly colorful, with murals scattered across the city.
• The tour highlights how Reims is reinventing itself beyond champagne and cathedrals.
• Approx. €20. - Evening Champagne & Illumination Walk
• Starts at sunset, ends with champagne tasting while the cathedral lights up.
• Romantic and atmospheric.
• Around €40 per person.
🚉 Getting Around Reims for Walking Tours
• From Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: Take the TGV to Reims (45 minutes). Walking tours usually begin in the city center, a short taxi ride from the station.
• Local Transportation: Buses in Reims are reliable, but most tours are walkable from the cathedral area.
• Booking Tips: Platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, and the official Reims Tourist Office website often offer bundle discounts (e.g., cathedral + champagne house tours).
🎟️ Discounts & Passes
• Reims City Pass: Offers discounts on tours, free entry to some museums, and unlimited public transport. Starting from €22 for 24 hours.
• Student & Senior Discounts: Many tours give €5–€10 off if you show ID.
• Group Booking: If you’re traveling with 4+ people, it’s often cheaper to book directly with the guide.
🌟Walking Reims was not just sightseeing—it was an act of connecting. Every street corner, every park bench, every vineyard path held layers of history and life.
The three tours I personally joined taught me that Reims is a city of contrasts:
• The Cathedral Tour gave me awe.
• The Champagne Vineyards Tour gave me joy.
• The Parks Tour gave me peace.
The four recommended tours show that there are always more layers to uncover—whether in food markets, street art, or wartime memorials.
For me, the best part of walking in Reims was how accessible everything felt. The city is compact, flat, and walkable. Unlike Paris, it doesn’t overwhelm. Instead, it invites you to slow down, sip champagne, and let centuries of history seep into your steps.
So here’s my advice: when you come to Reims, don’t just dash through the cathedral and rush back to Paris. Book a walking tour (or two, or three). Let the city reveal itself at walking pace. You’ll discover that in Reims, history doesn’t just sit behind glass—it breathes in the streets, the gardens, and even the vineyards.
