Falling in Love with Champagne’s Beating Heart
When I first set foot in Reims, I thought I was simply visiting another mid-sized French city with a famous cathedral. I was wrong. Reims is not just a stopover—it’s a living, breathing showcase of Champagne culture, art, food, and French elegance. Every cobblestone, every glass of sparkling wine, every local smile reminded me that this was a place with layers of history and modern charm.
But here’s the truth: planning my first trip to Reims wasn’t as straightforward as I thought. I overpacked, misjudged the weather, overspent on a few things I could have saved on, and even got lost trying to understand local transport (spoiler: there’s no metro in Reims, but I’ll explain that in detail because I wasted hours trying to figure it out).
So, I’m writing this ultimate guide as a traveler who learned by trial and error. If it’s your first time in Reims, these tips will help you pack smarter, budget better, eat safer, and explore deeper.
Section 1: Travel Essentials I Wish I Had Packed
My Packing Mistakes
On my first visit, I carried too many heavy sweaters and not enough versatile layers. Reims weather is notoriously tricky—sunny mornings can quickly turn into breezy afternoons, and evenings often demand a light jacket, even in summer.
What I Recommend Packing
- A light waterproof jacket – Rain comes unexpectedly.
- Comfortable walking shoes – Reims is walkable, but cobblestones can kill your feet.
- A stylish scarf – Locals wear them effortlessly, and it helps you blend in.
- Reusable water bottle – Saves money and keeps you hydrated.
- Daypack with anti-theft zippers – I felt perfectly safe in Reims, but it’s always wise.
- Portable charger – You’ll be snapping photos of stained-glass windows and Champagne cellars all day.
Travel Essentials I’m Glad I Brought
- Universal adapter – French outlets are type C and E, and mine worked perfectly.
- Collapsible umbrella – Saved me during a sudden downpour near Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
- Notebook – I like writing tasting notes when trying different champagnes.
Section 2: Dressing for the Weather in Reims
Reims has a temperate oceanic climate—mild, but unpredictable.
- Spring (March–May): Cool mornings (8–12°C / 46–54°F), mild afternoons. Layers are key.
- Summer (June–August): Pleasant (20–26°C / 68–78°F), sometimes hot. Bring breathable fabrics.
- Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, golden vineyards, and more rain. A trench coat works well.
- Winter (December–February): Chilly but rarely freezing (2–6°C / 35–43°F). A warm coat and boots are enough.
My personal lesson: Don’t try to dress like a tourist in shorts and flip-flops. Locals favor understated, chic clothing—slim jeans, boots, and neat layers. I started blending in better once I swapped my athletic sneakers for leather boots and added a neutral scarf.
Section 3: Understanding Local Culture
Reims is more than Champagne. It’s a city of royal coronations, Gothic architecture, and deep pride in its traditions.
- Politeness counts. Always start with “Bonjour” when entering shops.
- Dinner times are later. Many restaurants don’t open before 7:30 p.m.
- Champagne is culture, not just a drink. Locals genuinely enjoy explaining the difference between houses like Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot.
One of my favorite cultural experiences was chatting with a bakery owner who explained how croissants in Reims are slightly more buttery than in Paris. Small details like this reminded me that French food culture is deeply regional.
Section 4: Budgeting and Currency Exchange
Currency Basics
Reims uses the euro (€). Most places accept credit cards, but carry at least €20–€50 in cash for bakeries, markets, or small cafés.
Budget Ranges (per person, per day)
- Shoestring budget (€50–€70): Stay in hostels, eat street food, skip champagne tours.
- Mid-range (€100–€200): Comfortable hotel, one champagne house tour, sit-down dinners.
- Luxury (€250+): Boutique hotels, multi-course meals, premium champagne tastings.
My Tip on Currency Exchange
Don’t exchange at the airport—it’s expensive. Instead, withdraw euros from ATMs in Reims. I used BNP Paribas ATMs and the rates were fair.
Section 5: Transportation – The Metro Confusion
Here’s my embarrassing confession: I spent an entire afternoon looking for the Reims metro map. Spoiler: Reims doesn’t have a metro.
Instead, the city relies on:
- Trams (two lines: A and B, very reliable).
- Buses (covering the rest of the city).
- Walking and cycling (Reims is compact).
Tram Tickets
- Single ride: €1.80.
- Day pass: €4.20.
- Weekly pass: €12.50.
- Buy tickets at tram stops or via the CITURA app.
I bought a weekly pass because I was staying 6 days, and it paid off after my third ride.
Section 6: SIM Cards and Connectivity
Staying connected in Reims was easier than I thought.
Options
- Orange Holiday Europe SIM – €39.90, includes 20GB data.
- SFR La Carte – €20 for 10GB, cheaper but slower.
- Bouygues Telecom Prepaid – €29.90 for 20GB.
I went with Orange, purchased at CDG airport. The activation took 10 minutes, and coverage in Reims was flawless—even in Champagne caves underground, I still had a weak signal.
Section 7: Street Food and Food Safety
My Favorite Street Foods
- Croque Monsieur from a bakery near Place Royale (€5.50) – Gooey, crispy perfection.
- Crêpes with Nutella (€4) – Best enjoyed near the cathedral square.
- Frites (French fries) – Belgium is close, so the fries are golden and double-fried.
Safety Tips
- Always buy from busy stalls—turnover is high, so food is fresh.
- Avoid dairy-heavy foods left in the sun.
- Carry hand sanitizer—not all stalls provide napkins or sinks.
Section 8: My 5-Day Mini Itinerary
Day 1: Historic Center
- Reims Cathedral (free, donations welcome).
- Palais du Tau (€8 entry).
- Dinner at Café du Palais (my favorite spot for local art and food).
Day 2: Champagne Houses
- Morning tour at Taittinger (€21).
- Afternoon at Veuve Clicquot (€26).
- Evening walk around Place Drouet-d’Erlon.
Day 3: Museums
- Musée des Beaux-Arts (€6).
- Automobile Museum (€9).
- Street art walk in Quartier Clairmarais.
Day 4: Day Trip
- Take a train to Épernay (30 min, €8).
- Avenue de Champagne wine tasting.
Day 5: Parks and Relaxation
- Morning in Parc de la Patte d’Oie.
- Lunch picnic with baguette, cheese, and champagne.
- Evening stroll in the canal area.
Section 9: Day Trips Worth Taking
- Épernay – Champagne capital.
- Hautvillers – The village of Dom Pérignon.
- Verdun – World War I battlefields, very moving.
- Paris – Only 45 minutes away by TGV if you want a city contrast.
Section 10: Travel Insurance – Don’t Skip It
I always travel with insurance, and for France, I used Allianz Travel Insurance – OneTrip Prime Plan.
Why I Chose It
- Covers trip cancellation (up to €3,000).
- Medical coverage up to €500,000 (essential if you need hospital care abroad).
- Baggage loss/delay up to €1,000.
I had a scare when my backpack was delayed in Paris, and Allianz reimbursed me for essentials (toiletries, clothing) within two weeks. Worth every penny.
My Honest Impressions
As I sat on the steps of the Reims Cathedral on my last evening, watching the fading sunlight illuminate its intricate Gothic façade in golden hues, I realized how much this trip had taught me. Reims wasn’t just about champagne tastings or majestic landmarks. It was about slowing down, listening to the rhythm of local life, and appreciating the subtleties that make French provincial cities so enchanting.
If there’s one thing I wish someone had told me before my first trip, it’s that Reims rewards the traveler who gives it time. The city may seem small at first, but every street hides a bakery with the flakiest croissants, every tram ride introduces you to another neighborhood, and every glass of champagne carries the weight of centuries of tradition.
I also realized that comfort doesn’t come from spending more, but from making smart choices: learning how to use the tram system, buying a weekly transport pass, choosing the right SIM card, and budgeting meals between street food and sit-down restaurants. These details may sound small, but together they make your stay smoother and more immersive.
Most importantly, Reims reminded me of why I travel: to connect. To connect with history, as I stood where French kings were crowned. To connect with locals, who shared their pride in champagne-making. To connect with myself, sitting quietly in Parc de la Patte d’Oie with a picnic, finally realizing that I didn’t need to rush.
If you’re visiting Reims for the first time, my biggest advice is this: don’t treat it as a day trip from Paris. Stay a few nights. Give yourself space to explore beyond the cathedral. Walk through hidden streets, taste champagne in family-owned houses, and watch people go about their daily lives in Place Drouet-d’Erlon. These are the memories that will stay with you long after your suitcase is unpacked.
Travel, at its best, isn’t just about checking off landmarks—it’s about living in the moment. And in Reims, those moments are abundant. Whether it’s hearing the bells echo across the city, sipping a glass of bubbly straight from its birthplace, or sharing a laugh with a local baker, Reims offers something far richer than sightseeing: it offers belonging.
So, when you plan your trip, plan wisely—pack light but thoughtfully, budget smartly, choose insurance that gives peace of mind, and allow yourself to simply wander. Because Reims, with its understated beauty and world-famous sparkle, isn’t just a destination. It’s an experience of discovery, reflection, and joy—one that I know will keep calling me back.
And who knows? Maybe next time, I’ll see you there, raising a glass under the cathedral’s shadow, celebrating not just champagne, but the journey itself.
