Hello all. Amazingly I have yet to make it to Reims, but I an popping that cherry at the end of the month for 3 nights.
I would love any restaurant or sight seeing recommendations. I am not interested in the wine-aspect of the city .
I look forward to your suggestions and hearing about your experiences.
Reims is extremely small. Outside of Champagne houses, there isn't much, although the biggest draw is the Cathedral, in the town center; and when I went, there's also a small Museum of the Surrender, takes maybe an hour or so. Check restaurant day closures, some close on Wednesdays.
We only spent one night in Reims at the beginning of our 2019 trip - yet another place where I wish we had spent more time.
Even though I am officially "churched out", I thought the Reims Cathedral and Palais du Tau, the former Archbishop's palace, were well worth a visit.
The highlight of our visit to Reims was the Surrender Museum, where the Germans surrendered to the Allies in May 1945. It's hard to believe this unassuming building (feels like an old high school) housed Eisenhower's European headquarters.
https://www.historyhit.com/locations/musee-de-la-reddition/
By the time we were ready to eat lunch, most places were closed and we made do at a forgettable place. Then we weren't hungry enough for dinner. But there is no doubt in my mind that there is good food to be had in Reims.
You didn't ask for hotel recommendations, but we stayed at the Best Western Hotel de la Paix and would gladly return.
It is worth doing a tour of one of the champagne houses. The cellars are so impressive. They are housed in old mines that I think were originally excavated by the Romans. Champagne is an absolutely integral part of the culture and economics of the area.
@EstimatedProphet - it is an old HS.
I agree that the old wine caves are interesting; we toured Taittinger and found it very interesting.
The other often overlooked site we liked a lot was Basilica St. Remy. And then of course the Cathedral and Museum of Surrender.
but I am not sure I would bother with Reims if I were not interested in Champagne. There are many great Cathedrals including the truly magnificent one in Chartres and plenty of interesting towns and villages. Reims is IMHO not that interesting as a town.
Janet, I've been posting on this message board for years and it was I who gave you advice for Chartres. Remember?
Folks, I am talking about museums and sights worth seeing and especially restaurants.
Thanks to those who gave some insightful recommendations and listened to my request. I spent last summer in Bordeaux, so I am a bit alcoholed out.
With regard to restaurants, there is (or was) a place across from the Grand Hôtel Continental named Le Grande Café. It is not affiliated with the hotel. The food was very good and we ate there twice. The mussels were super. Using google maps street view will allow you to walk around the area and locate the place before you arrive.
A sight many people miss is the Roman gate, located between the cathedral and the station at the edge of a park. I remember the ruts in the stone from chariot wheels. Doesn't take long but takes you a long way back.
A sight many people miss is the Roman gate, located between the cathedral and the station at the edge of a park.
In 2019 the area around the gate was fenced off and the gate itself was covered in scaffolding. Hopefully it's more approachable now.
Hi Alexander, we visited Reims a few years ago and I especially remember the fantastic illumination (light show) on the cathedral. Really spectacular. If it’s still available, make an effort to see it!
https://momentfactory.com/projets/all/all/regalia-at-the-reims-cathedral
I'm another person who wasn't entranced by Reims-the-town, but it does have multiple worthwhile sights. I liked the cathedral so much that I went there twice.
In addition to the sights already mentioned, there's the Musée de Beaux-Arts, about which I've seen positive comments. It was closed for renovation at the time of my 2017 trip, but it must surely have reopened by now.
There's also the Foujita Chapel, which I enjoyed seeing. I like architecture (without really knowing anything about it).
Thanks so much to everyone that helped. I am off to Reims today!
please let us know what you found
Arrived late afternoon with time to visit Notre Dame. Wow. The city has a small town feel in a way. Tonight I am dining at the rooftop restaurant or the Holiday Inn Hôtel. So far I'm really enjoying myself.
Well my little trip to Reims has been lovely and I hope to come back - especially when the Musée des Beaux-arts and the Palais du Tau are renovated in 2025.
The Musée de la Reddition was amazing and touching. But the overall highlight was the Musée Saint-Remi. Wow. What a treasure. The cloisters were astounding. The cathédrale of course is a red-letter sight and the surrounding centre ville is lovely.
All 3 of my dinners were excellent. Il Duomo and Gabrielle had amazing rooftop views. L'Alambic was in the wine cellar. All 3 meals sumptuous.
I've got my biscuits rose and am heading back to Paris tomorrow.
Thanks to everyone that helped.
Thanks for reporting back on your trip.
I wish we had visited the Musee St-Remi
