Reims vs Amiens or Rouen

Haven't been to Amiens, but have been to Reims and Rouen. Rouen has some interesting architecture including the church that Monet painted in so many different seasons and shades of light. It is also the place where Joan of Arc was executed. Reims has a very historic cathedral, champagne wine tasting places, and the Museum of Surrender where the treaty to end WWII was signed. Either would be a good choice depending on your interest in history. Personally I liked Reims a bit more but that's just my preference. Do some google searches on each and see what strikes your fancy the most.

I have not been to Amiens.

I much preferred Rouen to Reims from the standpoint of architecture; I doubt that anyone would argue about that, but who knows? Both cities have at least one good museum and a lovely cathedral. Reims has the champagne connection; I don't know anything about tasting opportunities. Reims also has the (WW II) Surrender Museum; it's fine, but I didn't think it compared to the other WW II-related museums I saw in France. It would be interesting enough if you haven't had the chance to go to others.

Bottom line: I'd rather return to Rouen, but I don't think you'd go wrong with either one.

They are all wonderful but the focus on each is different from an architectural perspective . Amiens is the tallest ( completed ) French Gothic Cathedral , apart from Beauvais , where the nave was never built , only the transept and apse are complete . Reims is very beautiful , the coronations of many of the French kings took place here , and the color and exuberance inside is striking . As acraven points out , there is Le Musee de la Reddition , SHAEF headquarters in May 1945 , where the Nazis surrendered ( now VE day ) . While not as extensive as The Churchill War Rooms in London , the ambience is similar , and a must if you are interested in The Second War . While you don't mention it , my choice for a day would be Chartres , an hour and fifteen minutes from Montparnasse , over eighty percent of the original stained glass is intact there . Finally , in Paris , is Saint Denis , arguably considered the first true Gothic Cathedral in France , and the burial place of many of the French Royalty , with an exemplary collection of mortuary sculpture and tombs

We have visited all 3 and Rouen stands out as the favorite, though all of these buildings, and Chartres, are incredible. All the Joan of Arc history and a walkable historic district and the cathedral, which I think was the most beautiful I’ve seen. We saw the sound and light show which left us dazzled. Mind you, our last such was around 1972 with a couple colored spotlights and a boom box soundtrack. Things have changed. We spent two full, busy days in Rouen and had plenty to see and do. Safe travels.

I've been to all three and am sorry you have to pick for each is special in its own way. Other than that listed above, Reims because of its unfortunate, near destruction in WWI and rebuilding thereafter, is a mecca for those seeking French Art Deco architecture. The Carnegie library is spectacular. Amiens has fascinating hanging gardens that make interesting touring in mild weather.

I have not been to Rouen. To Reims once in 1984 for specific reasons, one to see the place where the German surrender to Eisenhower took place on 8 May 1945, only to be followed by the German surrender to the Soviets in Berlin-Karlshorst the following day; these were two of the four surrenders made by the Germans to the Allies in 1945. The other reason was to see the cathedral.

Amiens I 've been to a few times, though not recently. I like Amiens, very interesting to explore, certainly super historical as respects to WW1 and WW2.

I have visited Amiens and Rouen but not Reims. I stayed in Amiens due to its proximity to the Somme battlefields. I went in the cathedral in Amiens, which I liked but was not enamored by. I will not make a priority of returning to Amiens. On the other hand, I enjoyed seeing Rouen very, very much. I was very impressed by the cathedral in Rouen and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the half timbered buildings in the city center.