48 Hours in Reims: The Ultimate Champagne Weekend Itinerary
Most travelers fly into Paris, spend days navigating crowds at the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, and then, leave France without ever experiencing Champagne where it was born. I think they're missing one of the country's best-kept secrets—and Reims is why.
After spending a weekend in Reims, the unofficial capital of Champagne, I’m convinced it's one of France's most appealing luxury destinations.
Just 45 minutes by TGV from Paris, Reims is home to some of the world's most celebrated champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart, and Taittinger. Just beneath the city, miles of historic chalk cellars have been aging bottles for centuries. Above ground, the breathtaking Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral has served as the coronation site of French kings for nearly 800 years.
Best of all, you can experience world-class Champagne, remarkable history, incredible food, and elegant accommodations without the overwhelming crowds that often define a Paris itinerary.
If you're planning a trip to France, don't make Reims an afterthought or a quick day trip. Give it an entire weekend, and let it unfold at its own pace.
Here's exactly how we'd spend 48 hours in Reims.
Where to Stay: La Caserne Chanzy
For the perfect home base, book a stay at La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa. It sits just a short walk from the train station and a few steps from the heart of Reims's historic center, offering an elegant blend of polished sophistication and French charm.
With views of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, beautifully appointed rooms, and a full-service spa, it's a comfortable place to rest after a day of Champagne tastings and exploring the city.
Once you've checked in and dropped your bags, you're within easy walking distance of the cathedral, restaurants, boutiques, and many of Reims's most iconic Champagne houses, making it effortless to experience the city at a relaxed pace.
The Cathedral You’ve Never Heard Of (But Should Have)
Before your first champagne tasting, make time for Notre-Dame de Reims, one of France's most significant historic landmarks. For nearly 800 years, this Gothic cathedral served as the coronation site for French kings, including Charles VII, whose coronation was famously attended by Joan of Arc.
Take a moment to admire the stone carvings, twin towers, rose window, and sculpted figures that adorn the façade. Whether you're drawn to history, architecture, or photography, it's one of the standout sights in the Champagne region.
Best of all, admission is free, and the cathedral is just a short walk from Reims's renowned Champagne houses, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
The Champagne Houses: Two Unforgettable Days
No visit to Reims is complete without a visit to the legendary Champagne houses that have made the region famous. Rather than trying to squeeze multiple tastings into a single afternoon, spread them across two days so you can enjoy each experience without feeling hurried.
Day One | 2:00 PM | Maison Ruinart
Begin your Champagne journey at Maison Ruinart, the oldest established Champagne house in the world, founded in 1729. While the exceptional Champagne is reason enough to visit, the experience extends far beyond the tasting itself.
Descend into the historic chalk cellars, known as crayères, which stretch deep beneath the city and form part of the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Champagne Hillsides, Houses, and Cellars. The dramatic underground galleries create one of the most memorable tours in the region, blending centuries of history, remarkable architecture, and world-class winemaking.
Reserve your tour well in advance, as availability is limited.
Day Two | 12:00 PM | Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin
Spend your second day at one of Champagne’s most iconic names: Veuve Clicquot.
Founded by Madame Clicquot, who assumed leadership of the house in 1805 after being widowed, Veuve Clicquot helped reshape the Champagne industry by pioneering the riddling process that is still essential to production today.
After your cellar tour, don’t rush away. Order a glass on the beautiful terrace, and then, take time to soak in the atmosphere. With elegant garden seating, striped umbrellas, and carefully designed outdoor spaces, it’s one of the most picturesque places in Reims to slow down and celebrate being in Champagne country.
Day Two | 2:00 PM | Taittinger
Round out your tasting experience at Taittinger, a family-owned Champagne house known for its refined style and friendly atmosphere.
Compared with the grandeur of some larger maisons, Taittinger offers a more intimate experience. The historic cellars and smaller group tours create a relaxed pace that’s perfect after a full morning of exploring. It’s an ideal final stop, giving a different perspective on Champagne and ending your weekend on a memorable note.
Where to Eat: Three Meals Worth Planning Your Day Around
One of the best parts of a weekend in Reims is that exceptional dining is never far away. Between Champagne tastings and sightseeing, these three restaurants offer noteworthy experiences which complement your itinerary perfectly.
Café du Palais | Lunch on Arrival
Start your weekend at Café du Palais, a treasured Reims entity famous for its eclectic décor, heritage charm, and warm hospitality. Filled with antiques, artwork, and colorful details, the dining room feels thoughtfully layered over generations. It’s a fitting introduction to the city’s relaxed, timeless atmosphere while enjoying classic French cuisine.
L’Atelier | Dinner on Night One
For your first evening, reserve a table at L’Atelier, where contemporary French cuisine takes center stage. Elegant without feeling excessively formal, the restaurant offers beautifully presented dishes that provide a modern contrast to Café du Palais's traditional character. It’s a prime setting for a leisurely dinner after an afternoon exploring Reims’s Champagne houses.
Alba | Dinner on Night Two
End your weekend with dinner at Alba, a fitting place to celebrate after a day spent touring Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger. With its classy atmosphere, seasonal menu, and carefully prepared dishes, Alba offers a memorable finale to your time in Champagne. Pair your meal with one last glass of local Champagne and toast to a weekend in one of France’s most celebrated wine regions.
Plan Your Late Summer Champagne Escape
Late summer is a beautiful time to trade the crowds of Paris for a slower, more refined weekend in Reims. Here, history, luxury, exceptional dining, and world-class Champagne come together within an easy train ride from the capital.
Spend your days exploring centuries-old cellars, visiting one of France’s most striking cathedrals, lingering while dining, and toasting with Champagne merely steps from where it was created.
If your itinerary for France has room for one more destination, make it Reims. We think you’ll leave wondering why more travelers haven’t discovered it already.
Ready to plan a trip like this one? Allora Creative Co works with clients to build itineraries exactly like this one. Contact us to start planning.
