A Day Trip to Reims from Paris – A Complete Itinerary

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Being the heart of the Champagne region, you may think a day trip to Reims from Paris is only best for champagne tours. Well not necessarily!

From beauty and luxury to art and history, Reims has everything you need to keep you busy with enriching experiences. And for the best part, you can enjoy this easy journey any day, as Reims is just 45 minutes away from Paris’s Gare de l’Est by TGV high-speed train.

Keep reading to find out.

Plan Your Day Trip from Paris to Reims

Before going on the day trip from Paris, be it a small group or solo, you need to stay ahead of some things first. 

First, know the weather considerations and choose the best time for the day trip. What you need to do is:

• Consider visiting during the spring or fall for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
• Check for any special events or holidays that might affect your visit.

Now that you’ve chosen the best time for the day trip, it’s time to consider transportation options –

• The fastest day trip mode to Reims from Paris is by train, taking 45–50 minutes from Gare de l’Est to Reims Ville with 6 direct trains a day. 
• Driving takes 1.5 to 2 hours, with rental cars being expensive but ride-sharing is a more affordable option.
• The most budget-friendly option is by bus, taking 2.5 to 3 hours. Some tours offer guided bus trips from Paris.

Some additional booking tips:

• Book train tickets in advance for the best prices and check schedules for convenient times.
• For driving, make sure to book rental cars early and compare prices from different companies.
• Choose reputable companies for guided tours, and ensure the itinerary includes your desired Reims attractions.

Complete Itinerary for a Day Trip from Paris to Reims

Excited to get first-hand experience of the best happenings in Reims but not sure how to construct the trip? Here’s the itinerary we’ve prepared for you:

Schedule	Activities
7.00 AM	Departure from Paris
9.00 AM	Arrival in Reims
9.30 – 10.30 AM	Visiting the Notre-Dame de Reims & Palace of Tau
11.00 AM – 12.00 PM	Visiting the Musée Saint-Remi
12.00 – 12.30 PM	Stroll back to Place Drouet d’Erlon
1.00 – 2.00 PM	Lunch at Place Drouet d’Erlon
2.30 – 5.00	Champagne tour- Champagne Taittinger & Maison Ruinart
5.30 – 6.30 PM	Wandering through the streets & shopping in local markets
6.30 – 7.30 PM	Dinner with champagne & wine at Trésors de Champagne
8.00 PM	Departure from Reims
9.30 PM	Arrival in Paris

Morning – Arrival in Reims and Kickstarting the Trip 

Depart as early as possible from Paris, after breakfast, and head for Reims on your chosen mode of travel. The journey should take 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the transport.

Upon arrival, explore the capital of the Champagne region, starting with Notre-Dame de Reims, a high Gothic masterpiece founded in the early 5th century by Bishop Nicasius and completed in the 13th-14th centuries.

Next, visit the nearby Palace of Tau, once the residence of the Archbishop of Reims and French kings before their coronations. Both landmarks are within 3-minute walking distance.

Afterward, a 30-minute walk from there will take you to the Musée Saint-Remi. It’s a 6th-century abbey turned museum housing the relics of Saint Remigius, adjacent to the Basilica of Saint-Remi. All these sites, rich in French history and culture, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1991.

Take a Break for Lunch at Place Drouet d’Erlon

Time to relish a three-course lunch to reboot your energy and discover more things around reims.

So, after visiting the Abbey of Saint Rémi, a short taxi ride brings you back to the lively Place Drouet d’Erlon, the pedestrian square known for al fresco dining. It also shows the famous Subé Fountain, right in the middle of the square and topped by a gilded angel.

It’s perfect for a leisurely lunch, with charming cafes and restaurants lining across the square. Here, you can enjoy local specialties on an outdoor terrace, taking in the vibrant atmosphere and watching the city buzz of the square.

Afternoon Champagne Tasting and Cellar Tours

Take a taxi from Place Drouet d’Erlon after lunch and a 7-minute ride will take you to the famous Champagne Taittinger, a renowned Champagne house founded in 1734. Within a 10-minute walking distance lies another famous Champagne house, Maison Ruinart, the oldest one in Reims, founded in 1729.

In these Champagne houses, you’ll get an insider’s look at the production process and the underground cellars and learn about the craftsmanship that defines these prestigious brands.

Savor tastings of their exquisite champagnes, from Taittinger’s specialty Comtes de Champagne & Champagne Taittinger to Ruinart’s Dom Ruinart Blanc & Dom Ruinart Rosé. Make sure to purchase some on your way back.

Champagnes in Reims are made from grapes such as Chandon, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. Pair any of your favorite champagne with snacks like cheese, oysters, or chocolates.

Late Afternoon Stroll Through the Local Streets and Markets

From Maison Ruinart, a 5-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute walk will take you to the local Marché de Sainte Anne, famous for its local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Walking there can be a quite rewarding experience, as you’ll get to wander through the local streets.

This stroll, filled with opportunities to discover unique souvenirs, allows you to absorb the city’s charm and beauty. Hence, try to capture the essence of Reims as you transition smoothly between shopping and your evening plans.

Dinner at the Famous Trésors de Champagne

End your day with a delightful dinner at Trésors de Champagne. Known for its excellent selection of local wines and champagnes, this cozy restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Take a short taxi ride from Marché de Sainte Anne to go there for the end of the trip experience. Also, enjoy a delicious meal paired with some of the region’s finest wines and champagnes, reflecting on your day’s adventures before heading back to Paris.

Say Goodbye to Reims and Head Back to Paris

After a fulfilling day, make your way back to the train station for the return journey to Paris or the travel mode you prefer.

However, the evening train ride provides a peaceful conclusion to your trip, offering time to reminisce about your experiences. Arrive in Paris with cherished memories of a day well spent in Reims, eager for your next adventure.

Considerations for Extended Stay 

Now, if you feel like one day is not enough in Reims and want to stay the night, it’s probably a good decision. You can’t get enough of Reims in just a day.

So, here’s a list of things for the next day:

• First, quickly decide and book accommodation for the night, choosing from boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, or budget-friendly options.
• After dinner, enjoy nightlife at local spots like Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage or stroll along the riverside or in Square de la Patte d’Oie Park.

For the next day, visit more champagne houses, such as Veuve Clicquot or Pommery for world-famous champagne.

• Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Reims, which shows artists like Monet, Rodin, Millet, and Claudel.
• Consider visiting Villa Demoiselle, an Art Deco villa known for its beautiful design and gardens.
• Wonder at La Porte de Mars, an ancient Roman triumphal arch known as the widest of its era.

Finally, depart from Reims at your preferred time, allowing for a relaxing morning to explore more of what the city has to offer before heading back to Paris.

Tips for Planning Your Paris to Reims Day Trip

We have some quick tips to help you make the best day trip in Reims to give your journey a strong start. They are as follows:

• Balance your itinerary to include history, culture, and champagne experiences, focusing on what’s most important to you.
• Don’t forget to pre-book a tour at a specific champagne house for an exclusive tasting experience.
• Plan your day trip between Thursday and Saturday to get the full extent of your experiences.
• Pack comfortable shoes for walking and keep an eye on the weather
• Discover the most cost-effective tickets for your travel dates.
• If you can’t decide on which champagne house to explore, it’s best to start with famous houses like Taittinger, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, or Pommery within the city limits.
• Never hesitate to ask questions and engage with the experts, if required. Otherwise, the loss will be all yours!

Concluding Words

That’s all regarding a day trip to Reims from Paris. You now know the secret of how a day in the capital of the Champagne region is necessary for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

After all, the tour is not just for champagne lovers who want to try out the iconic bubbly beverages in Reims but also for art & history enthusiasts with rich histories and arts from ancient France.

So, grab your bags, set your itinerary, and head straight to Reims to see its magic. Time to write a new chapter in your travel diary with golden letters.

Bon voyage, travel freaks!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)