Welcome to Reims, the sparkling heart of the Champagne region and a destination that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and world-class champagne. This guide takes you through the ultimate one-week slow travel itinerary in Reims, showcasing the best things to do, from iconic champagne tastings to luxurious hotel stays. If you’re looking for a relaxed yet enriching travel experience, this itinerary is perfect for you.
Day 1-2: Exploring Reims’ History and Champagne Tasting
Begin your slow travel journey in Reims by exploring its rich historical landmarks. A must-see is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage site where many French kings were crowned. Adjacent to the cathedral is the Palais du Tau, which houses the coronation treasures and offers a deep dive into Reims’ royal history.
No visit to Reims is complete without indulging in its world-famous champagne. One of the highlights of our trip was the visit to Taittinger Champagne, where we explored their UNESCO-listed cellars. These cellars are more than 3 centuries old and have a fascinating history. The monks who once occupied the site stored their bottles in tunnels that remained even after the church was destroyed during World War I.
Taittinger takes pride in its champagne-making process, aging their bottles for a minimum of three years, much longer than the standard 15 months. The family-owned brand, known for its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, has come full circle after being sold and later repurchased by the Taittinger family.
Our visit to Taittinger in Reims was truly an unforgettable experience, offering an exclusive tasting of their iconic champagnes. Among the highlights were the Brut Millésime 2016 and their classic Brut Réserve, each with its own unique personality.
Starting with the Brut Millésime 2016, this vintage champagne delivers a sophisticated balance of flavors. Crafted from a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir, it has a fresh, floral aroma with hints of white flowers and citrus, evolving into richer notes of brioche and roasted almonds. On the palate, it’s vibrant and structured, featuring lively acidity and a mineral edge that pairs beautifully with creamy dishes or seafood. The lingering finish of ripe pear and toast makes it a versatile companion to more complex meals—a testament to the artistry behind Taittinger’s vintages.
The Brut Réserve, on the other hand, is a more approachable and classic expression. With a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, it showcases fresh, crisp apple and citrus flavors balanced with a subtle yeastiness. This champagne is perfect for toasting a special occasion or enjoying as an aperitif, its light, refreshing character making it easy to drink on its own or with lighter fare.
While Taittinger doesn’t yet have a restaurant on-site, their upcoming dining space will undoubtedly offer a spectacular setting for food pairings with their exquisite champagnes. In the meantime, I highly recommend stopping by Hotel Sacy for a delightful 4-course lunch, where you can enjoy fine dining amidst beautiful surroundings—just a short drive from the Taittinger estate. Although we didn’t pair the champagnes with food during the tasting, the complexity of the Brut Millésime 2016 would hold its own alongside a range of flavors, making it an ideal choice for a future meal at Taittinger’s soon-to-be-opened restaurant.
Day 3-4: Shopping, Sightseeing, and Gourmet Dining in Reims
Reims is the perfect destination for both shopping and culture. Spend your day exploring Place Drouet d’Erlon, where you’ll find an array of boutiques, cafes, and high-end stores. For food lovers, don’t miss the Marché de Boulingrin, Reims’ historic market known for fresh produce, meats, and cheeses. Open on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7 AM to 1 PM, it’s the perfect spot to pick up gourmet snacks for a picnic or gifts to take home.
In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at Le Petit Comptoir, where you’ll enjoy an exquisite fine dining experience paired with local champagne. If you prefer a more laid-back setting, Little Georgette offers a warm, eclectic atmosphere with dishes that will please any palate.
Day 5: Champagne Road and Private Tastings
Take a leisurely day to explore the Route Touristique de Champagne, where you can visit some of the region’s most famous champagne houses. For a more personalized experience, book a champagne tour with Benjamin from Hotel Continental’s Golden Key Concierge. Benjamin curated an unforgettable trip for us, including visits to Bergeronneau Marion, where we sampled the Brut 2016 and Premier Cru, and Baillette-Prudhomme, where we had a private underground tour of their cellars. We also visited Sadi Malot, known for its incredible Blanc de Blancs selection.
To finish the day, head over to Veuve Clicquot, where you can enjoy a refreshing glass of champagne on their terrace, soaking in the views of the vineyards.
Day 6: E-Bike Tour Through the Vineyards
For a truly unique experience, take an e-bike tour through the rolling vineyards of the Champagne region. This guided tour allows you to slowly explore the stunning landscapes, passing through quaint villages and family-run wineries. One of the highlights was a stop at Baillette-Prudhomme, a family-run Champagne house established in the 1850s. Here, you can enjoy a wine tasting in the cellar led by Laureen, all while learning about the rich history of the Champagne-making process and their family. I loved our tour there, and even proposals are happening in the cellars! I can’t blame them to be honest. It’s perfect, there even is a tunnel of love which her father build towards the cellars of her mom. How romantic is that?
The scenic drive of Route Touristique de Champagne offers five different circuits, each with its own unique views and cultural stops.
One of our favorite tours are booking by GetYourGuide:
- Massif Saint Thierry Route: This route starts from Reims and is the most northern circuit. It winds through the vineyards of the Massif Saint-Thierry, dotted with small, charming villages.
- Reims Mountain Route: Just south of Reims, this route takes you through the Natural Regional Park with breathtaking views of rolling hills and expansive vineyards.
- Marne Valley Route: Beginning in Epernay, this picturesque drive follows the natural banks of the Marne River and offers stops at historic Champagne houses along the way.
- Cote des Blancs Route: South of Epernay, this route is famous for its Chardonnay vineyards, producing some of the finest blanc de blancs Champagne.
- Cotes des Bar Route: The southernmost route in the Champagne region, this circuit takes you through a lesser-known area, offering a more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path experience.
Each route showcases the region’s beauty and provides ample opportunities to stop for tastings, vineyard tours, and scenic walks through the picturesque villages.
Additional Activities:
- Champagne Bike Tours: Explore more of the countryside on a guided bike tour that takes you through hidden paths and local villages, offering even more opportunities for tastings.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a breathtaking view of the Champagne region, consider booking a hot-air balloon ride. You’ll float over the lush vineyards, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape.
- Visit the Reims Cathedral at Night: The cathedral is beautifully lit in the evening, providing a romantic and serene end to your day.
Day 7: Unwinding at Reims’ Best Hotels
After six days of champagne and culture, spend your last day relaxing at one of the top hotels in Reims. Here’s a breakdown of where I stayed:
1. Novotel Reims Tinqueux
Novotel Reims Tinqueux, located just outside the city center, offers a serene environment with modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for both short stays and longer visits. This hotel provides a balanced blend of comfort, great facilities, and accessibility to the main attractions of Reims. The standout feature of the hotel is its outdoor pool, which provides a perfect spot for relaxation after a day of exploring the Champagne region. The on-site restaurant is also noteworthy, serving up delicious dishes such as steak tartare, tuna carpaccio, and fantastic breakfast options. The hotel is also a great choice for families. The playground and spacious outdoor areas offer plenty of space for children to play, while adults can relax by the pool or enjoy a drink at the bar.
- Why it’s family-friendly: The outdoor area doubles as a playground, making it ideal for families.
- Price Range: Rooms start at €120 per night.
2. Novotel Suites Reims
For those who want to stay within walking distance of Reims’ attractions, Novotel Suites Reims is a great choice. Its spacious, modern rooms provide a welcoming and comfortable retreat after a day of exploring. The hotel’s bar is a perfect spot to unwind, where the Aperol Champagne cocktail became a personal favorite during our stay, offering a delightful twist to traditional aperitifs.
While the hotel focuses on practicality and comfort rather than extravagant amenities, it delivers everything you need for a pleasant stay, especially if you’re keeping an eye on your budget.
- Why it’s budget-friendly: Modern rooms, friendly service, and a great central location at a reasonable price.
- Price Range: Rooms start at €112 per night.
3. Hotel Continental Reims
For those seeking an elegant and refined experience, Hotel Continental Reims offers a stay that goes beyond the ordinary. The spacious suites provide a serene retreat, with an added touch of care through their eco-friendly welcome champagne initiative, which truly enhanced our experience.
The highlight of our stay was the exquisite 7-8 course tasting menu at the hotel’s restaurant. Each dish was meticulously crafted, and the fine champagne pairings elevated the meal into a memorable culinary journey. The hotel’s attention to detail and focus on creating a personalized and sustainable experience made it a standout during our time in Reims.
- Why it’s luxurious: From the personalized service to the exceptional dining experience, Hotel Continental offers a 5-star stay without the 5-star price tag.
- Price Range: Rooms start at €250 per night.
Best Time to Visit Reims
The best time for slow travel in Reims is during the spring and early autumn months. The weather is mild, and the vineyards are lush. Summer is also a great time if you’re looking to experience Reims’ festivals and bustling city life, but be prepared for larger crowds at the popular champagne houses.
Reims: A Must-Visit Destination for Slow Travelers
Reims is an incredible destination for those looking to combine history, luxury, and, of course, world-class champagne. From the picturesque Route Touristique de Champagne to intimate wine-tastings and e-bike adventures, there is something here for every traveler. Whether you’re staying for a week or just a weekend, Reims offers an unparalleled experience that will leave you wanting more.
By the way, did you know that Reims is part of the Champagne-Ardenne region, one of France’s most scenic areas? You can discover more about other parts of France, like Paris, Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, and Nice, by checking out my other travel guides.
Ready to book your trip? Let’s toast to an unforgettable week in Reims!
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Hi, I’m Lisa, the Dutch blogger behind Dutchbloggeronthemove — a luxury slow travel platform built on the belief that the best journeys happen at a pace that lets you actually remember them.
She has lived in Mallorca for over three years, visited Lake Garda 35+ times since childhood, and spent years exploring South Africa’s wine regions until she knew them the way locals do. She travels with her partner and her Labrador Buddy, and she still returns to her favourite destinations four or more times a year — because one visit is never enough to write about a place honestly.
Everything published here starts from personal experience. That’s the only kind worth reading. ♥
