Nestled at the heart of France's famed Champagne region, the Arrondissement of Reims merges historic richness with classic French elegance. This administrative district, anchored by the city of Reims, prides itself on a temperate climate featuring warm summers and mild winters, making it a suitable destination across all seasons.
The local culture pivots around the art of crafting champagne which is evidenced by ancient wine houses punctuating the landscape. Residents adhere to a relaxed way of life that seamlessly juxtaposes tradition and contemporary norms, where protracted lunches and evening strolls remain a deeply ingrained everyday tradition.
What really distinguishes Reims is its breathtaking gothic architecture, especially the Notre-Dame cathedral where past French kings were inaugurated. The cathedral, recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site together with the Saint-Remi Basilica, perfectly illustrates some of Europe's best medieval architecture and stained glass masterpieces, including recent works by Marc Chagall.
The gastronomy in the region extends beyond champagne, with local culinary gems like the Jambon de Reims (a unique pink ham terrine) and the Biscuit Rose de Reims (pink cookies designed for dipping in champagne). Don't miss the opportunity to sample the regional cheese known as Chaource, best enjoyed with local wines.
The must-see experiences include taking a tour of iconic champagne houses such as Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger, where visitors get to wander ancient chalk caves and discover the nuances of champagne production. The art-deco Carnegie Library and the picturesque Place Drouet-d'Erlon, the city's primary square, offer fascinating insights into different periods of French history and architecture.
City commuters have access to the CITURA bus network which serves Reims and its environs. Tickets can be obtained from bus terminals or downloaded via the CITURA mobile app. Single tickets have a price tag of €1.70, while day passes retail at €4.30. Bus service runs from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
Between May and October, the weather is quite pleasant and numerous festivals are held. September is particularly notable given the grape harvesting season.
The TGV service running from Paris Est station is the quickest option - the journey lasts only 45 minutes. Advance purchase of tickets significantly lowers the cost, with prices starting at a reasonable €20.
Yes, the majority of established houses provide tours led in English. However, it is crucial to make an advance booking, especially during the peak tourist season.
Booking directly through the official websites of the houses or through the local tourist office is most advisable. Note that quite a few of these houses mandate reservations to be made at least a day before the intended visit.
While the champagne tours could be slightly steep (€25-50), the general daily expenses are lower than Paris. An expected budget range would be €70-100 each day, excluding accommodation costs.
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