Reims

Reims, France

Reims is one of France's most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. It offers visitors a great choice of fine restaurants, brasseries, shops, lively nightlife, concerts, festivals, and cultural events, and of course, world-famous Champagne houses to visit and sample the local nectar. With tree-lined avenues, elegant squares, and a magnificent Gothic-style cathedral that played host to the coronation of several kings of France.

Population:

Approximately 197,000

Currency:

Euro (EUR) €1 = 100 cents

Emergency Numbers:

Police: 17
Ambulance: 15/112
Fire Brigade: 18

Opening Hours:

Shop opening hours are generally from 9am-7pm. Small shops might stay closed for an hour over lunch. Shops are closed Sundays or open at their own discretion.

Newspapers:

Le Figaro Aujourd’hui en France
Le Journal du Dimanche
Les Echos

The City

Reims is the metropolis of the Champagne-Ardenne area, and a city that celebrates art, history and the enjoyment of fine food and wine. Along with its restaurants serving the finest food and wine, it has countless art galleries and buildings of varied architectural styles. Some of them date back as early as the 3rd century, such as at the Gate of Mars, the Gallo-Roman cryptoporticus. Contemporary architecture can be seen at the Conservatoire National de Région, the Reims Champagne Congress Centre.
Reims also has many rare trees, including a specimen of the Faux de Verzy at the Pierre Schneiter horticultural garden.

Do & See

Reims has no less than four monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The city is also known for its famous Champagne houses that are open to the public; many of them provide tours of their cellars, wine tastings and gala dinners. Reims is also a city of plants and flowers – it has been awarded four flowers as part of the prestigious Villes et Villages Fleuris flower competition, the highest of any French city. This city will truly leave a lasting impression.

Dining

Eating out in Reims is a serious business, with countless restaurants, brasseries, and crêperies serving gourmet and classic French cuisine using fresh, local products. Many restaurants specialise in mussels (moules), which are delicacies and served with a variety of sauces. Of course, most formal meals can be accompanied by a fine bottle of Champagne from the Reims region.

Cafes

France has a rich café culture and wherever you go you will find coffee and tasty treats. To eat informally and inexpensively, order the “formule complete”, which will give you a hot drink or fruit juice, a baguette and usually some delicious pastries.