7 Things to Do in Reims, France: Biscuits to Bubbles!

Skipping a Champagne house in Reims would be like going to Paris and never laying eyes on the Eiffel Tower. It just doesn’t make sense.

Reims sits right in the heart of Champagne country, and this is where some of the most iconic houses call home, including Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, Taittinger, and Ruinart.

My husband and I made Champagne tastings a non-negotiable part of our day, and I’d strongly recommend doing the same.

If you only have time to visit one Champagne house in Reims, this is the one I’d point you to without hesitation: Ruinart.

Founded in 1729, Ruinart is officially the oldest Champagne house, and that history shows in the way they do everything. The experience feels quietly refined, thoughtful, and never over-the-top.

What really set this wine tour apart for us was getting to wander through the historic chalk cellars, known as crayères, where Champagne bottles have been aging beneath the streets of Reims for centuries.

Walking through those cool, white tunnels and realizing they’re still used today made the experience feel deeply connected to the city’s past. It’s no surprise these cellars are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you want to go deeper, I’ve written a full, detailed review of our experience at Ruinart, including the cellar tour, tastings, and what makes it stand out from other Champagne houses.

It’s worth a read if you’re deciding where to book.

If you want to visit several Champagne houses in one go, there are some fantastic guided tours that make it easy and genuinely fun.

We actually did this on a separate day (because yes, we really do love Champagne!), and it ended up being a great way to see different styles without worrying about logistics.

I’ve rounded up my top 3 picks for the best Champagne tours, including who runs them and why they stand out, if you’re deciding how to fit multiple tastings into your trip.

I know, I know. I’m suggesting even more Champagne tastings.

But honestly, when you’re in the heart of Champagne country, it would feel wrong not to.

This stylish little stop is absolutely worth going out of your way for. Trésors de Champagne Boutique focuses on Grower Champagne, which has been gaining serious traction, and they showcase some truly excellent small producers.

Our introduction to Grower Champagne actually started back home, thanks to a bottle of Marc Hébrart at a memorable dinner at the Michelin-starred The Inn at Little Washington. The shop actually carries this producer!

My husband and I popped in and were instantly pulled in by the space itself. Illuminated bottles hang from the ceiling, and each winemaker has their own dedicated section along the walls highlighting their standout bottles. 

The staff was genuinely warm and walked us through a tasting of six very different Champagnes, explaining each one in a way that made it easy to follow.

If you fall in love with a bottle, they’ll ship it home for you at a reasonable cost, which we happily took advantage of!

Reims is famous for its delicate pink biscuits, and once you try them with Champagne, it’s easy to understand why they’ve become such a local icon.

The classic way to enjoy them is by dipping the biscuit straight into your glass of Champagne. It sounds a little odd until you try it.

It creates a pairing that feels as natural as dunking a warm chocolate chip cookie into a cold glass of milk.

We were actually introduced to these biscuits before we ever set foot in Reims. Our lovely boutique hotel in Épernay, Le 25bis, offered them as a complimentary treat.

By the time we saw them all over Reims, we already knew exactly what the fuss was about.

Fossier is credited with creating these pink biscuits in the late 18th century. The soft blush color comes from carmine, a natural red dye derived from cochineal insects.

Maybe that’s why the biscuit has a crunchy consistency. Just kidding.

That signature crisp texture comes from baking the biscuits twice, which also makes them sturdy enough for Champagne dipping without falling apart.

The Notre-Dame de Reims is deeply woven into French history. This Gothic masterpiece is where generations of French kings were crowned, earning Reims its long-held title as the “City of Coronations.”

We were struck by the sheer scale of it and the intricate sculptures covering the exterior. Stepping inside, the original stained glass windows are just as impressive.

On our day trip from Paris, the cathedral was the very first stop on our self-guided walk. It’s an easy visit too, located less than a 15-minute walk from the Reims train station.

The French take their lunch seriously, especially when it comes to getting great value.

One of the best ways to experience an excellent restaurant without the full dinner price tag is by going at lunch and ordering the prix fixe menu.

In Reims, that strategy led us to Domaine Les Crayères, a grand, old-world hotel known for its two-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Parc Les Crayères. The culinary force behind it all is Philippe Mille, who also oversees the hotel’s more relaxed sister restaurant, Le Jardin Les Crayères.

We booked lunch at Le Jardin and were honestly blown away by the value. We enjoyed a three-course tasting menu that was just 33 € at the time (it’s now 42 €), and the quality of the food far exceeded the price.

Refined, seasonal, beautifully executed, and still relaxed enough to feel approachable.

It was one of the best lunch deals we had in Reims, hands down.

I definitely wasn’t expecting to stumble across the world’s largest Roman arch in the middle of Reims. We came across it completely by chance while walking back toward the train station, which made the discovery even better.

Porte de Mars gets its name from its proximity to a temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war.

What surprised me most was how well preserved it is. You can still make out the intricate carvings and details if you take a moment to look closely. 

If you’re walking to or from the Reims train station, it’s absolutely worth a small detour. It’s one of those unexpected history moments that make wandering Reims so rewarding.

I didn’t quite make it to # 7 on this list, but I still wanted to include it because it came highly recommended by multiple locals.

Le Bocal is a tiny, locals-loved spot known for ultra-fresh oysters and a strong seafood-focused menu.

Part of the charm is that it’s tucked into the back of a fishmonger’s shop, which pretty much guarantees the seafood doesn’t get any fresher.

Naturally, they also serve Champagne, by the glass or bottle, and at very reasonable prices, which feels like the only acceptable pairing with oysters in Reims.

It’s a popular little place, so reservations are a must.

If you’ve been, I’d love to hear about your experience and whether it lived up to the hype!

Reims is one of those cities that proves you don’t need a long stay to have a really satisfying experience.

In a single day, you can walk through layers of history, sip world-class Champagne, and eat remarkably well without ever feeling rushed.

There’s plenty more to explore here if museums and deep historical dives are your thing, but I’ve always believed the fastest way to understand a place is through its food and drink.

That’s why our day in Reims naturally revolved around Champagne houses, great lunches, local treats, and a few meaningful landmarks woven in between.

If you’re planning a visit, I hope this list helps you map out a day with just the right mix of culture, Champagne, and really good food!

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