Reims is the grand capital of Champagne, a city where royal history and sparkling wine meet at every turn. Kings were crowned in its cathedral for a thousand years, and beneath its streets lie miles of chalk cellars where Champagne slowly comes of age. If you are staying in the region, a day in Reims is essential. Here is what to do in Reims, from its UNESCO landmarks to its great Champagne houses, all just 30 minutes from Le Domaine d’Ailleurs.
Notre-Dame de Reims, the coronation cathedral
Start with the cathedral. Notre-Dame de Reims is one of the finest Gothic buildings in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For centuries it was where French kings were crowned, most famously Charles VII in 1429 in the presence of Joan of Arc. Admire the soaring nave, the statue of the smiling angel and the luminous windows, including a set designed by Marc Chagall. Next door, the Palais du Tau, the former archbishop’s palace, houses the cathedral’s treasures and coronation regalia and is also UNESCO listed.
The great Champagne houses and their chalk cellars
No visit to Reims is complete without going underground. The city’s great houses offer cellar tours and tastings, among them Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Mumm and Ruinart, the oldest Champagne house of all. Many of the cellars are set in the crayères, ancient chalk quarries dug in Gallo-Roman times and now part of the UNESCO listing for the hillsides, houses and cellars of Champagne. Walking these cool, cathedral-like galleries lined with thousands of bottles is a highlight of any trip to the region.
Beyond the wine: history on foot
Reims rewards a wander. The Basilica Saint-Remi, another UNESCO gem, is a vast Romanesque and Gothic church with a museum in the former abbey alongside. In the centre, the Roman Porte de Mars is one of the largest surviving triumphal arches from antiquity. For something lighter, the art deco Halles du Boulingrin market is a beauty, and the lively Place Drouet d’Erlon is the place for a coffee or an aperitif among locals.
A perfect day trip from the estate
The joy of exploring Reims from a countryside base is having the best of both. Spend the day among cathedrals and cellars, then return to the calm of Le Domaine d’Ailleurs, just 30 minutes away, for a swim in the heated indoor pool and a quiet evening. A full day covers the cathedral, a Champagne house and the centre; two days let you add a second cellar and the Basilica Saint-Remi at a gentler pace.
Stay near Reims at a private estate
Explore Reims by day and return to a private estate with a heated indoor pool, 30 minutes away and 1h30 from Paris. The ideal base for discovering Champagne.
Check availability Request a quoteFrequently asked questions about visiting Reims
What is Reims best known for?
Reims is the historic capital of Champagne, famous for its Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned, and for its great Champagne houses with chalk cellars carved deep beneath the city. It combines a thousand years of royal history with the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine.
Can you visit Champagne cellars in Reims?
Yes. Several major houses in Reims offer cellar tours and tastings, including Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Mumm and Ruinart. Many use the ancient chalk quarries known as crayères, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
How long do you need to visit Reims?
A full day covers the cathedral, a Champagne house and the city centre comfortably. With two days you can add a second cellar visit and the Basilica Saint-Remi. It makes an ideal day trip from a nearby estate.
How far is Reims from Le Domaine d’Ailleurs?
Reims is about 30 minutes by car from Le Domaine d’Ailleurs at Coulonges-Cohan, which makes it an easy day out during a stay, with the calm of the countryside to return to in the evening.
Is Reims worth visiting beyond Champagne?
Absolutely. Beyond the cellars, the UNESCO cathedral and Palais du Tau, the Roman Porte de Mars, the art deco Halles du Boulingrin and the lively Place Drouet d’Erlon give the city plenty to enjoy on foot.
