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About 70 kilometers from the Belgian border lies Reims, a city with a long history dating back to Roman times. In the Middle Ages, many kings were crowned here, and the first ruler of the Frankish Empire, King Clovis, was baptized – an event that helped spread Christianity across Western Europe. But Reims has many more stories and historical milestones to tell, such as the German capitulation signed on May 7, 1945, in the Lycée Roosevelt.
In addition, the cathedral city is undeniably famous for its leisure activities in the rolling Champagne region! Renting a holiday home in Reims is therefore a great idea for a relaxing getaway close to home or the perfect stopover on your way to another destination in France.
Art lovers will be delighted to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a leading museum with an impressive collection of paintings. Many French artists are represented, but Flemish, Dutch, and Italian works are also part of the vast collection. Another museum that truly immerses you in the city’s history is the Musée Saint-Remi. Its collection includes Renaissance artworks as well as prehistoric objects – a must-see, especially for its vaulted interior design.
Another popular attraction is the Musée Automobile Reims Champagne, where you can admire an enormous collection of cars ranging from 19th-century models to vehicles from the late 20th century. The museum also features miniature cars, making it enjoyable even for young visitors. If you love automobiles or have a passion for vintage cars, this is the place to be!
It’s immediately clear that Reims is a city steeped in history. The city boasts several churches built in styles ranging from Gothic to Byzantine. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is the most iconic landmark, located on a charming square lined with café terraces overlooking its magnificent façade. Be sure to admire the stunning rose window inside! Other noteworthy churches include the Byzantine-style domed Basilique Sainte-Clotilde and the Église Saint-Jacques, one of the oldest churches in Reims – modest from the outside but surprisingly colorful within, thanks to its beautiful stained glass.
Take a city walk from the central station of Reims through the city park to the Roman gate and other landmarks. As you explore the beautiful churches and museums, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the city center. You’ll discover other inviting squares and the pedestrian promenade Place Drouet-d’Erlon, home to an impressive monument and a fountain shaped like a dandelion.
South of Reims lies the Parc Naturel de la Montagne de Reims, an area of stunning beauty with valleys and gently rolling hills covered in vineyards. The landscape is characterized not by towering peaks but by soft, undulating slopes. One of the park’s most photogenic sights is the Moulin de Verzenay, a picturesque windmill perched atop a hill surrounded by vines. Visiting Reims in autumn? Don’t miss a walk to this charming spot – the orange-colored hillsides with the mill on top make for a picture-perfect scene!
An extensive network of cycling paths makes it easy to explore the Champagne region on two wheels. It’s no wonder cycling is one of the best ways to experience the area! You can even join guided e-bike tours that take you past vineyards for tastings, local specialties, and a relaxing lunch in one of the wine villages.
Épernay is often called the capital of Champagne, and rightly so. The many prestigious wine houses along the famous Avenue de Champagne justify this nickname. But Épernay offers more than just sparkling wine – highlights include the elegant town hall and its landscaped garden. For breathtaking views over the city and surrounding vineyards, climb Mont Bernon, a hill on the edge of Épernay. From here, you can admire the sweeping countryside stretching into the distance. A striking landmark is Champagne de Castellane, a large champagne house with extensive cellars – its fairy-tale tower dominates the skyline and is instantly recognizable.
Tip: stroll along the banks of the Marne River for a charming view of the champagne tower. Prefer a bird’s-eye perspective of the river? Visit the champagne house and climb the tower for panoramic views reaching as far as the national park.
While the Champagne region doesn’t have large rivers, smaller ones like the Marne make for wonderfully scenic boat trips through the vineyards. Set sail and enjoy the serene water and rolling landscapes. You can board a cruise with My House Boat in the village of Ay for a trip along the Canal latéral à la Marne. Another option is to sail the Marne from Cumières with Champagne Vallée, possibly including lunch or dinner on board. A highlight of the journey is the view of the iconic Castellane tower in Épernay!
Reims and the Champagne region are inseparable! Experience the history, the romance, and of course the sparkling wine that made this region world-famous. Do it all from your holiday home in Reims – from bike tours and river cruises to relaxing café visits near the Notre-Dame Cathedral. And when the sun sets and casts a golden glow over the vineyards, don’t forget to take one last photo of the windmill at Verzenay!
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