Reims (Marne, Champagne-Ardenne) mini guide

Guide point Details
Department: North East France > Champagne Ardenne > Marne >
Location: Reims is a city in northern France, 89 miles east-northeast of Paris and 2½ hours south of Calais
Public Transport:

By Plane:
It is worth checking online to find out which airlines are offering the best deals at the time, but as an example, you can fly direct to Paris from either Gatwick, Heathrow or London City with Airfrance the take the TGV to Reims, which will take 45 minutes.

By Train:
From as little as £55 return, you can take Eurostar direct from St Pancras International in London to Paris, Gare de Nord, in under 2 ½ hours. Connections can also be picked up from Ashford or Ebbsfleet. The train to Reims leaves from Gare d'Est, which means a journey by metro or taxi which will take approximately half an hour. Take the TGV to Reims which will take only 45 minutes. A full timetable can be viewed by visiting Raileurope - Eurostar bookings

By Boat:
It is usually cheaper to take a car over to France by boat, because the journey takes longer. Operators such as Seafrance and P&O offer regular ferry trips across the channel, with prices ranging from around £30 for a return day trip. Calais to Reims - 2 hours 30 minutes, 272 km. Please see our route planner for directions.

By Car:
Take your car on Eurotunnel from Ashford, near Folkstone, Kent direct to Calais in France. Journey time is about 35 minutes and the cost varies but is around £55 day trip return for a car and 5 passengers. Calais to Reims - 2 hours 30 minutes, 272 km.  http://www.eurotunnel.com/

Local Transport:
The centre of Reims is fairly compact and easy by foot or taxi's are available but require booking ahead. There are bus and TGV train services as well as Corail trains.

Tourist information website: http://www.reims-tourisme.com/
Tourist information contact email: info@reims-tourisme.com
Tourist information switch board number: + 33 (0)3 26 77 45 00
Tourist information address: 2, Rue Guillaume de Machault, 51100 REIMS
Quick links to accommodation: Accommodation near Reims (Marne, Champagne-Ardenne) - Hotels in Reims (Marne, Champagne-Ardenne)

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Reims is only 2½ hours directly South of Calais on the A26 motorway, being in the Champagne area it is an ideal destination for a long weekend or short break at whatever time of the year you choose to go.

Referred to as the home of Champagne, Reims is the principal city of Marne in Champagne-Ardenne. It is 89 miles east-northeast of Paris and was originally founded during the Roman Empire.

Reims played a very important role in French history, this was partly due to the magnificent 13th century Notre-Dame Cathedral where many Kings of France where baptized and crowned. The gothic masterpiece is situated in the centre of Reims and plays a similar roll as the Westminster Abbey does in England. One of the most famous events to take place at the Cathedral was in 1429 when Joan of Arc was successful in getting the Dauphin, Charles VII crowned there. Sadly 80% of it was destroyed in World War I, but over a 40 year period, in the 1920's it was rebuilt in an Art Deco style. When paying a visit to the Cathedral do not miss the stained glass windows and the giggling angels which run around the west side.

Along with the former Abbey of Saint-Remi and the Palace of Tau, the Cathedral, was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1991.

During World War II, the town endured much damage, but it was in Reims, where General Eisenhower and the Allies received the unconditional surrender of the Wehrmacht by the German Chief-of-Staff General Alfred Jodl, which marked the end of the war.

The Place Drouet d'Erlon in the city centre has many attractive statues and fountains, the square is lined with restaurants and cafes which attract many visitors in the summer, enabling them to sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere. In December it plays host to the lively, festive Christmas market with its large number of specialist stalls. Other places to visit are the Place Royale, with a statue of Louis XV, and the Place Cardinal-Luçon, with an equestrian statue of Joan of Arc. Reims has a number of good museums, in particular the Musee de Beaux Artes and the War Museum.

The market to head for in Reims is held in the place de Republique. It starts early on  Saturday morning from 7am - 1pm, its wares include fish, meat, cheese and bric a brac, great for shopping or just to wander through.

Reims is one of the main Champagne centres of the region, along with Épernay and Ay. There are many caves, passages and tunnels running under Reims, some where made in the Roman times. These where dug out of chalk for the Champagne to age in. Many Champagne producers have their headquaters in Reims and offer tasting and tours, but by appointment only.

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