Walking Tours to discover Reims

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 12/15/2024

Sure thing! Let's lace up those walking shoes and step into the charming cityscape of Reims, nestled in Northeast France.

The Short But Sweet: Champagne Avenue Afternoon

Just because a walk is short doesn't mean it can't be bubbly, right? Setting out on Champagne Avenue (Avenue de Champagne), our short excursion clocks in at about 3 kilometers, or 1.9 miles, and it'll take you around 1-2 hours, depending on how bubbly the walk gets!

Here, you'll meander through the headquarters of world-renowned Champagne producers like Moët & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët. Don't miss the Maison Mercier, where the guided tours include a train ride through the underground cellars. And what walk would be complete without a Champagne tasting?

The Middle Way: Historic Reims Ramble

Our medium jaunt takes us on a cavalcade through the city's historic offerings. Spanning roughly 5 kilometers (3.2 miles) and taking about 3 hours, it offers a satisfying balance of history and fun.

Starting from Notre-Dame Cathedral, you'll gulp down centuries of art, religion, and architecture. Their vibrant stained glass, sculpted portals, and towering presence are truly awe-inspiring. Next, you'll journey on to the Saint Remi Museum. Housed in a former abbey, it tells the story of Reims from prehistoric times to the Renaissance.

The route concludes at the Tau Palace, the former residence of the Archbishop of Reims. Don't forget to salute the relics of the old kings of France stored here. It's a royal end to a middle way!

The Long and Winding: Full City Immersion

Finally, our long walking route is ideal for those whose hearts beat for discovery. This 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) trip may take about 6 hours. But, trust me, the beauty of Reims will make the time fly by.

Begin your foray at Carnegie Library, a superb early 20th-century structure. Admire its art-deco style before marching ahead to Vranken Pommery, the largest Champagne factory in Reims. If your senses aren't already tingling, they will be here.

Carry on to the Mars Gate, the only Roman gate in the world to carry still-visible Gallic and Latin inscriptions. End your journey at the Parc de Champagne, a green sprawl that was once the hunting ground of the Pommery family. It's the perfect place to relax your feet and bask in the glory of the day.

So there we have it, walking routes as varied as the bubbles in a bottle of Champagne. Just pick your poison, and voilà! Reims awaits.


Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

Follow on Twitter