Champagne's Capital City: A Reims Walking Tour
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About the Tour
About the Tour
Reims has crowned the kings of France for over a thousand years, yet much of its vibrant historic core was rebuilt less than a century ago. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll trace how a powerful Roman stronghold transformed into a royal coronation city, before boldly reinventing itself after World War I left 60 percent of its streets in ruins.
You'll start at the impressive Porte de Mars – the longest surviving Roman arch in the world – and explore two millennia of history. Along the way, you'll admire the iconic Halles du Boulingrin market, take in elegant Art Deco facades adorned with mosaic details and ironwork, and discover how the Champagne industry shaped the city's unique architectural and cultural identity.
The route takes you past the reconstructed Maison des Musiciens, across Place du Forum with its ancient Roman cryptoporticus, through the majestic Place Royale, and beneath the Porte du Chapitre into the serene Canons' Enclave. The tour ends at Place du Parvis, where you'll stand before the soaring High Gothic facade of Notre-Dame de Reims, where 31 French kings were crowned.
On this 60-minute walking tour, you'll have a chance to:
- Discover Roman Durocortorum as you stand before the ancient reliefs of Romulus and Remus on the Porte de Mars
- Uncover Reims' Champagne heritage at Le Cellier, Jules Mumm's former warehouse, adorned with vivid mosaic panels illustrating traditional winemaking
- Explore Art Deco and urban rebirth, learning how pioneering architects rebuilt Reims with modern materials and artistic details after 1918
- Admire the Hôtel de Ville and learn how it was meticulously restored after a devastating fire in 1917
- Pass the Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur, a Renaissance merchant mansion filled with centuries of art and history
- Stand at Place Royale, the elegant 1700s royal square where revolutionaries smashed the sacred Holy Ampulla during the French Revolution
- Spot hidden details on Notre-Dame's exterior, from intricate sculptures to the best vantage points for its grand facade
Whether you are drawn by Gothic architecture, royal legends, or the fascinating story of a city shaped by its world-famous Champagne heritage, this walk reveals Reims at your own pace.
Tour Producer
Tour Producer
Nadina Issabayeva
As a licensed tour guide and art historian, I invite you to explore the rich heritage of Reims through a captivating blend of architecture, local history, and Champagne heritage. Holding a degree in art history alongside advanced wine tasting certifications, I bridge the gap between grand historical narrative and the subtle artistic details that often escape the untrained eye.
My audio walking tours guide you through hidden architectural details, elegant Art Deco facades, vibrant street art, and the fascinating history of Champagne making, culminating with iconic masterworks like the grand cathedral. Each route is carefully researched and designed to feel like an engaging walk alongside a local friend—filled with rich historical context, intriguing anecdotes, and practical insights into regional traditions.
Whether you are uncovering forgotten urban gems or discovering the stories behind key monuments, my self-guided audio tours allow you to experience the authentic heart of Champagne at your own pace.
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Preview Location
Preview Location
Location 9
Le Cellier
This unusual building, with its remarkable barrel-shaped facade, was constructed in 1898 by architects Armand Bègues and Ernest Kalas for Jules Mumm. Eager to distinguish himself from his cousin, George Hermann Mumm (today GH Mumm...
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Major Landmarks
Major Landmarks
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Halles Boulingrin
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Le Cellier
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Hôtel de ville de Reims
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Boulangerie Pâtisserie Paintagruélique - boulangerie épicurienne
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Place du Forum
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Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur
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Cryptoportique du Forum romain
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Post Office
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Place Royale
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Porte Du Chapitre
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Porte Du Chapitre
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square Henri Deneux
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Palais du Tau
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Carnegie Library of Reims
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Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
Getting There
Getting There
Route Overview
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Start locationPl. de la République, 51100 Reims, France
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Total distance2km
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Final locationPlace du Parvis, 51100 Reims, France
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Distance back to start location809.05m
Directions to Starting Point
The tour begins directly in front of the Porte de Mars, on the city center side (facing Place de la République, Esplanade de la Porte de Mars). Stand on the paved area facing the arch. Avoid walking further out into the Promenades park area, especially during the winter season, as temporary events like the Christmas Market may block access.
Show Directions
Tips
Tips
Places to stop along the way
Dining & Bakeries:
Au Petit Comptoir (refined French cuisine) & Le Bocal (fresh seafood) near Les Halles du Boulingrin.
Boulangerie Pantagruélique near the Hôtel de Ville for artisanal pastries.
Le Crypto on Place du Forum for excellent food with great value.
Sightseeing & Hidden Spots:
Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur: Take a moment to visit its quiet public garden.
La Poste (Central Post Office): Step inside if open to see its Art Deco frescoes.
Hôtel de Ville, Carnegie Library & Notre-Dame Cathedral: Great stops if you wish to explore their interiors along the route.
Best time of day
This outdoor walking tour can be enjoyed all year round during daylight hours. However, if you wish to step inside specific sites along the route—such as the Carnegie Library or the Musée-Hôtel Le Vergeur—be sure to check their opening hours in advance, as access may be restricted on certain days or holidays.
Precautions
This is an easy and safe walk through pedestrian streets and city squares. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets. Depending on the weather, bring an umbrella, sunscreen, or a hat, as parts of the route are fully exposed to the sun.
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