Visiting Reims for a day is a great way to get a taste of the Champagne culture and to explore the many sights and attractions that the city has to offer. While you're there, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Palace of Tau, the Museum of la Reddition, the Bute Saint-Nicaise park and the Champagne cellars.
Museum of la Reddition
Located in Reims, the Musee de la Reddition is a museum that commemorates the German surrender in World War II. This is a fascinating and educational place to see. The museum displays historical items such as uniforms, maps, artifacts and photos. It is open from 10am to 6pm on Wednesday through Monday.
The building where the German surrender took place has been converted to a museum. It was once a technical college and was the European headquarters of US General Dwight D. Eisenhower during the war.
The best part about the museum is the small cinema where visitors can watch a 19 minute film. The film is in French. The museum is filled with other interesting exhibits. There is also a room that shows the actual table where the terms of surrender were agreed upon. The room has been preserved through glass panels.
Palace of Tau
Located in the city of Reims, Palais of Tau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be a key historical landmark in Burgundy. It is a renowned and ancient episcopal residence. It has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1862. The palace is also home to the Musee de l'Ouvre de Notre-Dame, which exhibits statues, tapestries and other works of art from the cathedral.
The palace's history is associated with the kings of France. It was a place where the kings of France stayed before the coronation ceremony. They were dressed for the occasion in the Palace of Tau. The kings of France used to have banquets in the Palace after the coronation.
The Palais of Tau was rebuilt in the Gothic style during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was reconstructed again after WWI, to its former splendor.
Brasserie Excelsior
Located in Reims, Brasserie Excelsior is a great place to enjoy French food and champagne. It is also a fantastic value restaurant. The staff are friendly and patient, and the decor is modern and homely. You will find a lovely summer terrace.
One of the best things to do in Reims is to take a champagne tour. A lot of tourists will hop off the train in Reims and head to a nearby champagne house for a full day. A la Francaise Champagne offers tours daily at different times of the day, and can pick you up from the central location in Reims.
The Champagne cave tour is another popular activity in Reims. It lasts around an hour and includes a tasting of several Champagne styles. The experts will explain the history of each cuvee.
Bute Saint-Nicaise park
During your visit to Reims, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Champagne Park. This is an excellent place to relax and have a picnic. You can also find play areas for children.
Reims is the home of one of the best Champagne Houses. You can visit these cellars and taste the famous wines. The Tattinger Champagne house is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers guided tours and tastings.
Another must-see destination is the Montagne de Reims, or "Mountain of Reims". The park is located between Reims and Epernay. It offers scenic landscapes and a panoramic view. The area is surrounded by vineyards and is known as the Faux de Verzy.
If you want to learn more about the history of champagne, you should visit the Vranken Champagne House. This villa is owned by the Vranken family and offers a unique experience. You can learn about the history of champagne while sipping a glass of their own brand of champagne. The villa also has a reception area.
Champagne cellars
Visiting the Champagne cellars in Reims is a great way to learn more about this important wine-making region. Most of the houses have individual tours that are booked in advance, so you should be able to visit them without too much hassle.
You can find many top-quality Champagne houses in Reims, as well as smaller, more intimate cellars. A tour of one of these smaller cellars will provide you with the chance to sample a variety of unusual sparkling wines.
One of the most impressive champagne cellars in Reims is the Taittinger cellar. The house is located in the St-Nicaise Abbey. It was established in 1734 and is now owned by the Taittinger family.
The Taittinger house offers guided tours and a short film about the history of Champagne. There are also packages that include two tastings of the Taittinger's renowned champagne.