France’s bustling, modern Reims greets travelers with cellar doors wide open. As the capital of the Champagne region, it features a lively center, a historic cathedral, and, of course, Champagne tasting. And thanks to France’s slick high-speed rail, it’s just 45 minutes from Paris—making it an easy day trip.
Reims (pronounced like “rance”) has a turbulent history: This is where French kings were crowned, where Champagne first bubbled, where WWI devastation met miraculous reconstruction, and where the Germans officially surrendered in 1945, bringing World War II to a close in Europe. The town’s sights give you an informative, entertaining peek at the entire story.
