Where to stay in Reims?

Lodging amidst historic sites

The hypercentre of Reims is brimming with must-see buildings, traces of a past that paved the way for France as we know it today. Here, you can stroll between Gothic monuments and art deco buildings that give the area its distinctive charm.

It's the ideal place to stay if you want to be at the heart of all the tourist attractions. The sites of interest are close together, so it's easy to walk from one place to another without suffering from heavy-legged syndrome.

You'll find Reims Cathedral, the Opera House, the Carnegie Library, the Palais du Tau and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Cultural, historical or heritage visits, there's something for everyone!

A number of bus stops are located in this district to take you to the four corners of Reims. You're also close to the main streetcar stops and the Drouet-d'Erlon and Boulingrin streetcar stops, just a few minutes' walk away.

Accommodation is more sparse. There are mostly apartments for rent for one night or more, and relatively few hotels. The prices of the latter are still affordable, however: you should expect to pay around a hundred euros a night, depending on the season.

On the other hand, you'll have no trouble finding a place to eat: restaurants abound in this historic district, making it the perfect place to eat, sleep and, above all, visit.

Center Erlon, a neighborhood as lively as it is green

To the north-west of the urban center lies the Centre-Erlon sub-district. Here, the Fontaine Subé sits proudly on the Place Drouet-d'Erlon, usually covered by the terraces of the surrounding restaurants and cafés.

Just a 7-minute walk away, the Gare de Reims is easily accessible through a pleasant green space.

It's a great place to live, with restaurants, shops, bars and hotels. It's also a place to breathe and relax in the surrounding parks (Les Hautes Promenades, Square Colbert and Jardin de la Patte d'Oie). Tourists particularly appreciate its proximity to all amenities and the historic center of Reims.

In fact, the tramway runs through this dynamic district, serving Reims train station, among others.

From the Place Droute-d'Erlon, everything is (almost) within walking distance! That's why it's so pleasant to stay here: you benefit from the dynamism of the hypercentre and the proximity of sites, restaurants and transport. On the other hand, this comfort comes at a price. While there are a few affordable accommodations, the majority of hotels are relatively high-priced, at around €130 per night.

Going out in the Boulingrin

At the other end of the Hautes Promenades, from the edge of the Porte de Mars to the Cryptoportique archaeological site, lies the Boulingrin district, famous for the food market of the same name and the champagne cellars that populate its streets.

TheHôtel du Marc, for example, houses the former cellars of the Veuve Clicquot champagne house, which in turn became a private residence and then a trading post, before becoming a venue for private receptions.

Adjacent to the hypercentre, the Boulingrin is a place where there's never a dull moment. After visiting the neighboring monuments, you'll come here to quench your thirst in a café, have a tasting session in a champagne cellar before extending the evening in one of the many bars or restaurants in the area.

You can even catch the streetcar and the main bus lines to venture further afield.

On the other hand, it's not easy to find a place to stay. Indeed, there's very little accommodation on this side of the historic heart. The majority are rented apartments, with the odd hotel costing around a hundred euros a night.

Saint-Rémi and Barbâtre: a peaceful place to stay

A little further south of Reims are two true villages within the city. Dotted with green spaces, the Saint-Rémi and Barbâtre districts are renowned for being havens of peace where it's pleasant to stay.

These include the Basilique Saint-Rémi, an impressive Gothic edifice well worth a visit, as well as the Tour de la Poudrière and its remnants of medieval ramparts. The area is also home to a number of champagne houses offering regular guided tours and tastings, including GH Martel & Co and Veuve Clicquot, which has set up its visitor center here.

Accommodation is rather sparse. Once again, the majority are apartments, and the few hotels offer a wide range of services. Entry-level accommodation is very affordable, but prices can quickly rise in luxury establishments.

As with accommodation, restaurants are a rarity in this part of Reims. You'll have to head for Place Drouet-d'Erlon or Boulingrin for a bite to eat, or enjoy a moment on a café terrace.

Stay in idyllic surroundings: the Montagne de Reims

If you're planning a romantic getaway or a relaxing break, you can choose to stay at one of the many estates in the Montagne de Reims Regional Nature Park. Just a twenty-minute drive from the Cité des Sacres, this immense park boasts numerous trails and vineyards that will appeal to any nature lover.

Here, you can enjoy the calm of the countryside in a bucolic, almost idyllic setting. The vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, making you forget the stresses of everyday life. Here and there, you'll find magnificent estates and gîtes ready to welcome you for a relaxing stay (most have their own restaurants).

However, it's advisable to travel by car in the Champagne countryside: the accommodation is often isolated and doesn't have transport to the city. Getting to the train station or airport without your own vehicle can be complicated.