Why CityAppTour?
Explore a city in 1 day
Stories from local guides
Pause whenever you want
Affordable
Stress-free navigation with audio guidance
English guide
The gentle pop of champagne corks echoes through ancient cellars as you wander the streets of Reims. This elegant city in France's Champagne region carries both royal heritage and bubbly prestige, with its magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral where French kings were once crowned standing proudly in the city center. The distinctive Art Deco architecture that emerged after WWI gives Reims a unique visual character unlike any other French city.
With your CityAppTour audio guide, you'll walk through centuries of history at your own pace. No need to rush between attractions or strain to hear a guide in a crowded group. Pause whenever you want to sample a glass of local champagne, admire the intricate details of the cathedral's facade, or simply soak in the atmosphere of a charming square. The stories unfold in your ears as the city unfolds before your eyes. Just listen and walk – Reims awaits your discovery.
Besides our audio tour through the heart of Reims, there's much more to experience in and around the champagne capital. Each activity perfectly complements your discovery tour with CityAppTour. Let yourself be inspired by these top activities:
Best time to visit
Spring (April-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer the ideal climate for exploring Reims, with pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists. September is particularly special during the grape harvest when the entire region buzzes with activity. Winter visitors can enjoy Christmas markets and cozy champagne tastings, though some vineyard tours may be limited.
Accessibility
Reims is easily accessible by high-speed TGV train, just 45 minutes from Paris. Within the city, most major attractions are within walking distance of the center. For tired feet, the city's bus network is efficient and affordable with day passes available. If you're planning to visit champagne houses outside the city center, consider booking an organized tour or using the local ride-sharing app.
Opening hours and holidays
Most champagne houses and museums open from 10:00 to 18:00, with last tours often starting at 16:30. Many close for lunch between 12:00 and 14:00, especially smaller establishments. Most attractions close on Mondays, and many champagne houses require advance reservations for tours. National holidays like May 1, July 14, and November 11 may affect opening hours.
Comfortable on the go
Wear comfortable shoes as Reims' historic center features cobblestone streets and the full audio tour involves several hours of walking. The weather in Champagne can be changeable, so a light rain jacket is advisable even in summer. Bring a reusable water bottle – Reims has several public fountains where you can refill.
Local customs and etiquette
The French appreciate when visitors attempt to speak some basic French phrases. When entering shops, a simple "Bonjour" is customary. Champagne tastings follow certain protocols – hold your glass by the stem, not the bowl, and it's perfectly acceptable to use the spittoon if you're sampling multiple champagnes.
How much time should I set aside for a visit to Reims?
Plan a full day for our Reims city tour. The audio tour itself takes about 3-4 hours of actual walking time, but you'll want additional time to visit the cathedral interior, perhaps tour a champagne house, and enjoy lunch at one of the city's excellent restaurants. Reims is compact enough to explore thoroughly in a day, but rich enough to reward a longer stay.
What makes Reims different from other cities in France?
Reims stands out as the historical coronation city of French kings, with 33 monarchs crowned in its magnificent cathedral over 1,000 years. Unlike other French cities, Reims combines this royal heritage with champagne prestige, being home to many of the world's most famous champagne houses. Its distinctive Art Deco architecture, rebuilt after WWI destruction, creates a unique cityscape unlike Paris or Lyon.
Why choose an audio tour instead of a guided tour in Reims?
An audio tour gives you the freedom to explore Reims at your own pace and schedule. You can linger in the cathedral, stop for champagne tastings, or pause for a leisurely lunch without being rushed by a group schedule. Our audio tour provides expert commentary and historical context whenever you're ready, with the flexibility to customize your Reims experience.
Do I need internet while walking?
No, you don't need internet while walking through Reims. Once you've downloaded the tour via WiFi at your hotel or a café, everything works offline. The GPS navigation functions without data connection, making it worry-free to explore without concern about roaming charges or finding a signal in the champagne cellars.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for children, especially those interested in history, architecture, or royal stories. The tales of coronations and kings often capture children's imagination. However, the tour is primarily designed for adults, and younger children might get tired during the full walking route. Consider breaking the tour into sections if traveling with children under 10.
Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! We offer attractive group discounts for exploring Reims together. Everyone can listen simultaneously on their own devices, making it easy to share the experience while maintaining individual comfort. Check the booking page for current group pricing options.
What are other nice things to do in Reims?
Beyond our audio tour, Reims offers excellent champagne house tours at Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, or Pommery, the fascinating Musée de la Reddition (Surrender Museum) where WWII ended in Europe, and the Art Deco Carnegie Library. Check our "What to Do in Reims" section for more detailed suggestions and seasonal activities.
Is there a free tour in Reims?
There is no free tour of comparable quality and comprehensiveness in Reims. While some basic walking routes are available online, our audio tour offers professionally researched content, engaging storytelling, and reliable offline navigation. For a modest fee, you get a complete, high-quality experience that enhances your understanding of Reims' rich heritage.
Who is CityAppTour?
Behind every tour is a team of historians, local experts, and storytellers passionate about bringing cities to life. For Reims specifically, we've collaborated with local champagne historians and cathedral specialists to ensure authentic, insightful content. We create tours based on extensive research and local knowledge, focusing on the stories that reveal the true character of Reims beyond the typical tourist highlights.
"The tour perfectly balanced the royal history of the cathedral with the champagne heritage. Loved discovering the Art Deco gems I would have walked right past without the audio guide!" -- Sophie, United Kingdom
"Having the freedom to pause the city tour and spend extra time in the cathedral was perfect. The stories about the champagne houses were fascinating and added so much to our visit." -- James, United Kingdom
"Aprendimos muchísimo sobre la historia única de Reims mientras caminábamos a nuestro propio ritmo. La audioguía hizo que fuera fácil orientarse, incluso con mi francés limitado." — María, España
