- Reims
Where?
Located in North East of France, Reims is in the region of Champagne-Ardenne.
Weather
In Reims the summers are short, comfortable and partly cloudy and the winters are very cold, windy and mostly cloudy. Minimum temperature can be as low as 0° in winter and in summer months can range between 21° and 25°.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit for warm weather activities is from mid-June to early September.
Must See Must Do!
At the site of 900 years’ worth of coronations, it’s almost mind blowing to think of all the historical figures that have passed through the Reims Cathedral. It’s a 13th century sculpture with its own story to tell, as it was beheaded during the German bombing of 1914 and the fragments became a famous piece of anti-German propaganda within France. And for art lovers, in the apse you can find unparalleled stained glass windows. This towering structure from centuries ago does take your breath way. Also, the Palace Tau next door where the Cathedral’s treasury is kept is something that cannot be missed. On display is an astonishing assortment of tapestries, reliquaries and statues. The other site that one cannot help notice is Porte de Mars, there isn’t a great deal of Reims’ Roman history surviving but this arch in Place de la Republique is still going strong and is the largest Roman arch in the world. One of the reasons it has remained intact is that it was a city gate and then part of a medieval castle for Reims’ archbishops. Reims is also famous for a lot of museums like fine arts museum, war museum and automobile museum. The automobile museum has 230 cars on display, some of them are limited editions and among the last remaining models in the world and the oldest vehicle dates to 1908. There is also an extensive bike collection and whopping selection of 500 miniature and toy cars.
Shop For
Vesle Street is a paradise for those who love shopping – clothing, lingerie, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, perfumes and more. Gourmet cuts of meats, cheese and chocolates are also some of the things you can buy here.
Eat Here
Reims is the champagne region of France and famous for the sparkling beverage we all know and love. Take a tour at Pommery or Veuve de Clicquot and taste the champagne stored in the caves there.
Paris may be the heart of France but there is an entire body of French culture out there to explore on these weekend getaways. So those of you planning a trip to Paris, don’t forget to block a couple of days for exploring the surrounding areas and discover a French adventure of your own. Paris is always a good idea but France is much more than Paris!! A bientôt!
[The writer is an avid traveller and a HR professional currently based in Paris]
