Wat te doen in Reims: one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam

The biggest perk of living in Europe is that you can access diverse cultures and landscapes in just a few hours of driving. In my opinion, one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam is to Reims, also known as the Champagne region. In this post from the series Best Weekend Trips from Amsterdam, I will give you inspiration for what to do in Reims (wat te doen in Reims) and a few practical tips. 

I love living in Europe because you are never too far away from a change of scenery. Whether you live in the city and feel the need for quiet time immersed in nature, or you live in a remote village and are looking for some action, there are always options available just a few hours away. 

Weekends in Amsterdam are full of events and things to do, and they never get boring. But sometimes, I feel the need to explore and change pace, so I usually look for last-minute weekend trips from Amsterdam. One of the best so far has been Reims, and here I will tell you why and wat te doen in Reims. 

There are four reasons why I find Reims one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam: 

• Location 
• Activities 
• Vibe 
• Cost 

Why Reims is one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam: the convenient location.

Reims is a small city of 180.000 inhabitants located in northeast France, and it’s the heart of the Champagne region. The best two ways to reach Reims from Amsterdam are: 

• By car: It will take you around 5 hours to travel from Amsterdam to Reims, although traffic around the Antwerp metropolitan area could affect the travel time. Considering fuel and tolls, the cost for a two-way trip can be as low as €80. You need to add the cost of the rental car in case you don’t have your own.
• By train: With just a changeover in Paris, you can reach Reims from Amsterdam in 5 hours. You will need to take the Eurostar from Amsterdam to Paris and then change to local railways from Paris to Reims. The cost varies a lot depending on when you book the Eurostar ticket, but a two-way trip can cost as low as €140 per person.

Why Reims is one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam: full range of activities. 

Wat te doen in Reims: Champagne tasting

So, wat te doen in Reims? As you can imagine, the main activity in Reims revolves around Champagne: with around 250 Champagne Houses, a weekend in Reims is only complete with (at least) a Champagne tasting. 

Champagne houses offer an immersive journey into champagne production, history, tradition, and innovation. These esteemed masons, many of whom have been in business for centuries, offer guided tours eager to discover the secrets behind creating the most iconic sparkling wine.

Apart from these most traditional champagne houses, Reims is home to smaller and family-owned wineries, where visitors can experience a more intimate and personalized approach to champagne production. 

If you are looking for a Champagne tasting, you have two options:

1. Guided tour of a major Champagne House (Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, and Taittinger are the most famous): this is the cheapest but more crowded solution. You can book directly via the Champagne House’s websites, and there is a wide range of tours to choose from: starting at €35 per person, you will receive a 1-hour tour of the cellars, the history of the House, and one tasting. However, you’ll probably be together with 20 other people, making the experience less personal. Most major Champagne Houses can be reached by taxi from Reims city center. 
2. Guided tour of vineyards and local Champagne Houses: This might look like the most pricey option, but it’s also the longest and coziest. It usually takes half a day and brings you through the countryside of Reims (Hautvillers and Epernay), visiting multiple cellars with up to 6 tastings. It’s the best way to experience real, authentic French winemaking. Prices start from €115 per person, including the tour, the tastings, and safe transportation by air-conditioned minivan. Groups are limited to 8 participants max. 

I am a big fan of the second option. While you’ll pay a bit more than the first one, your experience will be much better. Not only will you have more tastings (if you ask me, there is never too much Champagne), but you will also discover the countryside and vineyards and meet the people really behind Champagne making. 

The guided tour of vineyards and local Champagne Houses is a much more fun experience, where you will discover the less polished side of Champagne, which is also the most real and authentic. I tried both tours, and the second option is the best; it’s definitely worth the price. You can check out the details here, you won’t be disappointed! 

Wat te doen in Reims that is not related to Champagne

But Reims is not just about Champagne. The city has much more to offer! 

Walking through the city center, you will discover a charming little town with a rich history, architectural marvels, and cute corners. 

Right in the city center, you will find the iconic Notre-Dame de Reims, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll certainly have the chance to admire it while strolling through the city but don’t miss out on the opportunity to see this majestic cathedral from the inside. 

Another site to visit is the Place Royale, the old town square with its graceful arcades, a statuesque fountain, and a monument in honor of Louis XV, which is surrounded by majestic buildings. 

And don’t forget you are in France, so just walking around the city is an activity by itself: the cobblestone streets, small squares lined with elegant buildings, etc. There are hidden gems to be discovered at every corner! Take a sit at one of the cozy cafes and admire the town. 

It’s worth mentioning the Jean Jaurès local farmers market on Sunday. Be ready for the full French experience: fresh produce, bread, cheese, cold cuts, etc. Stop by Boulangerie La Petrie Johnatan Et Sandra for a few croissants; they are the best I have had in Reims!

Why Reims is one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam: unspoiled French vibe.

The first time I went to Reims, I was scared I would end up in a tourist trap, with thousands of people visiting the city because of its Champagne heritage. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was not the case! The city still has this French local vibe going on, and it has retained its charm. 

Located just 129km from Paris, Reims is a perfect day trip for visitors staying in the capital. Therefore, very few tourists decide to spend the night in Reims. This means that you’ll see many groups around the biggest Champagne Houses during the day but very little at night. If you spend a few days in Reims, you will see that the city kept its local vibe and still feels like a charming French little village. A living testament of the French joie de vivre!

Why Reims is one of the best weekend trips from Amsterdam: luxury for an affordable price. 

Of course, it depends on your needs and preferences, but a weekend in Reims is affordable for most pockets. 

You can expect to pay between €400 and €600 per person for a two-night trip to Reims, including food, a half-day champagne tour, and transportation with your own car from Amsterdam. 

Practical information 

• When to go: The best time to visit Reims is between April and October. Remember that it can get pretty hot at the peak of the summer (July and August). If you plan to visit Reims at the end of the summer (between August and October), you might have the chance to experience the wine harvest season. Remember that wineries will be busy harvesting, so tour and tasting schedules might be affected. 

• Where to stay: Reims is a tiny city, you can easily walk everywhere. Depending on how you plan to get there, you should get a hotel in the city center or slightly outside (so you can easily park your car). See below a few recommendations:
  • Grand Hôtel Des Templiers: the best value for money accommodation, just a short walk from the town city center.
  • Appartement Premium dans une belle demeure: a budget-friendly accommodation for those who prefer to have more space and access to a kitchen. 
  • La Demeure des Sacres – Cathédrale: located in the center of Reims, you won’t be disappointed by this charming 20th-century boutique hotel and its garden.

• Where to eat: everywhere! Honestly, I had some of the best meals in my life in Reims. From Michelin-starred restaurants to cozy bistros, get ready for a full immersion into French cuisine. The town’s food scene is evolving, too, and you’ll also find more international offers. And, of course, no meal is complete without a glass of Champagne! Check the restaurants below and remember to reserve: French people love to eat out, and restaurants often are fully booked!
  • Anna-S – La Table Amoureuse: my favorite place of all
  • Le Grand Café: typical French-style brasserie, perfect spot for a glass of Champagne and a few oysters 
  • L’Assiette Champenoise: 10 minutes’ drive away from the center, but be ready for a fabulous three Michelin stars experience 
  • L’Epicerie Au Bon Manger: fantastic place to stop for a quick bite and a glass of wine
  • La Braise: we stopped here for an aperitif but would have gladly stayed for dinner!

Conclusion

Whether you go there with friends or with your partner, Reims is the perfect weekend trip from Amsterdam. 

This semi-hidden gem is easy to reach and affordable and offers some of the best food (and wine) you can hope for. And the cherry on the cake? On your way back to Amsterdam, you can pass by one of the champagne wineries you discovered along your tour and bring home a few of your favorite champagne bottles (for a much lower price than what you would pay in Amsterdam).