If you are mapping out your French itinerary and looking for places to stay in Reims, France, my recent two-week research trip through the heart of Champagne revealed exactly how to find the best spots. Whether you want to stay near the towering Reims cathedral or prefer a serene bed and breakfast escape, this guide covers the most strategic neighborhoods. I have meticulously mapped out the famous Champagne houses, vibrant food markets, and chic corners so you can confidently book your room.
Best Hotels in Reims🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa
- ✨ 5-Star: Hyatt Centric Reims
- 🏨 4-Star: Novotel Suites Reims Centre
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Best Western Hotel Centre Reims
- 💸 Cheap: Residhome Reims Centre
- 🏢 Apartment: Appartement vintage - Reims centre
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Loft Spa Reims-fr 250m2 privatifs
- 🏩 For Couples: Appartement cosy proche Cathédrale
Quick Guide to the Best Areas
- 🏛️ Historic Culture — Centre-Ville
- 🍸 Gastronomy Buzz — Boulingrin
- 🚆 Modern Convenience — Quartier Clairmarais
- 🏰 Quiet Heritage — Saint-Remi
- 🥂 Heart of Champagne — Avenue de Champagne
- 🌿 Scenic Vineyards — Montagne Regional Park
1. Centre-Ville: The Best Place to Stay Near the Cathedral
The city of Reims revolves around its historic core, offering a highly walkable hub of elegant architecture. Reims is a great starting point to stay in the city and learn about the coronation of French kings before grabbing a glass of champagne. Finding a central boutique hotel here gives you easy access to the main sights.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Start your morning marveling at the gothic facade of Notre-Dame de Reims, a must-see cathedral that held the crown for centuries. Wander next door to the Palais du Tau, and browse the stunning art deco reading room at the Bibliothèque Carnegie.
Locals love grabbing an afternoon espresso at Café du Palais, cherished for its eclectic 1930s decor and vibrant stained-glass ceiling. Arrive via the Opéra-Cathédrale tram stop for a short minute walk to these landmarks, ensuring you beat the midday crowds.
- Pro: Puts you within walking distance of a major UNESCO World Heritage site and incredible dining.
- Con: Can be noisy; request a room facing the inner courtyard for a quieter night.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for culture enthusiasts exploring the gothic monuments; skip if you prefer vast open countryside.
Best Hotels in Centre-Ville
💎 Luxury hotels
- CK Suite & Spa — Indulge in a private wellness experience with this upscale apartment featuring a personal jacuzzi and sleek, contemporary decor.
- Holiday Inn Reims Centre by IHG — A reliable and comfortable choice featuring a panoramic rooftop restaurant with sweeping views over the city’s historic rooftops.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Le Coeur de Reims — Stay in the historic heart near the Town Hall and Boulingrin market in this elegantly furnished space that captures authentic local charm.
- Appartement vintage Reims centre — A bright and functional base in the trendy Boulingrin district, perfect for those who want to be steps away from the city’s best culinary markets.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Residhome Reims Centre — Clean, modern studios and apartments that offer the flexibility of self-catering just a short walk from the central sights and major transport hubs.
2. Boulingrin: Vibrant Accommodation to Visit Reims
Located just north of the city center, Boulingrin is the bohemian and gastronomic pulse of this pretty city. Reims allows travelers to eat incredibly well, and this district is packed with lively bistros, Michelin-starred spots, and bustling markets.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Spend your Friday mornings browsing the legendary Les Halles du Boulingrin covered market, photograph the ancient Roman Porte de Mars, and stroll to Place Drouet d’Erlon for evening drinks. Tucked behind the market’s fishmonger stalls, Le Bocal is a tiny, local-favorite eatery offering exceptional seafood and a wine list that rivals any upscale establishment. The Boulingrin tram stop drops you right at the entrance, making it easy to visit before the midday rush hits the restaurants in Reims.
- Pro: Offers immediate proximity to the best restaurants and lively evening entertainment.
- Con: Street parking is notoriously difficult; ensure your booking includes secure parking with fast wifi.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for foodie couples; skip if you want a purely tranquil retreat.
Best Hotels in Boulingrin
💎 Luxury hotels
- Radisson Hotel Reims — A stylish contemporary hotel featuring a vibrant rooftop bar with panoramic views across the historic city skyline.
- Grand Hôtel des Templiers — This elegant 19th-century residence offers a refined, boutique atmosphere complete with an indoor pool and sauna.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- B&B HOTEL Reims Centre Erlon — Located right next to the high-speed rail station, this efficient hotel provides a comfortable and highly convenient base for city exploration.
- Best Western Hotel Centre Reims — Perfectly positioned on the lively pedestrianized Place Drouet d’Erlon, this hotel puts you in the heart of the city’s best dining and shopping.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Rosso Hyper Centre — A bright and modern apartment in the absolute center, offering a chic, self-contained retreat just a short stroll from the cathedral.
3. Quartier Clairmarais: Modern Hub for Booking a Quick Stay
Situated directly behind the train station, this rapidly redeveloped district blends industrial heritage with sleek conveniences. It provides the perfect base for travelers taking the quick train from Paris to Reims who want to drop their bags and start exploring. Look for modern properties offering a relaxing pool and sauna or an indoor pool to unwind.
Navigating the Neighbourhood & Insider Knowledge:
Use the Gare de Reims as your primary transit hub, take a relaxing stroll through Les Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, and dive into WWII history at the Museum of the Surrender.
For a scenic jogging route away from traffic, hit the Coulée Verte, a peaceful pedestrian path tracing the canal that locals use for weekend walks. The Gare Centre transit station connects you to both tram lines, offering seamless transport if you are staying outside the medieval core but still want to walk to the historic center.
- Pro: Exceptionally convenient for catching early trains and making a day trip into the surrounding vineyard valleys.
- Con: Lacks the cobblestone charm of the older districts; offset this by simply walking across the tracks.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for business travelers and short getaways; skip if you crave historical ambiance.
Best Hotels in Quartier Clairmarais
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Logis Hôtel Au Tambour — Relax in the heated outdoor pool or the hammam at this welcoming hotel, which features a peaceful garden terrace just a short walk from the historic sights.
- Vilnius Confort Familial — A spacious, well-appointed apartment designed for family comfort, offering a quiet and residential atmosphere for a relaxing stay.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Champagne Cocooning — This charming and intimate apartment provides a warm, stylish base perfect for couples looking for a cozy retreat in the heart of the city.
4. Saint-Remi: A Historic Monument in the Small Champagne Capital
Sitting south of the bustling center, Saint-Remi is a leafy district steeped in religious history and lined with sprawling underground chalk caves. Explore the historic area to dive deep into the legacy of legendary champagne houses like Taittinger, Ruinart, and Veuve Clicquot. You can easily book a champagne tasting or dine at the exquisite Domaine Les Crayères.
Atmosphere & A Pro Tip:
Marvel at the Romanesque scale of the Basilique Saint-Remi, delve into regional artifacts at the Musée Saint-Remi, and wander the expansive grounds of Parc de Champagne. When you need a break from traditional guided tours, head to the Butte Saint-Nicaise for sweeping views of the city that most tourists completely overlook. The nearby Saint-Timothée bus stop is your most reliable link back north, though visiting the area in late afternoon offers the best light for photography.
- Pro: Steps away from world-class champagne tastings and magnificent underground cellars.
- Con: It is a 20-minute walk from downtown; utilize the reliable bus network if mobility is a concern.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for history buffs and wine lovers seeking a relaxed pace; skip if you want nightlife at your doorstep.
Best Hotels in Saint-Remi
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Le Nid des Rois — Stay in an elegantly restored apartment that blends historical architecture with high-end comforts, located just minutes from the cathedral.
- Appart'City Confort Reims Centre — A practical and well-located aparthotel offering modern studios with kitchenettes, ideal for independent travelers exploring the city center.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- Maison Hypercentre — A stylish and sun-drenched duplex loft offering a chic, multi-level living space in the heart of the city’s pedestrian zone.
5. Avenue de Champagne: Where to Stay in the Champagne Region
Though a separate town, no guide is complete without Epernay, the self-proclaimed capital of the vine. It is essential if you visit the champagne region and want to stroll past opulent mansions, historic champagne houses, and the headquarters of Moët & Chandon.
On-the-ground Feel & Insider Tips:
Walk the glamorous Avenue de Champagne, tour the fascinating Musée du Vin de Champagne et d’Archéologie Régionale, and admire the Renaissance architecture of a local chateau, such as the beautiful château de la Marquetterie nearby.
Escape the main avenue’s bustle by relaxing in the Parc de l’Hôtel de Ville, a beautifully manicured public garden beloved by residents for quiet reading. Arrive mid-morning via the Gare d’Épernay to secure a spot on the most popular cellar tours before the afternoon crowds descend.
- Pro: Puts you at the epicenter of top champagne production and elegant tasting rooms.
- Con: Dining options close relatively early; book dinner reservations well in advance.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for dedicated oenophiles; skip if you prefer the diverse amenities of a large urban center.
Best Hotels in Avenue de Champagne
💎 Luxury hotels
- Champagne André Bergère — Located on the prestigious Avenue de Champagne in nearby Épernay, this refined guest house offers an intimate stay with access to private champagne tastings.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- Hotel Margaux — A stylish guest house in the heart of Épernay, offering a blend of modern comfort and classic French elegance.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- ibis Epernay Centre Ville — A reliable and centrally located hotel providing a modern, efficient base just a short walk from the Avenue de Champagne.
6. Montagne Regional Park: The Ultimate Road Trip Escape
For a true rural retreat, the picturesque hills of the Montagne de Reims offer an unforgettable b&b experience amidst the champagne vineyards. This forested regional park is dotted with grand cru vineyard estates, where you can enjoy champagne directly from independent champagne producers.
The Lay of the Land & Local Advice:
Drive out to the iconic Phare de Verzenay lighthouse museum, walk among the twisted dwarf beeches at the Faux de Verzy, and visit the historic Abbaye d’Hautvillers where Dom Pérignon lies buried.
For the best western sunset views over the valley, pull over at the scenic viewpoints in Mailly-Champagne, an unmarked local secret offering panoramic views of the sweeping slopes. You will absolutely need a rental car to navigate these tiny hamlets effectively; plan your drives during the early morning to avoid agricultural traffic.
- Pro: Unmatched access to intimate tours and tastings at family-run estates and a restorative spa.
- Con: Public transport is virtually nonexistent; a vehicle is strictly mandatory.
Best For / Skip If:
Best for couples seeking romantic isolation and scenery; skip if you do not want to drive.
Best Hotels in Montagne Regional Park
💎 Luxury hotels
- Demeure Larmandier — A luxurious guesthouse set in the heart of the champagne vineyards, offering an elegant and authentic retreat with stunning views.
⭐ Best Value Hotels
- La Ferme de Maryse — A charming, rustic-chic farmhouse conversion that offers a peaceful, rural escape amidst the rolling vineyards of the Champagne region.
💶 Smart Budget Hotels
- L'Écrin des Vignes — Experience a peaceful stay in this charming property surrounded by vines, featuring a beautiful garden and a quiet, countryside atmosphere.
FAQ
What is the best area in Reims for first-time visitors?
Centre-Ville is unmatched for newcomers, keeping you steps from the cathedral and major restaurants. It provides an excellent base to explore without needing a car.
How can you best explore Reims’ historic center?
Walking is the ideal method, as the medieval streets are compact and pedestrian-friendly. For longer distances, the modern tram network connects the major transit hubs efficiently.
Where is the best area for accommodation in the Reims champagne region?
Booking a room in the Saint-Remi district places you right above the famous chalk cellars. This quiet, historic area is perfect for morning walks to your tasting appointments.
Does veuve cliquot offer tours in Reims?
Yes, you can tour their spectacular underground chalk pits in the southern part of the city. Be sure to reserve your spot several weeks in advance, as dates fill up rapidly.
How many days do you need in Reims to see the highlights?
Two to three days provide ample time to visit the central monuments and tour several champagne houses. If you plan to explore the broader countryside, add an extra day.
