Day Trip to Reims

If you have time you can easily take a day trip to Reims in the province of Champagne.  To get to Reims you can take a train from Gare de I'Est or the east train station accessible by subway.  Book your ticket as soon as possible.  Ticket price goes up as you get closer to the day you want to travel.  The ticket you purchase will also identify the train car and seat that you have been assigned.  This is a 45 minute train ride and you get to see the country side between Paris and Reims.



Reims Cathedral

There is a lot of history in Reims.  The Cathedral where the kings were crowned is a UNESCO Heritage sight.  It is easy to find and is within walking distance of the train station or take the Tram.  Buy a Tram ticket from the dispenser at the stop.  There is a small tourist information booth just outside the Reims train station that can provide a map of the town and information regarding the historic sights.



Stain Glass Windows

 

Joan of Arc

You will also find a wonderful sculpture of Joan of Arc in the church as she was a significant person in this community.
During WWII the community protected the stain glass and the artifacts.

At the end of WWII the peace treaty was signed by the Germans on May 7 in Reims.  You can visit the war room that housed General Montgomery and where the treaty was signed.  There is a video that is worth watching with English subtitles so that you understand the significance of the war room.  The Sanctuary Museum is located in a School on the opposite direction of the Cathedral from the railway station.  You can easily find this museum with a short ride on the Tram.  Tram tickets are good for 1 hour and you can use for a return trip if you are within the hour of activation.



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War Room with Names on Chair Backs



Copy of the Peace Treaty WWII

Another highlight in Reims are the numerous Champagne Houses within walking distance of the train station.  Champagne can only be made in the province of Champagne and they must follow very strict guidelines.  The Chalk Caves in the area are ideal for the storage of the wine.  We visited two different Champagne producers.

Martel is a small family run business and provided an excellent English tour.  You get to sample three different champagnes for a reasonable price.



Riddling Racks

Our second visit was to Taittinger Champagne.  This is a much larger establishment with miles of chalk caves created in the past by Monks and were used during the second world war as a bomb shelter.  The site previously had a Basilica on the land and the monks had made Champagne in the caves below the church.  This tour was less personal and but an excellent choice to compare the two different producers


Champagne Wine Storage Area