The city of Reims, located in the historic region of Champagne in France, plays a leading role in the champagne industry. With its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and famous champagne houses, Reims attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year.

The emblematic sites of Reims and its royal history

During your visit to Reims, you will have the opportunity to discover a multitude of emblematic sites, including the majestic Reims Cathedral. Built in the 13th century, this Gothic cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautiful stained-glass windows and impressive architecture. It has also played a crucial role in the history of France, being the coronation place of the kings of France for centuries.

The coronation of the kings of France in Reims is a historical event of capital importance in the history of France. For centuries, Reims Cathedral was the chosen place for the coronation and coronation of the kings of France, symbolizing their legitimacy and divine authority. This prestigious event dates back to the Middle Ages and lasted until the French Revolution.

The coronation ceremony in Reims dates back to the baptism of Clovis, the first Christian king of the Franks, in 496. Since then, Reims Cathedral has become the preferred venue for royal coronations, due to its rich religious symbolism and its connection to the history of the French monarchy. Kings were anointed with holy oil and crowned with the sacred crown, marking their accession to the throne and their commitment to God and their people.

One of the most famous coronations in Reims is that of Charles VII in 1429, which was celebrated with great pomp in the presence of Joan of Arc, the famous Maid of Orleans. This coronation marked a turning point in the Hundred Years War and strengthened the legitimacy of Charles VII as King of France.

Over the centuries, many other kings have been crowned in Reims, including Louis XIV, Louis XVI, and Napoleon Bonaparte. Each coronation was accompanied by solemn rituals and grandiose ceremonies, attesting to the power and majesty of the French monarchy.

Today, the coronation of the kings of France in Reims remains a symbol of French history and tradition. Reims Cathedral continues to attract visitors from all over the world, eager to discover the remnants of this glorious past and contemplate the places where these major historical events took place.

In addition to the cathedral, Reims is full of other architectural and historical treasures, such as the Palais du Tau, former residence of the archbishops of Reims, and the Basilica of Saint-Rémi, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. You can also stroll through the picturesque streets of the Old Town, discover its charming squares and historic buildings, and soak up the unique atmosphere of this city steeped in history.

Reins and its close connection to the champagne industry

But Reims is also known for its close connection with the champagne industry. The Champagne region, located around Reims, is renowned for producing some of the best sparkling wines in the world. Champagne is made using a traditional method called the champagne method, which involves double fermentation in the bottle and prolonged aging on lees. This complex method gives the champagne its delicate aromas, finesse and characteristic effervescence.

The Champagne method is considered an art

The Champagne method is considered an art, and the champagne producers of the Reims region have mastered this craft perfectly for centuries. The most prestigious champagne houses, such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Ruinart, are headquartered in Reims and open their doors to visitors for tours and tastings.

Ruinart, Veuve cliquot, Moët and Chandon are synonymous with excellence

The history of Champagne Ruinart dates back to 1729, when it was founded by Nicolas Ruinart, a wine merchant from the city of Reims, France. Nicolas Ruinart was a visionary who anticipated the potential of Champagne sparkling wine and was one of the first to market wine systematically. Champagne Ruinart has become one of the most iconic champagne houses, famous for its craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. Maison Ruinart is known for its historic cellars, dug into the chalky chalk of Reims, where the champagne ages in optimal conditions, preserving its unique character and elegance.

On the other hand, the history of Moët & Chandon dates back to 1743, when Claude Moët founded the champagne house in Épernay, in the Champagne region of France. Moët & Chandon quickly became one of the most successful and influential champagne houses in the world, associated with European royalty and the international elite. Moët & Chandon is renowned for its production of high-quality champagne, including its iconic Dom Pérignon cuvée, a tribute to the famous 17th-century Benedictine monk who is said to have discovered the champagne production method. Today, Moët & Chandon is synonymous with luxury and elegance, with a global presence and an unrivalled reputation for excellence.

The history of the Veuve Clicquot champagne house dates back to the early 19th century, when Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, also known as “Veuve” Clicquot (widow in French), inherited the champagne business from her late husband, François Clicquot. At that time, champagne was already booming in France and abroad, but it was still a male-dominated industry. Barbe-Nicole took the reins of the company with determination and vision, becoming one of the first women entrepreneurs in the modern world.

Veuve Clicquot is best known for its groundbreaking innovations in the champagne production process. In 1816, Barbe-Nicole invented the technique of riddling, which consists of slowly rotating champagne bottles to move the sediment towards the neck, thus facilitating its removal during disgorging. This method greatly improved the clarity and quality of the champagne, allowing Veuve Clicquot to produce sparkling wines of remarkable purity and elegance.

In addition to its technical advances, Veuve Clicquot was also a pioneer in developing new markets for champagne, particularly in Russia, where the champagne house became one of the official suppliers to the Russian imperial court. This combination helped establish Veuve Clicquot’s reputation for luxury and exclusivity, which has become a world-renowned brand associated with elegance and refinement.

Today, Veuve Clicquot is one of the world’s most iconic and respected champagne houses, with a global presence and a diverse product range, including iconic cuvées such as Cuvée Brut Carte Jaune and Cuvée Rosé. Barbe-Nicole Clicquot’s legacy and spirit of innovation continues to inspire the champagne house, which remains true to its motto “Only Quality Matters”.

The three champagne houses, Ruinart, Moët & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot have played a major role in the development and popularization of champagne throughout the world. Their heritage and tradition lives on to this day, with an ongoing commitment to quality and innovation, making them iconic brands in the champagne industry.

Compared to other sparkling wines from around the world, such as Italian prosecco or Spanish cava, champagne stands out for its production method and unique terroir. While prosecco is made using a closed tank fermentation method and cava is produced in the wine region of Catalonia, champagne is produced exclusively in the Champagne region of France, according to strict standards of quality and tradition.

In conclusion, Reims is much more than just a historic city, it is the beating heart of the champagne industry. As you visit Reims and its surroundings, you will have the opportunity to discover the fascinating history of this iconic drink, explore its picturesque vineyards and taste some of the best champagnes in the world, all in an enchanting and authentic setting.

Here are the kilometric distances between Reims and the five closest airports:

Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport (CDG): Reims is located about 150 kilometers northeast of Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport. The journey by car takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Paris-Orly Airport (ORY): Reims is about 190 kilometers south of Paris-Orly Airport. Travel time by car is approximately 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Paris-Beauvais-Tillé Airport (BVA): Reims is located about 220 kilometres northwest of Paris-Beauvais-Tillé Airport. The drive takes about 2 and a half hours, depending on road conditions.

Lille-Lesquin Airport (LIL): Reims is about 250 kilometres north-east of Lille-Lesquin Airport. The travel time by car is about 2 and a half hours, depending on road traffic.

Luxembourg-Findel Airport (LUX): Reims is located about 320 kilometres north-east of Luxembourg-Findel Airport. The drive takes about 3 and a half hours, depending on traffic conditions.

These distances are given as an indication and may vary depending on the route taken and traffic conditions. It is recommended to allow extra travel time to account for possible traffic jams or roadworks.

EuroAirportShuttle offers reliable and comfortable transport services to take you to Reims from the main airports in Paris and other cities in France. Whether you arrive at Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, Paris-Orly, or Paris-Beauvais-Tillé, our team is here to offer you a hassle-free ride to the capital of champagne.

Our professional drivers will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your destination in Reims, whether it’s a hotel, a tourist site or a wine estate. This way, you can enjoy your visit to the fullest, without worrying about the hassle of transportation.

When you choose EuroAirportShuttle, you are opting for convenience, comfort and punctuality. Our vehicles are equipped to provide you with an enjoyable journey, and our drivers are trained to ensure you have a safe and relaxing experience.

Don’t let transport worries ruin your stay in Reims. Book your transfer now with EuroAirportShuttle and let us guide you to discover this emblematic city of the champagne industry.