Eurostar to Reims

Deep in the Champagne region of France is Reims, a beautiful and historical city. It is the capital of the region, and is only forty-five minutes away from Paris. Reims is one of the connection destinations available on the Eurostar trains, so it’s never been easier to get to.

About Reims

If you’re fascinated by history, Reims is the place for you. It is where the coronation of Charlemagne took place, and since the twelfth century every king of France has been crowned there. Reims is home to an incredible three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Upon arrival, head straight over to the fabulously gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame. It is considered to be one of the most celebrated buildings in all of France. Dating back to the thirteenth century, the building has two spectacular towers, one of which contains an enormous bell named Charlotte. There are also some stunning stained glass windows that were designed by Chagall. Read up on the building’s history while you’re there. In 1429, Charles VII was to be crowned there by Joan of Arc.

Just around the corner from this beautiful building is the second UNESCO site, the Palace of Tau. This building was home to the archbishops since the twelfth century. Nowadays, it houses an impressive collection of artefacts from the Cathedral.

Finally, there’s the Basilica of San-Remi, which is considered by many to be one of the best Roman-built buildings is the region. Take a trip to the Museum of Saint-Remi to find out more about its history.

One of your ‘must do’ activities is a trip on the Champagne Route. Reims is the home of Champagne, as the soil there is of the highest quality for producing the best grape. It was the drink of the kings, and gradually its popularity spread to the high societies around Europe. The tour takes you around the cellars in some of the best champagne houses, such as Demoiselle Vranken, G.H. Martel & Co, and Lansen to name but a few. No trip to Reims would be complete without a glass or three of the tasty fizz, so fill your glass and toast the city’s splendour.

Reims by Eurostar Trains

If you're looking to get an enjoyable taste of historical France, but without travel for too long, then Reims is certainly for you. You can get to Reims on one of the Eurostar’s connection services. This means you'll have to change trains at some point, but it also means that you can book everything through Eurostar, all on one ticket, and have your journey all mapped out for you. It also means you will have the convenience of taking the train all the way, rather than having to eal with out of town airports and airport security.

Eurostar trains depart from St Pancras International, a very easy-to-get-to destination in London. With speeds of 186 miles per hour, it's an easy journey. Your simplest option of connection services after getting on the train at London is to change at Paris Gare du Nord, where you’ll have to take a taxi or get on the metro to catch a connection train from Gare de l'Est. If you take the metro, get on either line four going to Porte d'Orléans, or line five going to Place d'Italie. Once you’re at Gare de l'Est, there are a number of TGV services which will take you directly to Reims. All in all, if you travel from London, you can expect the journey time to be about three and a half hours.

Visit the official Eurostar web site to book your train tickets to Reims.