A Bubbly Stay in Reims
 

We just returned back to Paris from a 3 day stay in Reims that we really enjoyed. We stayed at the Best Western de La Paix which was very nice and close to everything. We did the Aromantique Tour at Veuve Cliquot with a tasting in the caves of 4 vintage champagnes with cheeses to match with each one served to us by a sommelier by candlelight. Was very memorable. One of the days we took an all day private tour to the small villages to taste the grand Cru champagnes and to visit their working cellars and a lunch stop at a Michelin star restaurant called Le Grand Cerf. It was quite a dining experience with the chef catering to us it seemed as he knew we don't eat meat. All in all we thought the people of Reims were very nice and food was good and most of all the champagnes were excellent and a good price. We bought some to drink in Paris but one will come home with us as a gift for a special person.

Sounds like a delightful visit cornelius01

I spent a week in Reims last October, and also stayed at the same hotel. Very much enjoyed both the hotel and time in Reims.

I was pleasantly surprised at the good quality and style of the hotel's rooms - easily one of the best bathrooms (deepest and longest tub, and roomiest separate Rain shower) I had in a month of various accommodations in France that trip.

Did you have a chance to visit the cathedral ? It's quite beautiful, and we were lucky to have one of the final sound and light shows one night in celebration of the catherdal's 800th year. It was a laser show beamed on the outside of the Cathedral's front facade (which I could see to the left of my hotel bedroom window) and it was spectacular.

Did you buy any of those pink 'Rose' cookies that Reims is known for ? Essentially a pink lady finger, but many local desserts made from them. One lunch time we enjoyed a trio of mini desserts all featuring those cookies.

The champagne houses we made it to were Mumm, Krug and Roederer (Cristal), and had lunch and a full tasting session at Mumm, and dinner at the Roederer chateau.

Also enjoyed wonderful meals at the starred L'Allement (lunch) and Les Crayeres (private dinner event).

Reims is a beautiful place to visit if you like to munch and sip or just relax in a small town, and has the added advantage of being so close to Paris.

Totally agree on the hotel tub and shower they were the best and also liked the food in the hotel dining room as we liked the seafood choices.

Love Reims. I wanted to go to VC while we were there, but visited Moët et Chandon in Epernay. VC is one of our fav champagnes, especially the Rose! Sorry ai missed those cookies, however that Matthieu mentioned.

Would love to go back someday!

Gosh Cornelius01, I forgot about the seafood at the hotel restaurant. Yes, it is very good !
We had it the first evening we arrived. We had gone out for an evening walkabout and then headed there for dinner before the cathedral light show, but entered and exited the restaurant from the street entrance around the corner on the other side, without realizing until the next morning that it was attached to the hotel.

That was the first time I had Gillardeau oysters after hearing about them in Paris. Good taste and I love the deep shape of their shells. The sole was also very good. Thanks for reminding me about that.

Glad you had a good time!

Cornelius:

Sounds like you had a great time. We are going to Reims in September. Would like to know who conducted your private tour as we would like to do one also. Do you remember the name of the grand cru winery ? You said that most tastings were very good. Hopefully, none were not good. lol
I guess VC is the best tour from what I have read. Thanks for the restaurant suggestions. This report is a keeper for us.

ediemay,
The name of the private tour is La Vigne du Roy.....we had the girl tour guide who is Russian and speaks perfect English. She takes you to 3 Grand Cru Vineyards for tastings and tour in an area where there are only grand Cru vineyards. Make sure she takes you to Le Grand Cerf for lunch
The Veuve Cliquot tour was the ultimate but on a much larger scale where as the others were in the country side and very small producers but all very good.

Sounds like a great trip!! We enjoyed our trip to champagne last year...mmmm bubbly...

Cornelius:

Thanks so much for the info. Can't wait!

Just got back from an overnight trip to Reims to pick up some champagne for a party (so much more fun when it's from the Champagne Houses!!)
Anyway, the Cathedral is doing the Light show again this year, definitely worth walking over if you are staying the night in Reims.

The website is a bit confusing, made me think it was the 2011 schedule - but it is updated for 2012 http://www.cathedraledereims.fr/