Reims: Kings, Champagne, and a Classroom That Ended a War
Some cities are famous for one thing. Reims can’t make up its mind, and I love it for that. I’m standing in a city that has crowned kings and poured champagne for centuries. And yet one of its biggest moments happened in a place with blackboards.
In the early hours of 7 May 1945, Germany signed its unconditional military surrender in a school building serving as Allied headquarters. No palace. No grand hall. Just a map-lined room, a table and a few pens.
In other words, one of the century’s most consequential signatures was written somewhere you might have done your maths homework.
Planning beyond this visit? Then use my France travel guide to choose your next stops and build a journey that fits your time.
At a glance: Reims brings together the 1945 surrender room, the cathedral where French kings were crowned, and celebrated champagne cellars. Start with the history, then give the cathedral time. Finally, book a cellar tour if your schedule allows.
The classroom that changed Europe
At 2:41 in the morning on 7 May 1945, German General Alfred Jodl signed the military surrender document in the Allied headquarters’ map room. However, the surrender took effect late on 8 May. A second signing followed in Berlin, and Russia commemorates Victory Day on 9 May.
Today, the Musée de la Reddition preserves the room and its maps. Here, you can stand and consider how a war that had devastated a continent ended in such an ordinary setting.
I find places like this particularly moving. After all, great cathedrals announce their importance. An ordinary classroom, by contrast, lets you discover it for yourself.
A cathedral fit for kings
Then Reims changes the mood completely. The magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral was the coronation church of French kings for centuries. For example, Joan of Arc attended the coronation of Charles VII here in 1429.
Look carefully at the façade and you’ll discover the famous Smiling Angel. Among all those solemn saints and stone-faced figures, somebody decided that heaven ought to have a sense of humour. Personally, I rather like that thought.
Above all, don’t rush through the cathedral. Instead, look up, wander slowly and give yourself time to appreciate the extraordinary craftsmanship. For tower visits, consult the official visitor information before setting off.
And now, the champagne
Meanwhile, Reims has another world beneath its streets: chalk cellars, galleries and tunnels where champagne has been stored and matured for generations.
Visiting a champagne house is quite an experience. First, you descend into cool, atmospheric passages and learn how the wine is made. Afterwards, with luck, comes a tasting.
After a morning contemplating the end of a devastating war, a glass of champagne seems a rather fitting way to celebrate peace. However, book a cellar tour in advance; not every house accepts walk-in visitors.
Making the most of your visit
Short visit: Start with the cathedral and historic centre.
Half day: Then add the Surrender Museum, subject to opening hours.
Full day: Combine the cathedral, museum and a pre-booked champagne cellar visit.
The Surrender Museum is at 12 rue Franklin Roosevelt. Before travelling, check the museum’s official opening information.
A note for Viking guests
The time you have in Reims depends on the itinerary direction, transfers and excursions. So choose the experience that matters most to you instead of rushing to tick off every attraction.
Why Reims stays with me
Ultimately, Reims pairs the humble with the monumental better than almost anywhere I know. A classroom and a cathedral. A war’s ending and a wine’s beginning.
Together, they give you history with real feeling, beauty without pretension, and a glass of something sparkling to finish. Go for the story. Stay for the bubbles. And keep an eye out for that smiling angel.
Routes differ by direction. Rüdesheim features on Prague → Paris; consult your own programme.