The gothic splendour of Reims has charmed people for hundreds of years, and tourists flock to this glittering capital of the Champagne region time after time for its culture, art, architecture and, of course, its wine. For those on a French canal holiday, a stop in this city can be a wonderful way to spend a day, with its fantastic restaurants and stunning sights offering a combination of experiences that few European cities can match. Of course, one of the major attractions of this part of the country is its champagne, and you will not be disappointed sampling this wonderful drink in its home region; a taste so distinctly French. Canal holidays that take you through the area will undoubtedly incorporate tasting sessions, but there is more to see and do in Reims than just drink champagne. Below are some of our top suggestions for a day on shore. The Cathedral More than any other attraction in the city, Reims cathedral was always going to be number one on this list. It’s a stunning architectural and historical marvel, with almost a millennium’s worth of regal past. It is not just a building, however, with plenty of art for fans of sculpture, stained glass and frescoes. The space inside is enormous and quite awe inspiring, perfectly matching the grandeur of the exterior. Finding the cathedral is not hard, since its towers are visible from almost anywhere. Musée Saint-Rémi This museum is housed in a wonderful old building that was the former royal abbey in Reims. Like the cathedral, it is a UNESCO heritage site and it is full of antiquities and art that will leave you captivated for hours. Even the interior of the building is artwork itself; something stunning around almost every corner. Porte de Mars You might expect that all the historic artefacts in Reims would be French. Canal holiday- makers can, in fact, expect to enjoy seeing the largest Roman arch anywhere on earth while they’re off exploring on land The Porte de Mars was built around 1800 years ago and is still standing proudly. Roman history buffs can expect to find reliefs of famous myths on the stone structure. Place Drouet d’Erlon One of many fabulous squares in the city, the Place Drouet d’Erlon is lined with trees and full of excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for a relaxing spot for lunch then this is a great place to come, eat and still be surrounded by the culture of this wonderful city. The Trip of a Lifetime Whether French canal holidays are a yearly event for you, or if this is your first one, you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic cities in a relaxed and comfortable way. It is definitely worth booking your trip with a reputable tour operator, as they will make sure you get the most out of your barging experience. No matter what it is you want to get from your trip along the waterway, Reims has something that will suit. It’s a city like no other and being perfectly positioned on the water makes it an ideal stop for those taking a relaxing French canal holiday. Author Plate Paul Newman is the Marketing and E-Systems Executive for European Waterways, the UK's most respected provider of all-inclusive, luxury French canal holiday itineraries. Part of a team of experienced barging aficionados, Paul is first in line to endorse the perks of a slow-paced barge cruise to anyone looking for a unique holiday experience.
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