Reims

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Reims is a city located in Northern France, in Champagne-Ardenne region, and Marne département. I lies about 130 kilometers North-East from Paris. The city has around 200,000 inhabitants, and is considered as the "champagne capital". Millions of bottles of the most celebrated wine in the world lie in caves beneath the city. Some of these caves wer dug by the Romans; they extracted stones to build the city.

History of Reims

Reims was founded by the Gauls over 2,000 years ago and played a major role at times in French history. You will find historical information on Wikipedia. The city was badly damaged during WWI as fighting went on on its outskirts for four years. The reconstruction turned the city into a landmark for "Art déco" architectural style that developed in the 1930s. However, the city retains many interesting monuments from the past:

From Roman times:

• part of the forum
• a former arch of triumph called "porte Mars", one of the few preserved in the Roman world

From the Middle Ages:

• Saint-Remi basilica
• Saint-Jacques church
• Notre Dame cathedral, masterpiece of gothic architecture

From later periods:

• Palais du Tau, former archbishop residence, with parts built in the 13th and 14th centuries
• Place Royale, an example of architecture of the 1700s
• Former Jesuit college, built in the 1600s
• City hall (1600s)
• War room where the end of WWII was signed for the first time on May 7, 1945
• Carnegie library

Reims is also a many-time award winner in flower contests; you will enjoy its parks, gardens and flowerbeds

The famous Champagne vineyard is only a few kilometers away, mainly South of the city. The "route du Champagne" will lead you across rolling hills, through nice villages and gorgeous landscapes. The area has also collected numerous national awards in flower contests ; some nearby villages, Baconnes and Coulommes-la-Montagne are famous landmarks. You might want to have a taste of champagne and buy a couple of bottles at a producer's home; many signs will invite you over. If you drive, be careful not to break the .5 gram alcohol limit for your own safety. Besides, police controls are not uncommon!

You might consider spending 2 or 3 days visiting the city and the vineyard. You might want to check the visitor center

Couchsurfing in Reims

There are around 100 couchsurfers in the city, The Reims group has around 60 members, 40 of them are located in or around the city and are among the most active. They will be happy to welcome you.

Meetings

At present, there are no regular meeting scheduled for Reims couchsurfers. However, members meet for informal gatherings quite often. People interested in taking part should join the Reims group where events are posted.
Here are some pictures of some past meetings:

• Meeting at the Gin Pamp, February 7th 2008
• Wine and Chease Party, March 18th 2008

Tips

Surfing couches in the city should not be a problem. However, if you enjoy the countryside, there are very few members located around Reims. So you'll have to widen your search somewhat. There are some nice places to visit like some museum and the Cathedral. During the evening, you can find some nice places to go out, especially around the pedestrian area.

How to get to Reims ?

Local Transportation

CouchSurfers

Tristan "Binary" CS City Ambassador of Reims
Patrick offers to help you plan your trip/stay in the area, even if you dont surf his couch

To find and to enter in contact with the CS community of Reims, just join the CS Group of Reims.

Meeting Organisers

Several members organised mettings in recent weeks, and many more are expected as soon as weather improves.

Coffee or a drink

In Case of Emergency

• Police Station:
• Health Urgency:
• Hospital:
• Fireman Station:
• Embassy:
• Emergency Doctor:

Media Mentions

None so far, but our Ambassador is working hard on it!


wikitravel:Reims

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