This is the short version of our full Reims post — the same weekend, reframed as a trip from Metz rather than the CDG stopover it originally was.
At a glance
- The route: Metz → Reims → back to Metz.
- How long you need: A weekend — 2 nights is enough to see the city properly.
- Best time to go: Spring or fall — winter can close some of the region’s biggest champagne-house draws.
- Budget: Stay runs €40-80/night depending on the property. Food matches the general France budget — €15-25/person per meal. If you’re taking the train, the Carte Avantage Adulte is worth having — see our Metz post for why.
- Getting there: No direct train from Metz — expect one change, with the fastest connections running roughly 1-1.5 hours.
The route
Reims is built around Notre-Dame de Reims, the cathedral where French kings were traditionally crowned for centuries. Beyond it, Place Drouet d’Erlon is where the city’s evening energy actually lives, Place Royale is a more formal 18th-century square, and the Porte de Mars — a Roman triumphal arch — is a reminder the city predates its medieval history by centuries.
If a champagne house tour is the point of your trip, check opening schedules in advance — they’re not guaranteed to be running outside peak season, and we found ours closed on a winter visit.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need for a Reims weekend from Metz? 2 nights is enough to see the city’s main sights without rushing.
Can I do a champagne house tour on this trip? Not guaranteed year-round — check schedules before you build the weekend around one.
Is there a direct train from Metz to Reims? No — expect one change, with the fastest connections taking roughly 1-1.5 hours.
Want this adjusted for your dates, or built out as part of a longer French trip? Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll put together a real plan.