Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Different as night and day, bubbly Reims and brooding Verdun offer worthwhile stops
between Paris and Alsace. The administrative capital of the Champagne region, bustling,
modern Reims greets travelers with cellar doors wide open. It features a lively center, a
historic cathedral, and, of course, Champagne tasting. Often overlooked, quiet Verdun is
famousforthebrutalWorldWarIbattlesthatsurroundedthecityandpummeledthecoun-
tryside, and offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about the Great War. High-speed
TGV trains make both of these destinations easily accessible to travelers (particularly if
coming from Paris).
Planning Your Time
Organized travelers in a hurry can see Reims and Verdun as they travel between Paris and
the Alsace, though most will want an overnight (Reims is the better choice) to best appre-
ciate the sights. Plan on most of a day for Reims and a half-day for Verdun. It's about 70
miles between the two towns, making a day trip from Reims to Verdun worth considering
if you have a car—but it's too difficult by train. Day-tripping by train from Paris to Reims
is a breeze, but day-tripping to Verdun requires careful planning.
Getting Around Reims and Verdun
Drivingisagoodoption,eveninthebiggercityofReims,andmanyfindthisagoodplace
topickuparentalcarforalongertripafterleavingParis(butbeawarethatallrentalagen-
ciesareclosed12:00-14:00).TraintravelersfromPariswillreachReimsbeforedriversget
out of the city.
Reims is easily walkable and offers excellent public transportation, with a tramway
and handy buses linking its major sights. In Verdun, those interested in touring the battle-
Search WWH ::




Custom Search