Reims
Reims is 477 km from Geneva Airport, about 4 h 55 by road, crossing the border into France and heading north through Burgundy and Champagne. It is the capital of the Champagne region, where French kings were crowned, and its chalk cellars hold millions of bottles beneath the streets. AirportsTransfers.ch drives you there in one trip, ideal for a Champagne tour where nobody in the group should have to drive.
- Distance from GVA: 477 km by road
- Drive time: about 4 h 55
- Border crossing: the route crosses the border into France
- Best for: Champagne tours, Gothic architecture, couples and groups of friends
- Getting there: private transfer, or train via Paris
Getting from Geneva Airport to Reims
The road heads into France and north on the motorways via the Jura and Burgundy, past Dijon and then towards Langres and Châlons-en-Champagne, before reaching Reims. The final hour crosses wide open farmland that gives way to the vineyard slopes of the Montagne de Reims. The route is motorway nearly the whole way and generally free-flowing outside holiday weekends.
By rail, most journeys from Geneva go through Paris, with a change of station in the capital, which is cumbersome with luggage. A private car is often the simpler option, particularly for a group sharing the cost of one vehicle.
The coronation cathedral and other sights
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims is one of the masterpieces of French Gothic architecture. For centuries the kings of France were crowned here, and the façade is covered with hundreds of statues, including the famous smiling angel. Inside, stained glass includes windows by Marc Chagall. The cathedral, the neighbouring Palace of Tau, the former archbishop's residence that now displays the cathedral treasury, and the Basilica of Saint-Remi together form a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Reims also has a fine Art Deco heritage, as much of the city was rebuilt after heavy destruction in the First World War. The Carnegie Library is a well-known example. The Place Drouet-d'Erlon is the main pedestrian street, lively with cafés and restaurants. Near the station, a museum marks the place where the German surrender was signed in May 1945.
Champagne houses and cellars
Reims stands above an extensive network of chalk cellars, some of them former Gallo-Roman quarries known as crayères. Many of the great Champagne houses offer cellar tours with tastings, and the Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Most visits must be booked in advance, and many follow a set schedule, so plan before you travel.
Beyond the big names, small grower producers in the villages around Reims open their doors to visitors for a more personal experience. A chauffeur booked by the hour, minimum two hours, lets you visit several cellars in a day and enjoy tastings without anyone having to drive. Local specialities include the pink biscuits of Reims, traditionally dipped in Champagne.
Where to stay and day trips
The city centre, between the cathedral and Place Drouet-d'Erlon, is convenient and walkable. The Saint-Remi area to the south is quieter and close to several Champagne houses. Country hotels and guest houses among the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims offer a rural setting within a short drive.
Épernay, about half an hour south, is home to the Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand houses. Hautvillers, the village associated with Dom Pérignon, overlooks the Marne valley. The Montagne de Reims regional park has forest walks and vineyard viewpoints, and Troyes, with its half-timbered old town, is another rewarding excursion.
Practical tips
Champagne cellars are cool all year round, so bring a jacket even in summer. The harvest takes place in early autumn and is an atmospheric time to visit, though some houses limit tours then. Winters are grey and cold, but the cathedral and cellars are impressive in any season. For a group trip, the V-Class or the Sprinter minibus keeps everyone together. If you buy bottles during your stay, mention it when booking the return trip so the right vehicle is chosen for the extra luggage.
How to book your transfer to Reims
Reserve on AirportsTransfers.ch: you see the fixed price for the vehicle and pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Your chauffeur meets you in arrivals with a name sign, tracks your flight and waits if you land late. Choose an E-Class or S-Class for a couple, a V-Class for up to seven, or a Sprinter for a larger party; child seats can be added on request. You can also book a return trip and an hourly chauffeur for cellar visits. Call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77, day or night.
