Family-Friendly Adventures in Reims, France!

House of Mumm (Maison Mumm)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Visit to Maison Mumm

Morning Arrival

Start your day heading to Maison Mumm, located in the prestigious Champagne region in Reims, France. Easily accessible by train, Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris by TGV. Once at Reims station, take a short taxi ride to the Maison Mumm.

Maison Mumm Tour

Begin at the visitor center by booking the "Cordon Rouge Experience," perfect for families. This guided tour starts every hour and lasts about an hour and a half. As you explore the historic site, learn about the rich history of Maison Mumm, founded in 1827, and its iconic Cordon Rouge champagne.

While parents enjoy a tasting of the famed Cordon Rouge, children can enjoy grape juice and a scavenger hunt designed to keep them engaged, learning about the grape varieties and the process of making champagne in a fun, interactive way.

Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch at a local café in Reims, where you can savor regional specialties like the jambon de Reims, a delicious local ham.

Afternoon Stroll

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk to the Notre-Dame de Reims, a stunning Gothic cathedral that hosted numerous French royal coronations. It"s a short 20-minute walk from Maison Mumm and offers an awe-inspiring look at medieval architecture, along with a family-friendly audio guide available in multiple languages.

Wrap-up at Les Crayères

End your day with a relaxing walk in the nearby Parc de Champagne. Just a 15-minute drive from the city center, it"s a great spot for children to play and adults to unwind, with sprawling lawns and beautiful views of the region.

Departure

Head back to Reims station for your return trip or continue exploring the charming city of Reims.

This thoughtful itinerary ensures a memorable and educational experience for all family members at Maison Mumm and the surrounding area!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Hautvillers

Why Visit?

Hautvillers, a charming village in the Champagne region of France, offers families an enriching blend of history and natural beauty. Begin your adventure by exploring the village on foot. Park your car in the main village parking area, which is close to all major attractions.

Start at the Abbey of Saint-Pierre d"Hautvillers. This ancient abbey is where Dom Pérignon, the monk credited with inventing the traditional method of making champagne, spent his life improving the quality of wine. It"s not only a pilgrimage site for wine lovers but also a great spot for families to learn about the region"s history and the science behind fermentation. The abbey is open to the public, and guided tours are often available.

Next, take a stroll through the village streets adorned with wrought-iron signs that depict the trades of their respective establishments. This provides a fun scavenger hunt activity for kids as they can try to guess the business based on the sign above.

Lunch can be enjoyed at one of the local cafes that serve kid-friendly meals, including the regional specialty, ham terrine. After lunch, visit a local family-run vineyard. Many vineyards offer tours that are adapted for families, where you can see the grapevines, learn about grape growing, and the parents can enjoy a tasting of local champagnes.

Wrap up your day with a walk or a bike ride through the vineyards. Bikes can be rented from the center of the village, and several marked trails offer safe and scenic routes suitable for all ages.

To ensure a smooth visit, check opening hours and book tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Hautvillers is not only steeped in history but also provides a picturesque backdrop that makes for a memorable family trip.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Taittinger Champagne House (Maison de Champagne Taittinger)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Taittinger Champagne House

Morning Arrival

Start your family adventure at the renowned Taittinger Champagne House in Reims, easily accessible by train from Paris (45 minutes) or by car. It"s best to book your tour tickets online in advance to secure a spot. Aim to arrive by mid-morning to enjoy a leisurely start.

Tour of Taittinger

Upon arrival at Taittinger, the guided tour begins with an introduction to the house"s history, dating back to 1734, making it a captivating tale for both adults and children. The tour includes a visit to the magnificent chalk cellars that date back to Roman times. These cellars, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, offer a cool, intriguing underground adventure that kids often find fascinating.

Champagne Tasting

Post-tour, adults can indulge in a tasting of Taittinger’s signature champagnes. Opt for the Prestige Rosé for a fruity palate or the classic Brut Réserve. For the kids, grape juice or sparkling water can be provided to make them feel included in the tasting experience.

Lunch in Reims

After the tour, head to Reims city center, a short drive or bus ride away. Enjoy a family-friendly meal at one of the local bistros, where you can savor regional specialties like jambon de Reims (a local ham) or a cheesy Croque Monsieur.

Afternoon Exploration

Conclude your day with a visit to the Reims Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece where French kings were once crowned. It"s not only a visual treat but also a great way to walk off the lunch. The cathedral often holds interest for kids with its impressive stained glass and towering architecture.

Departure

Wrap up your visit by late afternoon, perfect timing for a restful ride back home or further exploration in the scenic Champagne region. This balanced itinerary ensures a delightful and educational day for the entire family at Taittinger Champagne House.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Tau Palace (Palais du Tau)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey through French history with a family visit to the Palais du Tau in Reims, a city steeped in royal heritage. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Reims train station, it"s easily accessible for families traveling by public transport.

### Morning: Discovering Palais du Tau

Starting Point: Begin your day at the Palais du Tau, which opens at 9:30 AM. The entrance fee is reasonably priced, with discounts for children and family tickets available.

Engage with History: Once the residence of kings during their coronation, the palace"s name, "Tau", reflects its T-shaped layout. The highlight for children will be the treasury room, which houses a stunning collection of royal attire and ancient artifacts, including Charlemagne’s talisman. Engaging storyboards throughout the museum bring the rich tales of French monarchy to life, perfect for sparking young imaginations.

Interactive Activities: Check for family workshops or guided tours, which are often available during school holidays and provide a hands-on approach to history.

### Lunch Break

Picnic at Les Hautes Promenades: Just a 15-minute walk from the palace, enjoy a picnic at these beautiful gardens. It’s a great spot for kids to play and for parents to relax.

### Afternoon: Reims Cathedral

Stroll to the Cathedral: Post lunch, head to the nearby Notre-Dame de Reims, a short 5-minute walk. It"s not only a masterpiece of Gothic architecture but also the coronation site for French kings.

Family-Friendly Tour: Explore the cathedral with a scavenger hunt booklet available at the entrance, making the visit educational and fun for the kids.

### Wrap Up at the Forum Square

Leisure Time: Conclude your day at Place du Forum, just 10 minutes from the cathedral. With its vibrant atmosphere and plenty of cafes, it"s an ideal spot to reflect on the day"s adventures over a cup of hot chocolate or a scoop of gelato.

This itinerary through Reims offers a delightful blend of historical intrigue and family fun, ensuring a memorable experience for all ages!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Abbey of Saint-Remi (Abbaye Saint-Rémi)

Why Visit?

Morning Visit: Abbey of Saint-Remi (Abbaye Saint-Rémi)

Address: Rue Saint-Julien, 51100 Reims, France

Getting There: Easily accessible by car or public transport from downtown Reims. Bus lines 4, 6, and 9 stop nearby, or consider a pleasant 20-minute walk from Reims city center.

Start your day at the historic Abbey of Saint-Remi, a jewel of medieval architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1991. This former abbey, founded in the sixth century, is named after Saint Remi, who baptized Clovis, the King of the Franks, marking the beginning of Christianity in France.

Hours: Open from 10:00 AM. Begin with the Basilica, an awe-inspiring structure housing the tomb of Saint Remi. The architecture showcases stunning Gothic elements, and the stained glass windows create a colorful play of lights that will fascinate both adults and children.

Entry Fee: Free entry to the Basilica; museum has a small fee.

Explore the Museum: Located within the former abbey buildings, the museum presents artifacts from the abbey"s rich history and an extensive collection from the Gallo-Roman period to the Middle Ages. It’s a great way for kids to see history come to life!

Lunch Break: Around noon, take a break and enjoy a picnic in the adjacent park or try a local café to experience French cuisine.

Afternoon Activity: Parc de Champagne

Getting There: A short drive or a 15-minute bus ride will get you to Parc de Champagne.

Spend the afternoon at Parc de Champagne, a vast green space ideal for families. Here, kids can run and play, or you can all take a leisurely stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Tip: Check out the annual events at the park, which often include family-friendly activities and concerts.

This itinerary offers a blend of historical exploration and relaxation, perfect for a family day out!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.