Museum culture in Reims, France!

House of Mumm (Maison Mumm)

Why Visit?

Discover the Art of Champagne at Maison Mumm

Welcome to Reims, the unofficial capital of the Champagne region and the home of Maison Mumm, one of the most prestigious Champagne houses in France. Established in 1827, Maison Mumm has been crafting exceptional cuvées that capture the essence of this illustrious wine-making region.

Getting There

Maison Mumm is located at 34 Rue du Champ de Mars, 51100 Reims. The easiest way to reach Reims is by train from Paris (Gare de l’Est), which takes about 45 minutes. Once in Reims, the Champagne house is a short 15-minute walk from the train station or a quick ride by local taxi or tram.

Tour Experience

Begin your visit with a guided tour that delves into the rich history and innovative spirit of Maison Mumm. You’ll learn about the traditional Champagne-making process including the meticulous méthode champenoise. A highlight is viewing the vast cellars which store millions of bottles undergoing the aging process.

Tasting Sessions

The tour concludes with a curated tasting session featuring Mumm’s renowned cuvées. Savor the Cordon Rouge, a hallmark of the brand’s excellence, or indulge in the more complex flavors of the Mumm Grand Cordon.

Interesting Facts

- The iconic red sash (Cordon Rouge) on Mumm bottles is a nod to the Légion d’Honneur, France’s highest civilian award.

- Mumm was the first house to produce a vintage-dated champagne in the 19th century, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Wrap-Up

Before departing, stop by the Mumm gift shop to pick up a souvenir or a bottle of your favorite champagne. Celebrate your visit to one of Champagne’s grandest maisons by taking a piece of its storied legacy home with you.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Hautvillers

Why Visit?

### A Captivating Museum Tour in Hautvillers

Morning: Arrival and Abbey of Saint-Pierre d"Hautvillers

Start your museum tour in the charming village of Hautvillers, the cradle of Champagne. Arrive early by car or taxi from Reims, which is just a 20-minute drive away. Begin at the Abbey of Saint-Pierre d"Hautvillers, where the legendary monk Dom Pérignon purportedly invented the champagne-making process. Wander through the quaint streets to reach the abbey by mid-morning. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the ancient corridors and admire the beautifully restored church. Don’t miss the monk"s final resting place, marked by a modest gravestone in the abbey.

Midday: Local Vineyard Tour

Take a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling regional specialties like jambon de Reims. Then, proceed to one of Hautvillers" renowned vineyards. Many offer guided tours that reveal the secrets of champagne production and conclude with a tasting session. It"s a perfect way to see the lush vineyards and learn about the detailed craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

Afternoon: Musée de la Vigne et du Vin

Cap off your day with a visit to the Musée de la Vigne et du Vin (Museum of Vine and Wine). Situated within a quaint, half-timbered house, this museum offers insights into the historical and cultural aspects of winemaking in the Champagne region. Explore exhibits featuring vintage wine-making tools and engaging multimedia presentations.

Evening: Sunset and Souvenirs

As the day winds down, enjoy a glass of champagne at a local terrace while watching the sunset over the vineyards. Before leaving, stroll through Hautvillers’ artisanal shops to pick up some champagne or regional crafts as souvenirs.

This museum tour in Hautvillers offers not only a glimpse into the prestigious world of champagne but also a deep dive into the rich history and culture of this picturesque French village.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Taittinger Champagne House (Maison de Champagne Taittinger)

Why Visit?

Enriching Journey through Taittinger Champagne House

Begin your day in the historic city of Reims, where French kings were once crowned, and now home to one of the grandest names in Champagne: Maison Taittinger. Easily accessible by train, Reims is just 45 minutes from Paris by TGV. Upon arriving, you can take a short taxi ride or a leisurely 20-minute walk from the station to the Taittinger headquarters.

Taittinger, established in 1932, is one of the last major Champagne houses still owned and operated by the family whose name it bears. Your exploration starts at the majestic 13th-century Saint Nicaise Abbey, located right at the Taittinger premises. Here, you can marvel at the remnants of the Romanesque-style abbey before delving underground into the expansive chalk cellars. These cellars, carved in the 4th century and expanded by the Benedictine monks of the abbey, stretch far beneath the city and provide the perfect conditions for aging Champagne.

The tour, lasting approximately an hour, offers insights into the complex process of Champagne production, from the initial pressing of the grapes to the intricate method of fermentation and bottling. A highlight of the visit is a guided tasting, where you can savor the distinct flavors and bouquets of Taittinger’s key collections, such as the Prestige Rosé and the lauded Comtes de Champagne.

Advanced booking for the tour is highly recommended, as spots fill up quickly. Tours are offered in multiple languages, ensuring a welcoming experience for international guests.

As you sip the effervescent nectar, surrounded by centuries of history and the cool, echoing chambers of the cellars, a visit to Taittinger becomes more than just a tour; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Champagne’s heritage.

Before departing, don"t miss the opportunity to purchase a bottle or two of your favorite sample from the Taittinger shop — a perfect memento from this effervescent expedition.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Tau Palace (Palais du Tau)

Why Visit?

Discover the Majestic Palais du Tau in Reims: A Museum Tour Itinerary

Getting There

Nestled in the heart of Reims, just a stone"s throw from the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais du Tau is easily accessible by public transport or car. Arrive in style by taking the TGV to Reims Centre, followed by a short walk, immersing yourself in the city"s historic ambiance. Alternatively, local buses serve the area, with stops conveniently located near the museum.

Start Your Tour

Begin your visit at the Palais du Tau, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich tapestry of French history. Originally the palace of the archbishops of Reims, its name intriguingly derives from its T-shaped layout in the French manner, "tau."

Uncover the History

Stepping inside, you"re transported through centuries. The Palais hosts an exceptional collection of sculptures, textiles, and tapestries, primarily from the cathedral itself. Not to be missed is the 12th-century Talisman of Charlemagne, a stunning piece believed to offer divine protection. Each room tells part of the story of the French monarchy, particularly the coronation banquets held here after kings were crowned in the nearby cathedral.

Marvel at Architectural Splendor

Explore the grand Salle du Tau, where kings feasted, its vast space adorned with intricate tapestries depicting royal ceremonies. The chapel and treasury also warrant attention for their exquisite artifacts and gothic architectural elements.

Practical Tips

- Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 6:00 pm.

- Tickets: Purchase tickets online in advance to skip the lines.

- Guided Tours: Available in multiple languages, offering deeper insights into the palace"s storied past.

Conclude Your Visit

Reflect on your journey through history at the Palais garden, a perfect spot to ponder the royal past amidst serene surroundings, before heading back into the vibrant city of Reims.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Abbey of Saint-Remi (Abbaye Saint-Rémi)

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating cultural journey by exploring the Abbey of Saint-Remi, a gem nestled in the heart of Reims, France. This historic monument is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a repository of art and history that chronicles France’s spiritual and secular past.

Starting Your Visit

Begin your tour at the Abbey of Saint-Remi itself. Located at 53 Rue Simon, the abbey is easily accessible by public transport—take bus line 3 or 9 and alight at the "Saint-Remi" stop, just a short walk from the museum. If you’re driving, there’s parking available on-site.

Exploring the Abbey

Built in the 11th century, the Abbey of Saint-Remi boasts a remarkable Romanesque and Gothic architectural style. As you step inside, the awe-inspiring nave and the serene ambiance of the ancient abbey church where Saint Remi, the patron saint of Reims who baptized Clovis King of the Franks, is buried, offer a profound sense of history.

The Museum

Adjacent to the church, the museum is housed in the former royal abbey’s monastic buildings. It holds an impressive collection of tapestries, artifacts, and exhibits detailing the military history of Reims from the Roman period through World War II. One must-see highlight is the 12th-century stained glass window, which beautifully depicts the life of Saint Remi.

Interesting Fact

The Abbey of Saint-Remi was designated a World Heritage site in 1991, recognized for its significant role in French and European history, particularly during the coronations of French kings in nearby Notre-Dame de Reims.

Hours and Entry

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., except on Tuesdays. Admission fees are modest, and there are discounts for students and groups.

Conclude your visit by strolling through the serene gardens, reflecting on the rich tapestry of history you’ve just experienced. This tranquil conclusion to your day at the Abbey of Saint-Remi will leave you enriched and inspired.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.