Reims Cathedral, also called the Cathedral of Notre-Dame at Reims, was the site of 25 coronations of the kings of France. This includes the crowning of Charles VII in 1429 with Joan of Arc herself in attendance. The cathedral took 80 years to initially construct, but thanks to damage and expansions, it has been in progress for centuries. Highlights include the L’Ange au Suorie (smiling angel) sculpture, stunning stained-glass windows and the tour of the main tower.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, named for its T-shaped structure. Unfortunately, most of the original building disappeared and had to be rebuilt, but the chapel dates back to 1207. As it was rebuilt between the 15th and 16th century, it has a distinct Gothic style. Kings were coronated here and banquets held in their honour. Today you can visit it as a museum. Tour its sumptuously decorated rooms and look out for tapestries, statues and relics, including a gem-encrusted 12th-century chalice.

This was previously a Benedictine abbey, but now provides an opportunity to marvel at its combination of Gothic and Romanesque architectural features, including a triforium gallery and 12th century style chandelier. The unique light uses 96 candles, one for each year St Remi lived. The saint’s tomb can also be visited in the choir. A museum dedicated to the saint is right next door to the basilica.

This museum dedicated to art is a treat for the eyes in itself, as it is an 18th century abbey. As well as over 20 works from Camille Corot and 2 Monet’ pieces, this is where you can see one of four versions of possibly one of the most famous paintings in the world, Kacques-Louis David’s The Death of Marat. After you have had your fill of the art, the museum is set within some wonderful gardens so you can take a stroll and discuss your favourite pieces.

This enormous three-arched gate was built in the 2nd century AD in honour of the Emperor Augustus. You can walk around and under it to see highly-detailed carvings and markings, including Roman Gods and Goddesses Jupiter, Leda, Romulus and Remus. Named for a nearby temple to Mars God of War, it once served the city of Reims as a gateway until 1544.

One for lovers of World War history, this fort is one of a few that were built around Reims in and after 1870 for protection. Fort de la Pompelle remained in the hands of the allied forces during WWI and protected city of Reims. It saw the heaviest fighting of all of Reims' forts, being bombarded numerous times including during the Second Battle of the Marne in 1918. The fort now serves as a fascinating wartime museum.

Reims' Royal Square has been a focal point of the city since Jean-Gabriel Legendre planned its design in 1760. With architectural features like balustraded roofs and arcades, there is also the impressive statue of King Louis XV at its centre. The statue is not the original however, as this was melted down to make cannons during the French Revolution.

This art deco building is a public library, donated to the city by businessman Andrew Carnegie after WWI, hence its name. Its 1920s design makes it stand out amongst the city's numerous Gothic buildings, and you should definitely head inside to see more. The reading room has two glorious stained-glass windows that feature a design of books and there are little gems of 20s design dotted about the entire building, including a hanging lantern by Jacques Simon in the main hall.

Another unusual piece of architecture, Japanese painter Léonard Foujita both designed and decorated the Lady of Peace Chapel in the refined Japanese tradition. He said he completed the work to “atone for 80 years of sin” and converted to Catholicism after studying at the School of Paris in 1913. He was baptised at Reims Cathedral. Intricate frescos cover every wall under the beamed roof and the stained-glass windows were made by masterglassworker Charles Marq.

The Vranken-Pommery Champagne House is a unique one. Take a tour into its chalk caves and as well as bottles of bubbles, you’ll see modern art installations including light and sound exhibitions. Learn about the Vranken and Pommery families and the different styles of champagne they created.

Tours of this house will take you back in time on a tour of the remnants of the old Saint Nicaise Abbey, dating back to the 13th century, then down to a depth of 18 metres to the Gallo-Roman chalk vaults carved out of the hillsides and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. With 288 hectares of vineyards at its disposal, Taittinger also uses the most environmentally friendly techniques to make its champagne.

The House of Lanson was founded in 1760 by François Delamotte. When his son, Nicolas-Louis Delamotte, took over in 1798 he decided to use the Maltese Cross as the House’s emblem, having been admitted as a knight of the Order of Malta. Lanson Champagne House boasts that it is “the only Grande Maison in Reims to offer a champagne experience from the vine to the flute.” The tour is a detailed look at the old and new riddling processes, starting in a small vineyard on site and down to the cellars.

Veuve Clicquot is known for its classic and distinctive yellow-labelled design. Founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot it’s one of the largest champagne houses in the world. Philippe’s wife, Madame Clicquot created the first known vintage champagne in 1810, invented the “table de remuage” (riddling table) to clarify champagne in 1816 and the first known blended rosé champagne by blending still red and white champagne wines in 1818. Both public and private tours available to book.

Around 14 miles from Reims, in the town of Epernay lies the Moët and Chandon Champagne House. Moët and Chandon make a Grand Vintage Champagne (amongst other champagnes and wines) and unlike many champagnes, this is produced using grapes only from a particular year. Vintages are only made if the grapes from that year are deemed to be exceptional.

Ruinart is the oldest established champagne house, exclusively producing champagne since 1729 and founded by Nicolas Ruinart. Its cellars are amongst the largest in the region, and like most champagne cellars, they are the product of ancient chalk mining. The chalk helps to keep the cellars at a constant (but chilly) 11 degrees Celsius. After the tour you get the chance to sip a glass of champagne worth almost €200!