Four Hours In Reims

VISIT the city’s celebrated Gothic cathedral, St-Rémi, a UNESCO World Heritage site where 25 French kings—from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825—were crowned.

EAT the foie gras and smoked-duck salad at Café L’Apostrophe, a former printing house and local hangout in the town center (Place Drouet d’Erlon; restaurantlapostrophe.com).

DRINK a sample glass of bubbly on a guided tour of any of the city’s world-renowned champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin and Taittinger (champagne.world web.com/ReimsArea/Reims).

STROLL through Verzy park, on the outskirts of town, where you’ll find trees in curiously deformed shapes (www.parc-montagnedereims.fr).