Reims: The Sparkling Heart of Champagne Country

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ex-kew-zay mwa / day-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah pee-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shet-ay]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard joo-st]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dees ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [ma-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-man]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo ay luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Reims, originally known as Durocortorum, was founded by the Gauls and later became a major city in the Roman Empire. It served as the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica. The city boasted impressive Roman architecture, including an amphitheater, a triumphal arch, and extensive baths.

In 496 AD, Clovis, the king of the Franks, was baptized by Saint Remi, the Bishop of Reims. This event marked the beginning of the Christianization of the Frankish kingdom and set the tradition of Reims being the coronation site for French kings.

The Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France. It has been the site of the coronation of French kings for over a thousand years, including the crowning of Charles VII in 1429, attended by Joan of Arc.

During the Hundred Years' War, Reims was under English control until 1429. Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who claimed divine guidance, played a pivotal role in liberating Reims and ensuring the coronation of Charles VII in the city's cathedral.

Reims is located in the heart of the Champagne wine region. The city's underground chalk cellars, some dating back to Roman times, are used for aging Champagne. Houses like Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, and Pommery have made Reims a global hub for Champagne production.

Reims was heavily bombarded during World War I, leading to significant destruction. The cathedral suffered extensive damage, but its reconstruction became a symbol of resilience and hope. The city's rebuilding efforts were led by renowned architects and artisans.

During World War II, Reims was occupied by German forces until its liberation by Allied troops in 1944. General Dwight D. Eisenhower's headquarters were established in Reims, and the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany was signed at the city's Lycée Jean-Baptiste Colbert on May 7, 1945.

Today, Reims is a vibrant city that balances its rich historical heritage with modern innovation. The city is home to several universities, research institutions, and cultural festivals, making it a dynamic and diverse destination.

Reims is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest major airport is Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), located approximately 130 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a high-speed TGV train directly to Reims, which typically takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a train from Paris Gare de l'Est station to Reims. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. If you prefer driving, Reims is accessible via the A4 motorway from Paris.

Reims has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams operated by CITURA. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks or on board. For short distances, walking or renting a bicycle is a great option to explore the city. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. If you plan to explore the Champagne region, renting a car can provide flexibility and convenience.

The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. It is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases, especially in local markets or smaller establishments. ATMs are readily available throughout Reims for cash withdrawals.

Reims is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, staying vigilant is always a good practice. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, medical, and fire services. Reims has several hospitals and medical facilities that can provide emergency care. Pharmacies are also available throughout the city for minor health issues. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting attractions. Avoid overly casual or revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect when visiting religious sites. Dress modestly and be quiet inside places of worship. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' (Good day). A handshake is a common greeting. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Champagne and Reims' pink biscuits. Don’t rush your meal; dining is a leisurely experience in France.

To experience Reims like a local, visit the local markets such as Les Halles du Boulingrin to sample fresh produce and regional products. Take a leisurely walk along the Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne. Attend a Champagne tasting tour to learn about the region's renowned beverage. Engage with locals in French; even basic phrases are appreciated. Don’t miss visiting the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Palace of Tau for a glimpse into Reims' rich history.