Reims has a drinking culture that runs deep — literally. The city sits on top of miles of chalk cellars filled with champagne, so it makes sense that the bar scene here takes its beverages seriously. But Reims isn’t just champagne flutes and tasting rooms. The city has a proper nightlife scene shaped by its 30,000-strong student population, with everything from craft beer dives to cocktail lounges to late-night spots that keep going until 2 AM.
Here’s where the locals actually drink — not the tourist traps, not the hotel bars, but the places where you’ll hear more French than English.
Champagne Bars
Le Wine Bar by Le Vintage
Tucked on a side street near the cathedral, this is where Reims sommeliers go on their nights off. The selection leans heavily toward grower champagnes — small-production bottles from independent vignerons that you won’t find at the big houses. The staff knows their stuff and will guide you toward something interesting if you ask. Expect to pay 8 to 14 euros per glass, which sounds steep until you realize these bottles retail for 30 to 50 euros elsewhere. Cheese and charcuterie boards pair well.
Café du Palais
An institution since 1930. The Art Deco interior alone is worth the visit — the walls are lined with original paintings collected over decades. It sits right on Place Myron Herrick facing the cathedral, which makes the terrace prime real estate at sunset. The champagne list covers both the major houses and smaller producers, and the coupe de champagne (house pour) at around 10 euros is a fair deal for the setting. Come for the atmosphere as much as the drink.
Boulingrin Market Area
The area around the Halles du Boulingrin (the beautiful 1920s covered market) has become a hub for wine bars and small plates. Several spots line the streets around the market, offering champagne by the glass alongside natural wines from across France. Saturday mornings here — market shopping followed by a glass of blanc de blancs at a nearby bar — is peak Reims living.
Craft Beer and Pub Scene
Le Kilberry
The closest thing Reims has to a proper pub. Draft beers rotate frequently, with a good mix of Belgian, French craft, and international selections. The crowd is a mix of students and regulars, the music is just loud enough, and the prices are reasonable — 5 to 7 euros per pint. Thursday and Friday evenings are the busiest, with the terrace on rue de Mars packed in summer.
The Glue Pot
A British-style pub that has earned a loyal following among expats and Anglophile locals. The beer selection focuses on ales, IPAs, and stouts. Quiz nights and live sports on screen draw a crowd. It’s not trying to be anything fancy — just a reliable spot for a cold pint and a good time. Prices are student-friendly, with happy hour deals most weekday evenings.
Le Delirium
Named after the famous Belgian beer, this spot on Place Drouet-d’Erlon leans into its Belgian roots with an extensive bottle list. The terrace faces the bustling pedestrian strip, making it ideal for people-watching. The atmosphere gets livelier as the evening progresses, especially on weekends when the student crowd shows up.
Cocktail Bars
Le Crypto
Reims’ best-kept cocktail secret, hidden in a basement space with exposed stone walls and low lighting. The menu changes seasonally, with bartenders who take their craft seriously without being pretentious about it. Cocktails run 10 to 14 euros — on par with any good cocktail bar in France. The vibe is intimate and conversation-friendly, making it a great date spot or a place for a quieter night out.
L’Alchimiste
Creative cocktails in a sleek, modern setting. The bartenders here enjoy experimenting with local ingredients — champagne-based cocktails, obviously, but also herbal infusions and seasonal fruits. The music leans toward jazz and soul, and the crowd tends to be a bit older than the Place Drouet-d’Erlon pub scene. Reservations on Friday and Saturday nights are a smart idea.
Late-Night Spots
Le Waida
If you’re still standing after midnight, this is where Reims ends up. Le Waida has been the city’s go-to late-night bar for years. The music gets louder, the dance floor fills up, and the atmosphere is pure energy. It stays open late and draws a young, mixed crowd. Drink prices stay reasonable even at peak hours. Don’t come here for a quiet conversation — come to dance and have fun.
L’Appart
A bar-club hybrid that attracts a slightly older crowd than Le Waida. DJs spin on weekends, with music ranging from house to funk to hip-hop depending on the night. The interior is designed to feel like a stylish apartment (hence the name), with different rooms offering different moods. Cover charges are rare on regular nights.
Practical Tips
- Happy hour runs from about 17h to 20h at most bars. Pints drop to 4-5 euros and champagne glasses are discounted.
- Last call is usually around 1:30 AM on weekends, with most bars closing by 2 AM. Clubs may stay open until 4 AM on big nights.
- Place Drouet-d’Erlon is the main strip — walk along it and you’ll find a dozen options within 200 meters. Start here if you’re not sure where to go.
- Tipping isn’t expected in French bars, but rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service is appreciated.
- Getting home: the tramway stops running around midnight. After that, it’s taxis or a short walk if you’re staying in the center. Uber works but expect longer wait times than Paris.
Reims’ bar scene punches above its weight. You get world-class champagne for a fraction of Paris prices, a student-fueled energy that keeps things lively, and enough variety to fill a week of evenings without repeating a spot. Whether you’re here for a weekend or settling in for a longer stay, you won’t go thirsty.