Reims

Reims (pronounced /ri:mz/ in English and [ʁ̃ɛs] (roughly 'rance') in French, and traditionally written as 'Rheims' in English) was an ancient Roman city, was important when Caesar conquered Gaul. French kings were traditionally crowned in Reims Cathedral, including in 1429, Charles VII, whose coronation would not have taken place were it not for the military successes of Joan of Arc and her French army against the invading English.

Reims is the largest city in the province of Champagne, and along with nearby Épernay, it is the most important centre for champagne production in France.

The Jackdaw of Rheims is a legend about a jackdaw who steals a cardinal's ring and is made a Saint, made famous in a 19th century poem by Richard Harris Barham.

Champagne tastings on New Year's Day are probably not a good idea, because even though the Champagne House websites claim they will be open, they are not.