What to eat in the city of Reims?

1. Pink biscuits, a great classic

These small rectangular pink cushions dusted with powdered sugar are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The intoxicating pink color is enough to arouse a strong curiosity in us (and especially in our stomachs). These must-haves come from the charming Champagne-Ardenne region. In the city of Reims, you can buy a whole bunch at the supermarket, or taste them on a café terrace. To accompany them? A delicious cup of green tea or coffee!

2. Reims Ham, one of the most flavorful in France

When you've dropped off your suitcases in a charming little hotel and are wandering down the slopes and streets of Reims, you won't be long in smelling the aroma of ham fresh from the broth. Deboned, it's worked from the shoulder, then after cooking, is molded in a terrine dish. It's known for its soft and melting texture, and is particularly easy to chew and digest, while being lightly salted. The city's inhabitants like to enjoy it with pickles and fresh bread, which makes a perfect contrast between the soft and crunchy sides on the plate.

3. The rosace, a delicate pearl

Attention all cheese and dairy lovers, Reims has what you need to satisfy you! Focus on the Reims rosace, which owes its name in honor of the rosette drawn on the city's famous cathedral. Without a doubt, you'll never taste any other cheese with such a unique flavor. Created in 2015 by a Reims native Emmanuel Picault, this cheese will remain forever engraved in your minds. With a pressed, uncooked paste, the organic goat or cow milk gives it a taste of magical sweetness. An exceptional delicacy!

4. The nonnette, an ancient and exquisite delight

It's tea time! When having afternoon snacks in Reims: tea cups and cake plates go well together. The nonnette is a great classic, recognizable by its circular shape of about twelve centimeters, with a slightly swollen surface similar to a muffin. Its main ingredients? Besides everything you can find in a cake, Reims residents like to add gingerbread as well as orange marmalade. You might wonder where this pastry gets its name? Well, nuns during the Middle Ages were in charge of cooking them, it was a traditional dessert during the feast of Saint Nicholas.

5. Champagnes and wines, the queen beverages

It goes without saying! Wine in Reims is like what rum is to Martinique, its own identity, its DNA. With worldwide renown, this beverage that when it goes down your throat delights your palate at the same time, is consumed everywhere in the Champagne-Ardenne region. More precisely, it's known for producing two wines: Rosé des Riceys and "Coteaux champenois" vinified either in red, white or rosé. It's difficult for us to separate them to tell you which would be the best, we let you taste and give us your feedback!

6. Gingerbread, whose secret only the region knows

Reims gingerbread is composed partly of flour, rye, and several types of honey, such as meadow honey and buckwheat honey. Why is it so appreciated in the region? Well, quite simply, it's because it was in Reims that the very first master gingerbread makers established themselves! It's one of the oldest recipes in Champagne-Ardenne. Young and old are crazy about it, it has the habit of awakening all the flavors of yesteryear, and its slightly caramelized taste due to the caramelized sugar pearls gives it a special place in the hearts of Reims residents.

7. Champagne stew, so varied and rich

A Champagne-Ardenne specialty, the Champagne stew quickly gained unanimous approval in the city of Reims. Very often served at family gatherings or major events, it's generally prepared with pork and potatoes. However, this dish exists in several versions, depending on the regions: it can be cooked with carrots, turnips, celery, beef, lamb, chicken... So many possible choices that it never has the same taste!

8. Croquignoles, the crispy biscuits

Pink or white, they resemble meringues and are prepared with flour, egg whites and sugar. They are cooked in elongated or round shapes, and are among the desserts always present at snack time. What's interesting about this recipe, in addition to being extremely easy to make, is that you can vary the flavors according to preferences: Are you rather fond of chocolate, raspberry, vanilla? Choose as you like, and enjoy your tasting!

9. Andouillette pie with small vegetables, the delicious tart

Andouillette is rarely cooked, as many consider it too rich and too fatty. However, with some vegetables, you won't feel guilty about enjoying it! This very famous recipe in the Champagne-Ardenne region as well, is renowned for its exquisite flavor. Many like to enjoy it with a small fresh salad on the side, or some slices of bread. Light, this simple little dish tends to be presented during family dinners as a starter. What a delight...

10. Leek and lamb gratin, a dish renowned in Europe, which Reims adores

Let's finish with a gourmet dish! Who here doesn't love gratins? Perfect for winter days, this recipe tends to warm and comfort. The lamb meat, tender and soft, pairs perfectly with the crispy and melting leeks. Enough to make your mouth water! The leek and lamb gratin is a succulent dish that likes to be enjoyed with family after a long day spent visiting Reims and its surroundings. Bon appétit!