Dominated by the iconic Cathedral Notre Dame, the city of Reims, described as the ‘jewel of Grande-Est region’ has become a hub for commuters from Paris and entrepreneurs looking for a city close to the capital with affordable rent. Reims apartments are reasonably priced with a mix of old and new buildings of all shapes and sizes on offer for renters. A room for rent in Reims will start at approximately 400 Euros a month outside the centre of the city and a central one bedroom apartment in Reims will cost you around 700 Euros monthly.
Four world heritage sites and countless attractions including the champagne industry, a large student population and fascinating history all contribute something to the opportunistic buzz of this revamped medieval city. With its manageable size and a centre which is easy to navigate, apartments in Reims have grown more desirable in recent years thus more expensive, so move quickly if you see an apartment you like!
‘The Coronation City’ has a lively nightlife scene, with cafes and restaurants situated near Place Drouet-d'Erlon and the Subé Fountain becoming trendy places for the cities students and young professionals alike. Since the high speed rail line opened in 2007 the journey from Reims to Paris is just 45-minutes and France’s twelfth largest city has developed into a favourite of previously Parisian businesses wanting cheaper rents for office space and accommodation. Built predominantly in the art-deco style of the post-war 1950’s, you will find spacious, modern accommodation at affordable prices across Reims.
Student Accommodation in Reims
Apartments in Reims by area
Being small and compact in size, Reims does not produce the chaos of larger French cities and all of its neighbourhoods are close by. City centre flats are understandably the most popular choice, as everything is accessible on foot, however Reims offers something for everyone in the way of trendy neighbourhoods and quiet suburbs. The south-west district of the city is home to the attractive neighbourhood of Courlancy with the large Parc Leo-Lagrange dominating the area. This district is preferable to students and professionals who are looking for a room to rent in Reims, as it is still walking distance to the city centre. Prices for apartments in this area of Reims are similar to the city centre as it is so close and is known as a trendy, fashionable neighbourhood. Coutures and Saint Reism, located in the south east of the city, are a popular destination for affordable accommodation in Reims, whilst still having excellent transport links to the city centre.
Best areas for Apartments in Reims
Apartments in Centre Ville
Those wanting to spend a little extra on their monthly rent can look for an apartment centrally. This, as is the case with most cities, is the most expensive and popular destination to live in Reims. That being said, it is still an affordable alternative to Paris. A centre boasting well over a thousand years of history with impressive museums, champagne in abundance, ancient churches, and of course the Notre Dame Cathedral.
Much of the outer-rim of the city was destroyed during the 1914 war, but pockets and neighbourhoods of the centre still hold their original architecture. Boutique stores and quaint cafes line cobbled streets and ancient squares leading to modern apartments above wine bars.
The perfect mix of modern and historical, Reims is no longer the sleepy city of old. You can expect to be living amongst the industrial centre of the champagne industry, art galleries and covered markets. A tram system and brand new pedestrianised streets have also transformed the centre into a fascinating yet affordable place to live.
Apartments in Courlancy
If you are looking for a place to stay and to live that offers easy access to the centre but without the noise or chaos, Courlancy is the most likely to appeal to you. With good transportation availability and accessibility Courlancy is a sought-after postcode. Stade Auguste-Delaune and Parc Leo Lagrange dominate the landscape which is a draw for families looking to live close to the large open space, complete with a pond and skatepark. With its much desired location, Courlancy is the place to be while in Reims. Multiple attractions wait to be discovered and this part of the City will not cease to amaze.
Prices for apartments in Courlancy are similar to the city centre as it is so close and is known as a trendy, fashionable area of Reims. Courlancy offers famous sites and fine dining, trendy bars and a creative scene looking for cheaper rent away from the Centre-Ville. Polyclinic Courlancy, hospital near Parc Leo Lagrange is a convenient, modern local medical centre. Prices in the desirable district are affordable for both young professionals and families looking to settle down. A one bedroom flat may start at 350 and rise to in excess of 1000 for a four bedroom apartment to rent in Reims.
Flats for rent in Coutures
Located in the South-East sector of the city. This district is the furthest away from Centre-Ville on this list, thus preferable for those looking for an apartment or a room in a quieter area. However as the public transport in Reims is modern and efficient, journeying to the centre will take you no more than fifteen minutes. A mix of modern apartment blocks with large windows allowing for plenty of natural light contrasted with traditional townhouse means for an interesting mix in the surrounding streets of Coutures.
The demographic of Coutures tends to be slightly older than in other areas with a large supermarket and various shops nearby. Boulevard Pasteur is a pleasing walk for locals, with beautiful townhouses lining a wide leafy street. On-street parking is also available on the road, which is not guaranteed in Coutures, so if you see property on this street snap it up before it goes! Being a little further out from the central zone also has its benefits, like reduced rents, a chance of a garden or balcony for an affordable price and more choice for those looking at apartments with a smaller budget.
Apartments in Saint-Remi
Renting a flat in Saint Remi is perfect for those looking to move to the suburbs with a new family with long term plans to join this idyllic community.If you want to live in an interesting area easily accessible to the centre and with its own piece of unique French history, then Saint Remi is the place for you. Named after the city’s most famous Bishop, Saint Remi is characterised by the church that oversaw the Coronation of French Kings for over a thousand years. Unmissable for people visiting the city, those wishing to live and rent an apartment in the surrounding areas of the church will find a quieter neighbourhood south of the centre. The properties vary from modern apartment blocks to older stone tenant style houses and a generally little slower pace of life in comparison to more popular neighbourhoods such as Courlancy or Centre-Ville. Apart from the church, Saint-Remi boasts its own high street with all the local amenities you will need including restaurants, shops and cafes, though not as many as other areas.
Student accommodation in Reims
Reims boasts two Universities, the well established University of Reims, Champagne-Ardenne and the PO Sciences University. The majority of student accommodation IN rEMS will be based in halls of residence in apartment blocks, these come fully furnished and serviced, offering you the full university experience. A viable alternative is shared housing close to campus with fellow students, giving you a more authentic experience of living in Reims in a separate house or apartment.
PO recently accepted 1500 more international students, so for those on a year abroad looking to explore France Reims offers great transport links to the rest of the country, and is a doorway into the north of Europe. Reims is also popular with students from Parisian universities as it is so close a considerably cheaper for a tight student budget! A small city with a big student community means a great mix for those wanting to study here.
Reims public transport
Whilst being a small place that is perfectly pleasant to explore on foot or bicycle, those living long term and not centrally will be pleased to hear that Reims has a fantastic and extensive public transport system. The compact element of this city means transport is not a worry for residents, as anything you will need is a short tram or bike ride away. In Reims and its surrounding districts, urban public transport is managed by CITURA. Buses and trams generally run 7 days a week from 5am-1am. Tickets can be purchased and recharged at the Boutique CITURA, tram station outlets and in some small shops. For longer journeys from Reims to Paris head to Reims Ville station and the brand new TGV station 8km outside of the city will take you all across France and across into Germany.