How many times have you realized that you could have experienced something, but it is too late? Then you are left wondering about something you could have easily explored that was right around the corner, but you just did not know it at the time. Exchange students are faced with the challenge of satisfying the desire to discover in a very short amount of time, so here I will provide you with a guide to make the most of your experience!
Looking for something to do this Saturday? It may be “juste à côté”!
Hoping to turn a lazy Saturday morning into the sweetest start of weekend? A “not so petit”-déjeuner at the boulangerie patisserie Maison Hardy is the perfect solution. Located in the center of Reims, right in front of the town hall (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville), Maison Hardy offers a fresh and filling French menu. The location, with its tiffany blue façade, is perfectly situated in the atmosphere of the area, matching the colorful cobblestones alongside Rue de Tambour. The breakfast menu comprises a hot beverage, a freshly squeezed orange juice, a baguette with butter and jam, and a choice between a croissant and pain au chocolat. The best part is that all of this delicious breakfast is only 7 euros 50!
Afternoon is the best time for a new adventure! At 6, Place De Forum, discover the sublime “Cryptoportique”. This archeological site is the one of the only remaining traces of ancient Roman presence of the Gaule Belgique that played an important role in the history of Reims. Entering this ancient forum is like taking a step into the past: the temperature gets colder, the air has that memorable thick, antique smell of, and everything gets darker and shaded, like a memory about to vanish. It dates back to 100 A.D. and it is perfectly preserved, the entrance is free from 2 to 6 p.m. every Saturday and the visit takes roughly fifteen minutes. When the sun is still out, it gets warm again and visitors feel like they have discovered the hidden intimate secret of Reims that is not shown in broad daylight.
Saturday night, for Italians is the best time for pizza, even though we are all familiar with the “avoid pizza outside of Italy” rule. However, even the most sophisticated Italian exchange student will appreciate Pulcinella and temporarily take their senses right back home. It is an authentic Italian pizzeria located in 56, Rue Chanzy. It is a ten-minute walk away from Campus, very close to the Reims Cathedral. Although from the outside, Pulcinella is not irresistible and the tables are set with the stereotypical Italian tablecloths Italians avoid, the food itself really is authentic. A lovely backyard provides a cozy and friendly atmosphere for a dinner with friends. Most importantly, their pizza is amazing! Your senses are awakened the very second it comes out of the oven, and in every single bite you can taste all the fresh ingredients which are imported directly from Italy (the mozzarella, tomatoes and even the flour!). If you don’t have time to make the weekend trip to Italy, this is a great second choice.
Alternatively, Saturday nights may be dedicated to sports! If you are willing to experience the French culture and get truly immersed in the city of Reims, go cheer for the Reims soccer club at the Stadium! The Reims soccer team is in the league 1 and they need our support as temporary residents in the city. Reims stadium is not very big, and conveniently reached by tram or by foot (it is about twenty-minute walk from the cathedral). Tickets are available online as well as in front of the stadium; the price changes according to the seats and they are usually slightly cheaper online. For the category 8, it is rarely over twenty euros (depending on the game).
Soccer is a big part of French and European culture and supporting the team will allow you to really feel engaged in your home away from home. In order to find the best spots, you must arrive before the beginning of the game, which will allow you to see the opening act , with music, flags and balloons. The atmosphere is great fun- shortly after the starting kick, everyone shows their support with chanting that is impossible to ignore. It does not matter if you do not speak French, after a while you will sing along anyways. All that matters is to be loud and have fun.
Not tired yet? Stop to Place Drouet d’Erlon for a drink and end your night with friends and a bang. The university nightlife is spread among the different bars on the street. If you want to meet fellow exchange students from all over the world, go to “La Bodega” (71, Place Drouet d’Erlon). From the outside, it looks nice and calm, a perfect place to get a drink with friends and spend a relaxing evening. But around eleven, it turns into a club (with free entrance!). The space in front of the counter becomes a dancefloor and the DJ plays mostly Hispanic music and Reggaeton. And a great place to end the night. However, if you’re not into dancing, you can go sit and sip your drink in the upstairs area. La Bodega is open every day of the week, but Thursday is definitely the best day to go!
for a more French environment, head for “Hemingway”. Just a stone’s throw away from Bodega, it offers a broad variety of beers for all different tastes and hosts French students from all the different Reims Campus’. Craving the full French experience? Try the raspberry flavored “Castel” beer and practice your French, the best way to end your “Samedi soir” in Reims!
Giorgia Renoldi
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