Reims, France is one of the world's most compelling tourist destinations. It's the largest city in Champagne while home to French Christianity, kings and significant World War II victory.

WHERE: Reims, France. WHY GO: To learn about, then savor, some of the world's best bubbly. Suspended between anticipation and awe, I hoist a glass of Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blanc champagne.

Russian Cossacks near Reims, France, in 2018 posing with their country’s flag at an event memorializing Russian soldiers who died on French soil during World War I. Francois Nascimbeni/Agence ...