A coronation cathedral, miles of chalk cellars and grand Champagne houses, all a short train ride from Paris. Every year, Booking.com publishes a list of destinations travelers are suddenly booking more often, and every year it offers a few surprises. For 2027, one of the biggest is in France, and it is not Paris.
Reims, the capital of Champagne, ranks second on Booking.com’s list of trending destinations for 2027, making it the top European pick. Monterey, California, takes the first spot.
How the Ranking Was Built
The list is based on Booking.com’s own platform data. According to Aviation A2Z, the company looked at year-on-year increases in accommodation bookings made between January 1 and June 30, 2026, among its 1,000 most-booked destinations, with adjustments to keep the list geographically diverse. The full top 10 includes Monterey, Reims, Sendai, Rosario, Puri, Christchurch, Bratislava, Goiânia, Pescara and Asunción.
In other words, it is not a ranking of the world’s best cities, but of places where interest is growing fastest.
Why Reims Is So Appealing
Reims sits about 45 minutes from Paris by high-speed train from Gare de l’Est, close enough for a day trip but rich enough for a weekend. It offers world-class heritage, celebrated food and wine, and a calmer pace than the capital.
What to See in Two Days
Day one: history. Start at Notre-Dame de Reims, the Gothic cathedral where most French kings were crowned for centuries, famous for its sculpted facade and its smiling angel. Next door, the Palace of Tau houses the cathedral treasury, and the Basilica of Saint-Remi is a short walk away. All three are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day two: Champagne. Beneath the city lies a network of chalk cellars, some carved from ancient quarries, where millions of bottles age in cool, stable conditions. The Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars were added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2015. Several famous houses welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings, including Pommery, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Mumm.
Which Houses to Book Ahead
Tours at the most famous houses often sell out, especially on weekends and during holiday seasons. Book directly on their websites a few weeks in advance, compare tour lengths and tastings, and plan no more than two or three visits a day so you can enjoy them.
How to Pair It With a Paris Stay
The easiest option is a day trip: an early train from Paris, a morning at the cathedral, lunch in town, an afternoon cellar tour and a return in the evening. For a slower pace, spend one night in Reims and explore the vineyards of the Montagne de Reims nearby.
Accommodation is generally more affordable than in central Paris, which makes it a smart base for a short Champagne escape.
And for Travelers Staying in the US
Booking.com’s number one pick is closer to home. Monterey, on California’s Pacific coast, offers ocean views, a famous aquarium and easy access to Carmel and Big Sur.
Forget Paris, at least for a day or two. This Champagne city, 45 minutes away, is one of the most compelling trips of 2027.
