Reims has the most vibrant nightlife in the region. The best place to start is place Drouet-d'Erlon, home to the city's premier clubs. This is a university town -- for the most part, students rule the night. Just follow them to the best venues.
For a beer and a heavy dose of noise and rowdy students, head to the Glue Pot, 49 place Drouet-d'Erlon (tel. 03-26-47-36-46). At Au Bureau, 80 place Drouet-d'Erlon (tel. 03-26-40-33-06), a mixed-age crowd congregates in an Irish-style pub that has more than 120 types of beer. In the exotic Au Lion de Belfort, 37 place Drouet-d'Erlon (tel. 03-26-47-48-17), stuffed heads of hippos, elephants, and the like keep watch. For a more sedate experience, try L'Escalier, 7 rue de Chativesle (tel. 03-26-84-95-14), where the atmosphere is more conducive to conversation with locals and other tourists.
The best dance floors in town are at Aquarium, 93 bd. Général-Leclerc (tel. 03-26-47-34-29), which attracts a mixed-age crowd (25-40); and Le Tigre, 2 bis av. Georges-Clemenceau (tel. 03-26-82-64-00), with its decor of old French cars placed like artwork against the brick walls and mirrors. Young gays and lesbians go to Bar Lilas, 75 rue des Courcelles (tel. 03-26-47-02-81). Everybody wears jeans; the cover at any of these clubs is 9€ to 10€ ($12-$13). For casino action, head to Le Multicolore, 17 rue Lesage (tel. 03-26-47-45-82). It offers such games as poker, blackjack, and roulette daily from 10pm to 3am (until 6am Fri-Sat).
Comédie de Reims, chaussée Bocquaine (tel. 03-26-48-49-10), has a varied schedule; tickets cost 12€ to 19€ ($16-$25) for adults and 5€ to 8€ ($6.50-$10) for children.
