Reims

Reims was always present to the great events of the History of France. Since the Gallo-roman era, Durocortorum benefited of a privileged position with the crossing of the “cardo” and the “decumanus”, the great axes north-south and east-west.

Reims, together with Épernay and Ay, is one of the great centers of Champagne production. Many of the largest Champagne producing houses, referred to as les grandes marques, have their headquarters in Reims. Most are open for champagne tasting and tours by appointment only. Champagne is aged in the many chalk caves and tunnels, some originating in the Roman period, under Reims.

4 monuments UNESCO listed as World Heritage

Notre-Dame Cathedral

A masterpiece of Gothic art, the Cathedral of Our Lady was started in 1211. It was the cathedral of coronations for French kings in memory of the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi, probably on Christmas Day 498. The left portal on the west front carries the famous Smiling Angel statue.
Tau Palace

The former Archbishop's Palace was built by Mansart and Robert de Cotte in 1690. Today, it houses the cathedral's museum with tapestries, sculptures and artifacts from the kings' coronations. The "Salle du Tau", once used as a banqueting hall after coronations, is most noteworthy.
Saint-Remi Basilica

It is the largest Romanesque pilgrimage church in northern France. It was built as a shrine to Saint Remi. The nave was consecrated in 1049 whereas the apse was built in the late 12th century and is an example of early Gothic style.
Saint-Remi Museum

The famous Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Remi, the shrine of the Holy Ampula used for French kings' coronations, is a magnificent building in the classical style. It now houses the city's Museum of History and Archeology with impressive collections from Prehistory to the Renaissance as well as a large military history section. 12th-13th centuries chapter house.