Meticulously restored after WWI and again following WWII, Reims is endowed with handsome pedestrian boulevards, Roman remains, art-deco cafes and a flourishing fine-dining scene that counts among it four Michelin-starred restaurants. Along with Épernay, it is the most important centre of Champagne production, and a fine base for exploring the Montagne de Reims Champagne Route.
City of Coronations and Champagne, Reims can be proud of possessing four historic buildings that are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List: the Notre-Dame cathedral, the Tau palace, the Saint-Remi basilica, and the Saint-Remi museum.
The jewel of the city, the Notre-Dame cathedral is unusual in that it has been the place of coronation for 33 kings of France from 816 to 1825. Clovis was also baptized in this place in 498. The architectural harmony and remarkable statuary of this 13th-century building make it a masterpiece of Gothic art. Decorated with magnificent statues of angels with opened wings, the cathedral of Reims is really worth its nickname of Cathedral of Angels. Once inside, one is immediately attracted by the brightness of the nave and the magnificent stained glass windows, which date largely from the 13th century. Don't miss seeing the blue stained glass windows of the axial chapel, designed by the contemporary artist Marc Chagall.
No matter what you have read, nothing can prepare you for that first skyward glimpse of Reims’ gargantuan Gothic cathedral. Rising golden and imperious above the city, the cathedral is where, over the course of a millennium (816 to 1825), some 34 sovereigns – among them two dozen kings – began their reigns.
Next to the cathedral, the Tau palace, a former archbishop's palace where the coronation banquets were notably organised, is today home to the Works of Notre-Dame museum, where tapestries, sculptures, the cathedral treasury and coronation-related objects are exhibited.
The next of the Champagne city's historic places to visit is Saint-Remi basilica, a magnificent Romano-Gothic building, and its museum. Situated in the buildings of the former Saint-Remi abbey, the museum recounts the history of the abbey and houses art collections from Prehistory to the Middle Ages.
Also not to be missed in the city: Place Royale square, surrounded by arcades, and Place Drouet-d'Erlon square with its lively cafés, shops and restaurants.
The museum-mansion Le Vergeur, installed in a mansion of the 13th and 16th centuries, is home to art objects, furniture and paintings.
Famous for its buildings, the City of Art and History of Reims is also well known for the cellars of its prestigious champagne houses, which are dug into chalk and open to visitors.
Short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyK_GNYJBIo
