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Reims, the headquarters of Cabinet-FACT, is located in Champagne in the north-east of France, about 130 kilometers from Paris. The city is often called “la cité des sacres”, translated coronation City or also “la cité des rois”, the royal city.
After all, it was in the cathedral of Reims that the French kings were crowned for 10 centuries, from Louis the Pious in 816 to Charles X in 1825.
This is perhaps one of the reasons why champagne has become so famous and a festive drink over the centuries. Because there was a lot of wine for the coronation of the kings and later even more champagne! In addition, the city is perfectly close to Paris, on the North Sea-Mediterranean Sea axis, close to Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and on the Paris-England Axis.
Reims, the coronation site of the French kings, has shaped French history like no other city in France. Here you will find an overview of all the sights, events and tips for visiting the city.
Whether it was Chlodwig’s christening or the coronation of the king, Reims helped to shape all the great moments in the history of France. Strolling through the streets, you will discover a rich cultural heritage: the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palais du Tau, the Basilica and the Abbey Museum of Saint-Remi – sights that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. And when you think of Reims in Champagne, of course you can’t forget the champagne.
Landmarks
Notre-Dame Cathedral: It is considered one of the most architecturally significant Gothic churches in France. From the 12th to the 19th century, the French kings were crowned here. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
Palais du Tau: The Palais du Tau is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archbishop’s palace was built between 1498 and 1509 and was the hostelry of the French kings during the coronation festivities. The fireplace in the Salle de Tau is particularly worth seeing. The name of the building is derived from the similarity of its layout with the Greek letter tau.
Basilica of Saint-Remi: The basilica is almost as big as the cathedral and is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The various parts of the building, the crypt, the southern transept, etc. were built in stages. It so happens that the crypt dates back to the 12th century, while the southern transept was completed only in the 15th century. The abbey museum, which is attached here, is the 4th building of the Unesco World Heritage Site.
Museums: Art Museum, Museum of the Capitulation, Jesuit College, Planetarium, Hôtel Le Vergeur, Automobile Museum Reims-Champagne, Fort de la Pompelle, Musée de la Base aérienne 112
Foujita Chapel: Léonard Foujita designed the Notre-Dame de la Paix Chapel, consecrated in 1966, in the tradition of Christian, primitive art. The frescoes of the chapels and the designs of the chapel windows, which were executed by the glass artist Charles Marq, are also by him. The chapel can be visited from May to October every day except Tuesday, from 14:00 to 18:00.
Place Royale (18th c.): The construction of the Place Royale was started in 1757 in honor of Louis XV. The front gable on the former Hôtel des Fermes (today’s sub-prefecture) refers to the commercial activities of Reims.
Maisons de Champagne (Champagne houses): Some of the champagne houses, such as Lanson or Demoiselle Vranken, offer visits and guided tours for guests. The easiest way to get binding information about the program and opening hours is to contact the tourist information office.
Villa Demoiselle: The Villa Demoiselle stands next to the Pommery cellars and was built between 1904 and 1908 according to plans by architect Louis Sorel. In 2004, Paul-François Vranken, chairman of the Vranken-Pommery champagne house, acquired the house.
Cryptoportique (Gallo-Roman monument)
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