Discovering Reims
Destination
Reims, the historic capital of the Champagne region, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage, world-renowned gastronomy, and refined elegance. For centuries, this city served as the coronation site for French monarchs—25 kings were crowned in its magnificent Gothic cathedral between 1223 and 1825, earning Reims the enduring title "City of Coronations."
Today, Reims is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its exceptional cathedral, the former Abbey of Saint-Remi, and the Palace of Tau. Beyond its architectural splendor, the city is synonymous with Champagne. Miles of underground cellars carved from chalk host the world's most prestigious Champagne houses, where tradition and craftsmanship have been perfected over centuries.
Historical Landmarks
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
A Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site, larger than Notre-Dame de Paris. Its stained glass includes windows by Marc Chagall, and the “Smiling Angel” (L’Ange au Sourire) has become an emblem of the city.
Palais du Tau
This former Archbishop’s palace, adjacent to the cathedral, housed kings before their coronation. Today it displays the cathedral treasury, coronation vestments, and original statuary.
Basilique Saint-Remi
This beautiful Romanesque-Gothic basilica, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, contains the relics of Saint Remi, who baptized Clovis around 496 and established Christianity in France.
Champagne Houses & Cellars
No visit to Reims is complete without exploring its legendary Champagne houses. Many offer guided tours through their historic chalk cellars (crayères), followed by tastings.
Taittinger — Tours include visits to 13th-century cellars built in former abbeys and Roman chalk quarries
Veuve Clicquot — One of the most iconic houses, known for its distinctive yellow label
Pommery — Features contemporary art installations in vast underground galleries
Ruinart — The oldest established Champagne house (founded 1729)
Mumm — Centrally located with extensive historical exhibits
Museums & Culture
Musée des Beaux-Arts — Fine arts collection spanning from the Renaissance to the 20th century
Musée de la Reddition — The historic room where Germany signed its unconditional surrender on May 7, 1945
Musée Automobile Reims-Champagne — Historic racing cars celebrating the Reims-Gueux racing circuit
Villa Demoiselle — Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture combined with Champagne history