World Heritage # 17: Reims Cathedral

As part of a specially dedicated series French sites recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO, writing Welcome Camping invites you to discover one by one the exceptional French destinations, preserved as a heritage of humanity. We continue this series with a set of sites recognized in 1991, the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, the former Saint-Rémi abbey and the Tau Palace, in Reims.

In the Marne, in the Grand-Est region, on the lands of Champagne, Reims Cathedral, the former royal Benedictine abbey of Saint-Rémi and the Tau palace, are sublime witnesses of the history of the French monarchy. These exceptional buildings have been recognized as a world heritage because of the handling of XNUMXth century architectural techniques, but also of the perfect marriage between architecture and sculpture. The integrity of the sites, their authenticity, as well as their close link with the history of France, make them major historical witnesses.

The royal history of the city of Reims

The city of Reims has been a theater of French history since Antiquity, especially during the Gallic Wars. It was also the place of residence of the Roman governor. It will then become the site of the famous baptism of Clovis by Bishop Rémi. Considered the cradle of the Carolingian dynasty, Reims will develop further. It will even become the capital of the kingdom of Austrasia, the "country of the Franks of the east". From Louis VII in the XNUMXth century, to Charles X in the XNUMXth century, all the kings of France will be crowned in Reims, with the exception of Henri IV.

Notre-Dame de Reims cathedral

Reims cathedral alone reveals eight centuries of technical innovation. The sumptuous building is one of the major representations of Gothic architecture in France. With its 2 statues, the cathedral of Reims also presents the most important sculpted decoration in Europe. From the construction of the current building in the XNUMXth century, to its renovation after the devastating fire that occurred during the First World War, the builders followed one another.

The old Saint-Rémi abbey

Roman-Gothic style, Saint-Rémi abbey was built in the XNUMXth century. Its sober Romanesque nave and its four-storey Gothic choir form an impressive whole. The bulb containing the chrism or holy oil, used for the anointing of kings, was formerly kept there.

The Tau Palace

Backed by the cathedral of Reims, the first episcopal palace, the Tau Palace, was one of the residences of the archbishops of Reims. It was also the place of residence of the kings during the coronations. This palace therefore played a central role during religious ceremonies.

Reims today

Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to visit Reims cathedral, the "queen of cathedrals" and its symbolic towers. Let yourself be charmed by a guided tour by a professional passionate about heritage. At the Saint-Rémi abbey, the museum presents the history of the building, but also that of Reims from Antiquity to contemporary times. The Tau Palace houses the museum of Reims cathedral and the coronation of the kings of France.

For lovers of French history, a visit to Reims is therefore essential. During your stay, do not miss to stroll in the charming streets of the city. You will discover other architectural treasures with multiple influences. From the Gallo-Roman era to Art Deco and Street Art, you will be won over by the rich heritage of Reims. A stop at Parc Pierre Schneiter or Parc de Champagne will offer you a delicious vegetal break. And for those who have their heads in the stars, the planetarium organizes sessions for young and old.