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Reims Cathedral: A Gothic Masterpiece

Explore the grandeur of French Gothic architecture at Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and coronation church of French kings.

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The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims is a stunning example of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For centuries, it served as the coronation church for French kings and is renowned for its intricate sculptures, soaring arches, and luminous stained glass windows.

A brief summary to Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds.
  • Take a guided tour to discover the cathedral's rich history and architectural details.
  • Don't miss the stained glass windows, including those designed by Marc Chagall.
  • Check the Palais du Tau website for information on tours of the towers, which must be booked in advance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims is located in the city center and is easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Reims Centre train station, it's approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head north-east along Cours Jean-Baptiste Langlet, then turn left onto Rue de l'Université. Continue onto Place du Forum, then turn right onto Rue Colbert. Finally, turn left onto Place du Cardinal Luçon, where the cathedral is located.

  • Public Transport

    The Grand Reims Mobilités network provides bus and tram services throughout Reims. Several bus lines stop near the cathedral. Check the Grand Reims Mobilités website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. A single ticket costs around €1.70.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Reims and can be found near the train station and major hotels. You can also book a taxi through phone services or apps such as Uber. A short taxi ride from the train station to the cathedral will cost approximately €12-€32, with a pick up price of €2.50.

  • Parking

    If arriving by car, several parking options are available in the city center. Public car parks charge around €1.50 per hour, with a daily maximum of €12.50. On-street parking is also available, but is limited to a maximum of 2 hours and costs €2.00 per hour. Free parking is available on Sundays and public holidays. Consider using one of the P+R (Park and Ride) facilities located at the entrance to the city and taking public transport to the city center; parking plus a ticket for up to 7 people costs €3.

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Discover more about Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims, a jewel of Gothic architecture, stands as a testament to French history and artistic achievement. Construction of the current cathedral began in 1211, following a fire that destroyed the previous structure, and continued for much of the 13th and 14th centuries. This sacred site, however, has much earlier origins, with the first church built here in the early 5th century. It was here that Clovis, King of the Franks, was baptized around 496 AD, an event that established Reims as the coronation city for French monarchs for over 1,000 years. The cathedral's exterior is adorned with over 2,300 statues, including the famous Smiling Angel, a symbol of the Champagne School of the 13th century. The west facade features three portals depicting scenes of Christ, Mary, and the Last Judgement, complemented by a large rose window. Inside, the nave stretches nearly 150 meters, with vaulted ceilings reaching a height of 38 meters. Light streams through the stained glass windows, some of which were designed by Marc Chagall. Reims Cathedral suffered extensive damage during World War I, but was lovingly restored throughout the 20th century, with American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller playing a significant role. Today, it continues to be a symbol of national pride and resilience, attracting approximately one million visitors each year.

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