Reims Things to Do Tips by dinhyen

Stained glass windows

Many of Reims' famous stained glass windows were blown to bits during fighting in WWI. Many of the surviving panels depict scenes of wine production, the principal industry of the region. Some have been replaced by biblical-themed works by Russian-French painter Marc Chagall.

Maid of Orleans

During the Hundred Years' War between England and France, Joan of Arc, Jeanne D'Arc in French, inspired and rallied France to eventual victory. In 1429, she brought Charles VII, the Dauphin, to Reims to be coronated. She was tried as a witch and burned at the stake by the English in 1431. Almost 500 years later, she was canonized as a saint. An equestrian statue next to the Cathedral commemorates France's heroine.

Writing this is making me think of the song "Joan of Arc" by OMD.

Notre Dame Cathedral Cathédrale Notre Dame Review

Taking pictures inside cathedrals require a tripod. I had some consternation at first about being able to use a tripod inside the cathedral, but learned from Fred (MEdelmann) that using a tripod is fine! In fact, in my experience shooting churches in 4 countries, unless specifically forbidden, you can use a tripod to your heart's content. Of course, one should take care not to get in the way of other visitors, and not to take pictures of the altar during service. PS: You can't use a tripod in Sainte-Chapelle, though there's no sign saying so.