"Reims : city of the kings" Top 5 Page for this destination Reims by mariev

Reims Travel Guide: 275 reviews and 826 photos

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When hearing the name Reims, what comes to mind ? Cathedral, Champagne ? Yes, but the town has much more to offer : Not only did the city play a very important role in french history but it presents no less than 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites (The Cathedral, the Palais du Tau and the Basilique Saint Rémi)

According to the legend, Reims was created by Remus, the founder of Rome’s brother; thus the name of the Celtic people living in the area : the Rèmes.
Towards 80 before Jesus-Christ, they established a oppidum baptized Durocortero ("round fortress"). After the Roman conquest, Durocortorum was integrated in the province of Belgium and became its capital. With 30 000 inhabitants the Gallo-Roman city became one of the most populated of in the north of the Alps. There are large remnants from this period, either in situation like the cryptoportique or in the Muséee Saint Rémi

The baptism of Clovis, king of the Franks, by Remi, bishop of Reims, took place on Christmas day 498 in the site today occupied by the cathedral Notre Dame. Clovis’ conversion to christianity, a religion inherited from the the Romans, enabled him to legitimate his military seizure on a then very divided Gaule. From this baptism, which sealed the link between the Church and the State, was established the divine right french monarchical system - a nation was born. Because of this, Reims later became the place of France’s kings sacre and cororation.

The iconic cathedral

In 816 the first royal sacre took place in Reims with Louis le Pieux. The most memorable one remains that of the dauphin Charles VII, led to Reims by Jeanne d' Arc on July 17, 1429 after the end of Orleans’siege. On the whole, 33 sovereigns were crowned in Reims, the latest in date being Charles X in 1825. The ceremony took place in the cathedral Notre Dame since this one was built. It continued by a banquet of the sacring in the Palais du Tau and with a pilgrimage near the body of Saint Remi , in the basilica is devoted to him.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Much more than Cathedral and Champagne

Last visit to Reims: Aug 2007
Intro Updated Aug 24, 2007
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Reviews (14)

Old houses Off The Beaten Path (3)

If you are overwhemed by historical buildings, have a stroll around the center town. While there are not so many old... more travel advice

Champagne Local Customs (1)

Champagne ! The best known local product even if Reims fights with Epernay for the title of wine capital. The area has... more travel advice

Along the cathedral Things to Do (4)

The Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims was started in 1211 on the location of a former church (said to be built around 400 by... more travel advice

Musee Saint Remi - a city's history Off The Beaten Path (3)

Situated in a former (and beautifull) benedictine abbaye (it was also used as an hospital for a while), the musee... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Here you can see ..... Nothing !
Shopping (1)
Biscuits de Reims
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Comments (10)

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hopang Oct 18, 2009 at 7:11 AM

Great Reims travel page complete with superb photographs. The palace and the cathedral are undoubtedly great tourist attractions in the city. Certainly bring back fond memories of our trip to Reims many years ago. ~ho & pang
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glabah Sep 24, 2009 at 9:15 AM

Hi There. You were the featured traveler just now, and so I wanted to see what you wrote. Nice photos of these wonderful places.
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hunterV May 1, 2009 at 10:58 AM

Oh, yes, that Cathedral is a very special place in France... It reminds me of Joan of Arc!
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Matilda08 Aug 23, 2008 at 2:38 PM

Fossier also makes these delicious pear and coconut macaroons: histoiresucree.com/product_p...
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Fullmoonfever Jul 14, 2008 at 4:40 PM

Hi Marie, where are you??????
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JLBG Feb 23, 2008 at 9:15 PM

Reims, ancienne capitale de la Belgique et trois fois sur la liste du patrimoine mondial de l’Unesco ! Merci de me l’avoir appris ! J’avais oublié les biscuits de Reims…
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Nemorino Feb 3, 2008 at 12:22 PM

Dom Perignon, abbey of Hautvillers, had some great ideas for making champagne. (I never knew that.) Reims to me is the place nobody ever gets to in Rossini's lovely comic opera "Il viaggio a Reims" (coming again to the Frankfurt Opera in May/June 2008).
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garridogal Jan 14, 2008 at 9:55 AM

I love the photo of the half-timbered houses. I spent a morning in Reins a few years ago and would love to see more of it!
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Roadquill Dec 26, 2007 at 8:18 AM

Marie, Great tips and good advice in the Paris forum. Merry Xmas and HNY to you and your family, Karl
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y2ketan2007 Dec 9, 2007 at 8:42 AM

Great,I have found the answer from your tip !