Tour
4 km
1h40
21 audios
Text version
Embark on a journey to uncover the story of this city steeped in history! Known as “La cité des Sacres”, the coronation city, Reims is full of monuments that attract millions of tourists. They mostly come to admire the majestic Notre-Dame cathedral where more than 30 kings of France where crowned! Reims holds a significant place in French history, marked by royal events that have made it a French symbol in the eyes of the world. In contrast to all this glory, it is also a city that greatly suffered during World war I. The city was targeted by enemy armies to destabilise the French, who helplessly watched this iconic cathedral burn down due to bombings. In the aftermath,the city became a testament to France’s commitment to safeguard its heritage at any cost. During the reconstruction era , many buildings were restored in the Art Deco style that was very much in vogue in the post-war period. A combination of architecture, history and champagne awaits you in this town in eastern France.
You are now standing in front of the largest known arch in the Roman Empire. You wouldn't expect to find it in this city, would you? Well, Reims has over 2,000 years of history, and in Roman times, it was known as Durocortorum. Legend even has it that the city was founded by Remus, the brother of the creator of ancient Rome Read more
It's time for gastronomy! This astonishing semi-cylindrical building houses the town's covered market. The Boulingrin covered market was built five years after an architectural competition was organised in 1922. It was built by Emile Maigrot and Eugène Freyssinet. At the time, the materials and construction techniques used to build Read more
Look to your left, the imposing black gate that decorates Temple street is the entrance leading to the headquarters of the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Champagne House. It was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot-Muiron, who worked with his son François. The latter married Barbe Nicole Ponsardin in 1798. Read more
The elegant building on your right is Muire Pavilion, one of the few remaining examples of Renaissance architecture in the city. It was built in 1565 by Nicolas de Pâris, Lord of Muire. The land just behind it was bought by Madame Clicquot to house her cellars. She gave it to her partner Edouard Werlé, who built a residence there in Read more
Look behind you. The people of Reims boast of having one of the most beautiful town halls in France for a reason! And yet this building has had its share of misfortune over the years. The first stone of the building was laid in 1627, on the very site where the town council had been located since 1499. Read more
This is Tambour street, one of Reims' historic streets. It links the City hall square to the Forum square, in a succession of houses that plunge you straight back into the city's past. On your left is the Residence of the Counts of Champagne Read more
Well now, would you be surprised if I told you this place is called Royal Square? I guess not, given the clues that could set you on track, such as the gigantic statue of Louis XV at its centre or its almost perfect square shape surrounded by Read more
You are standing on Forum Square., it was the most important place in the city during Roman era, as it was here that the inhabitants met to deal with political, commercial, economic and judicial matters. After Antiquity Read more
From here, you have a superb view of the western façade of the cathedral that enables you to clearly see just how intricate its architecture is. Did you know that the roof structure was completely rebuilt following the Great War? Read more
We will now go through the Chapter gate, recognisable by its two turrets and its architecture that distinguishes it from adjacent buildings. Dating back to the 16th century, it once led to the courtyard of the Cathedral Chapter Read more
This building serving as the seat of the Reims courthouse, was constructed on the site of the former Hôtel-Dieu, and was inaugurated in 1839.. It was architect Auguste Caristie, with Nicolas Serrurier, who designed the new building Read more
There it is! Notre-Dame Cathedral! Reims’ Cathedral stands before you with its breathtaking architecture. Get ready because there is a lot to say about this wonderful sanctuary. What you have here is a true Gothic art masterpiece Read more
The Tau Palace adjacent to the cathedral was once the residence of the city’s archbishop and his entire administration . It was therefore the archiepiscopal palace of Reims. This palace also played a major role in the coronation of the kings Read more
Yes, I am definitely taking you to see a library, but not just any library! The Carnegie Library is a true Art Deco masterpiece,reason being that Reims is considered the French capital of this style, which appeared in the 1920s. Read more
You are now in Chanzy Street. Before I tell you about the street itself, I suggest you take a look at the house on your right, and raise your eyes to the top of the building. You'll see a head sticking out of the building, with its hat Read more
Established by the Gallo-Romans as their decumanus maximus, this is one of the oldest streets in Reims. You may want to know what a decumanus maximus is.It refers to the main east-west oriented road or street in a Roman city grid. Read more
Founded in the 12th century, Saint-Jacques is the second oldest church in Reims. It is one of 3 medieval churches still standing in the city. Before the Revolution, Reims had more than thirty of them. Built in many phases, it reveals several Read more
This small square bears the name of one of Louis XIV's most important ministers, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, who played a key role in the economic development of France in the 17th century. His statue, designed by Eugène Guillaume in 1860 Read more
This is considered to be the largest terrace in France, measuring 400 metres in length. Lined with lively bars and restaurants, it is longer than the famous Place de la Concorde, Place des Quincunxs and Place Bellecour in Paris Read more
If you’re looking for a place to relax in the heart of Reims, you’re at the right spot. Reims promenades is a place dedicated to leisure activities, much to the delight of families. Although this 3,000 m² esplanade was inaugurated in its current Read more
Découvrez Reims avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
21 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
A sparkling journey into the heart of the Champagne cellars of Reims.
If you wish to continue your visit of the city, why not take a stroll to the Saint-Rémi Basilica? Located a bit lower in the city, near the Parc de Champagne, this Romanesque-Gothic basilica is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a few steps away, the Saint-Rémi Museum is also listed and showcases
For a bit of relaxation after exploring this city full of treasures, you can enjoy a stroll along the banks of the Aisne-Marne canal, a very pleasant walk just a stone’s throw from the city center of Reims! Also, don’t hesitate to take a walk in the Pierre Schneiter garden, designed in the English style and considered the quietest park in the city, or the Patte d’Oie Park, ideal for picnicking on its vast green lawns. A little further away, the Champagne Park welcomes you for a game of pétanque, table tennis, or tree climbing among its flowery alleys!
If you’re passionate about architecture, I highly recommend visiting the Villa Demoiselle, a true testament to the distinctive artistic movement that spread throughout France in the 20th century. Built by Louis Sorel between 1904 and 1908, this mansion is a real masterpiece of the Belle Époque, blending Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles in a rather unique way!
For a typical Champagne village, head to Hautvillers! Here, you’ll encounter Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk credited with discovering champagne thanks to his invention of the champenoise method. Imported from Limoux, a town in Aude, this method led to the creation of the first sparkling wines, and eventually champagne, which has made the region famous. You’ll have plenty of options for walks through the vineyards and forests to explore this part of the Eastern France region, considered the birthplace of champagne and located in the heart of the Reims Mountains Regional Natural Park! Hautvillers is also part of the Champagne Tourist Route, which allows you to discover the many cellars of the region and the beautiful landscapes of vineyards, hillsides, and perched villages. Don’t miss it if you have time to explore!
Between historical heritage and the discovery of Champagne’s secrets.
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It is difficult to visit Reims without exploring the famous “Champagne houses,” which hold the region’s most expensive and precious wines.
Wine enthusiasts, take note! This symbol of celebration, often served at major events, is listed in…
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Here is a perfectly located hotel right in front of the cathedral and in the heart of the city center, waiting for you to reach the…
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Highlights
– Valet service
– Pets allowed
– Free parking
– Free high-speed internet
– Swimming pool
– Bar/Lounge
– Restaurant
– Breakfast buffet
– Spa
Things to Consider
– Non-smoking hotel
– Being in the city center, the location can be subject to noise and hustle and bustle
Location: 18 Rue Tronsson Ducoudray, 51 100, Reims, France
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