Saint-Jacques Church

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 different architectural styles. The first level of the nave is Romanesque, the choir is flamboyant Gothic and two chapels were added in the Renaissance style in the 16th century. It was Henri Deneux who restored the church after World War I, giving it a reinforced cement framework, a process he would later use on the cathedral to prevent fires. And let’s not forget the stained glass windows, which are much more modern. Some were added in the 60s, others in the 90s, and the last ones in 2010. The church’s lantern tower, destroyed during the First World War, was rebuilt between 1987 and 1994. Don’t hesitate to enter the church to discover its remarkable interior, and its neoclassical organ built in 1962. This is clearly a building that has stood the test of time!