Sundial

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, reminiscent of a magician. Under his head, you can see his hand on the left and a dove next to it. This is in fact a sundial, a measuring instrument that indicates time by using the position of the sun. The movement of the shadow was measured throughout the day. Did you know that the very first sundial was discovered in Egypt, and dates back to 1500 BC? This technique was actually used for several millennia before others such as the graduated candle, the hourglass, the clock and then the watch, were invented. Reims now has five of these in its city centre, including one that has been installed a few steps behind you, in Loges Coquault square. Anyway, you’re now on a historic street, part of what’s known as the Coronation Route. Yes, as you might guess: the future kings of France passed through this street on their way to to be crowned in the cathedral !