Tambour Street

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, one of the oldest houses in Reims. Constructed in the 13th century in a Gothic style that is still clearly visible today, it served as the residence of Thibaut IV de Champagne, Count of Champagne and later King of Navarre. It was later used by his successors when they came to attend the coronations of the kings. Partially destroyed during World War I, the Taittinger Champagne House bought it back and restored it just afterwards. It is still used today for cultural events. A remarkable vestige of the Middle Ages, this residence – or at least its façades – was listed as a Historic Monument in 1923, for the façade on the street side, and in 1933, for the one on the courtyard side.  If you walk a little further along the street, just past Counts House, still on your left, you will see a magnificent façade that has recently been rebuilt. It is a faithful reproduction of the Musicians House, a building that has stood there since the 13th century, but unfortunately destroyed during World War I. Back then, the façades already featured statues of people playing music. These statues were rescued and sheltered and can now be seen in the Saint-Rémi Museum. The reconstruction of this historic house was decided by the Taittinger family, who owned the property and it was completed in 2021. The project took no less than 6 years to complete! It is a great way to give residents and visitors alike a chance to discover Reims in the Middle Ages. On that note, I will let you continue your tour of the famous Tambour Street.