Festi'Market in Reims
A festive market featuring local products and artisanal treasures in the heart of the city.
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Reims Cathedral
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ℹ️Practical info — Reims Cathedral
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the cathedral early in the morning or late afternoon to admire the stained glass windows, including the ones by Marc Chagall, without the heavy crowds.
- Street parking near the cathedral is scarce and usually limited in time; use the underground parking structures like CPA Cathédrale.
- Don't miss the Smiling Angel statue on the north portal of the western facade, a famous symbol of Reims.
- The cathedral is free to enter, but guided tours of the towers offer unique views of the flying buttresses and the city, though they require a fee and involve climbing steep stairs.
🍽 Food
🍽
Biscuit Rose de Reims
Dip these famous pink biscuits in a glass of Champagne, as is the local custom, available in traditional bakeries nearby.
🍽
Champagne
Enjoy a glass of local Champagne in one of the many cafes around the Place Drouet d'Erlon.
🍽
Jambon de Reims
Try this traditional cooked ham with mustard and herbs, often served at charcuteries and traditional brasseries in the city center.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Biscuits Fossier
The historic producer of the famous pink biscuits, great for edible souvenirs. Located near the cathedral.
🛍
Champagne Boutiques
Various specialty shops around the cathedral square offer local Champagne bottles, ranging from famous houses to independent growers.
🛍
Halles du Boulingrin
A covered market where you can find regional produce, fresh cheeses, and local meats, housed in an Art Deco building.
🧘
Palais du Tau Gardens
Take a quiet stroll in the gardens adjacent to the cathedral for a peaceful perspective of the architecture.
🧘
Parc de la Patte d'Oie
A serene park a short walk from the center, featuring a pond, mature trees, and calm paths.
Water temperature…
The Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims) is one of the most significant Gothic churches in France and served for centuries as the coronation site of the French kings. Construction of the current cathedral began in 1211 after a devastating fire destroyed the previous building, and it continued until the end of the 13th century. The facade is famous for its rich sculptural decoration, featuring a total of 2,303 statues, including the renowned 'Smiling Angel.' During the First World War, the structure was heavily damaged by German artillery fire and almost completely burned down, leading to an extensive restoration project. The cathedral is deeply rooted in French history, as 33 monarchs were crowned here, including Charles VII in the presence of Joan of Arc. Since 1991, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, together with the Palace of Tau and the former Abbey of Saint-Remi.
- Location: Grand Est, France
- Top sights: Reims Cathedral · Palace of Tau · Saint-Remi Basilica
- Nearby: Bezannes (5 km)
- Population: ~196.565
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 2 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 6 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 65 | 59 | 59 | 44 | 67 | 64 | 62 | 69 | 47 | 62 | 64 | 80 |
Geography
Facts
- The foundation stone was laid on May 6, 1211.
- A total of 33 French kings were crowned here.
- There are 2,303 statues decorating the cathedral.
- The towers reach a height of 81 meters.
- The interior length of the cathedral is 138.75 meters.
- It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Reims Cathedral (6)
Frequently asked questions
Why is Reims Cathedral so historically significant?
For centuries, it was the site where 25 kings of France were crowned.
What is special about the cathedral's windows?
Beside the Gothic rosettes, there are modern stained-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall.
Is there an entry fee for the cathedral?
Entry to the main nave is free. There is a fee for guided tours of the towers.
Who is the 'Smiling Angel'?
The 'Ange au Sourire' is a famous sculpture on the north portal, known for its unusually human smile.
How much time should I spend visiting the cathedral?
Plan for about 45 to 60 minutes to see the interior and the details of the facade.
Reims Cathedral: where is it located?
Reims Cathedral is located in Grand Est, France.
Reims Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Reims Cathedral, Palace of Tau, Saint-Remi Basilica.
Reims Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Reims Cathedral: why is it worth visiting?
The Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims) is one of the most significant Gothic churches in France and served for centuries as the coronation site of the French kings.
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