Reims

Reims Travel Guide (Champagne, France)

Reims, the home of champagne, is the main city of the Champagne area. It is a charming city, and one that the French hold dear to their hearts. Here, you can visit one of the most beautiful buildings of the Middle Ages in Europe, one that is filled with history, the Reims Cathedral: almost all French kings were crowned there for about 1,000 years. Most of the old houses were destroyed during World War I, and the city was extensively rebuilt in the 1920s in an Art Deco style.

A bit of History

The origin of the town of Reims, as legend has it, is that it was founded by Remus the brother of the founder of Rome. A Celtic tribe named the Rèmes were probably at the origine of the name though. Named Durocotorum under the Roman rule, the town still possesses a number of Roman monuments such as the Gate of Mars. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the town is attacked by the Vandals followed a half a century later by that of Attila and his Huns.

One of the most important historical events then takes place in Reims on the 25th of December 498. A young Frankish warrior, Clovis, asks the Bishop of the time, Remi, to baptise him and all his warriors into the Catholic Religion quickly realizing that this would be of importance if he was to conquer Gaule. Today, many historians see in this event the birth of the Nation France. In the 9th century, Arshbishop Hincmare authorizes his successors to coronate the future Kings of France and Reims will remain, until Charles X, the city of coronations.

During the medieval times the town develops around two areas, one is located around the Gothic Cathedral of Notre-Dame and the other around the Abbeys of Saint Nicaise and Saint Remi. A new wall is built in the early 14th century. During the 100 years war between France and England, Joanne of Arc takes the city from the Duke of Burgundy and Charles VII is coronated in 1429. The University of Reims is created in 1548.

Modern times bring wealth to the city thanks to the wool industry, Champagne and a great number of fairs. Unfortunately, WWI will leave the city devastated, completely in ruins. Reconstruction of many buildings is made in the Art Déco style of the time. 

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims

The construction of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims began in 1211 following the destruction of the previous building due to fire that occured a year earlier. Construction will last until 1299 with the laying down of the last lead bays of the roof. The Cathedral is considered to be a perfect example of Classic Gothic Architecture just like the one in Chartres.

With more than 2300 statues that decorate the façades, the building is Europe's most important when it comes to sculptors. Inside, the Rose Window that has just been renovated as well as the contemporary stained glass windows make for a perfect mix between tradition and modernity. The light within the Cathedral is stunning.

Adjacent to the Cathedral, the Tau Museum is also a highlight and worth a visit. The former Palace of the Archbishops and home of the Kings of France that were to be coronated is now a Museum where statues from the Cathedral are displayed. Other important pieces include Tapestries and the tresure of the Cathedral.

The Champagne Houses

In 2015, the Houses of Champagne located in Reims on the Saint Nicaise hill were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as a part of the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars list. The Houses of Champagne located in the city of Reims are quite unique especially due to their location inside old chalk quarries named crayères. Today, some of the most famous Champagne Houses use these ancient quarries to store their precious bottles. To visit a Crayères is to discover an intimate, underground atmosphere of total silence where the walls are lined with thousands of Champagne bottles ready to be tasted. 

Saint Remi Abbey

The ancient Abbey of Saint Remi is today home to two monuments: the Saint remi Basilica and the Saint Remi Museum. The Basilica is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles while the Museum is located in the Benedictine Abbey. Around the Cloister, the different rooms will take you through history from Prehistoric times to the Renaissance. 

Our Champagne Wine Tours & Day Trips from Reims

From Reims, discover our half day or full day shared & private Champagne wine tours and day trips. On a Champagne tour with Ophorus, you will visit some of the most prestigious Champagne Houses but also lesser known family estates. Destinations include Montagne de Reims wine region, Epernay and its Avenue de Champagne, Hautvillers village home of Dom Pérignon. Depending on the tour booked, you will visit and taste Champagne in 2 or 3 wineries and your guide will be there to explain all there is to know about the vinification process as well as the method used to create this exceptional drink.