Reims Cathedral and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the city

Reims is one of the few French cities recognised twice by UNESCO. In 1991, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Palace of Tau and the former Abbey of Saint-Remi were added to the World Heritage list. In 2015, the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars followed, including several houses on the Saint-Nicaise hill in Reims.

Notre-Dame Cathedral, the coronation cathedral

Built mainly in the 13th century, Reims Cathedral is one of the finest examples of Gothic art. From Louis the Pious in 816 to Charles X in 1825, most French kings were crowned here. Don’t miss:

• the façade and its statues, including the famous Smiling Angel;
• the stained-glass windows by Marc Chagall in the apse;
• the great rose window, especially beautiful in the late afternoon.

Entry is free outside services. Guided tours and tower climbs are offered depending on the season: check the opening times on the official website before you go.

The Palace of Tau

Next to the cathedral, the former archbishops’ palace is where the kings stayed before their coronation and where the banquet that followed was held. Today it houses the cathedral treasury, coronation objects and original statues removed from the façade.

The former Abbey of Saint-Remi

About twenty minutes’ walk from the cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Remi holds the tomb of Saint Remi, the bishop who baptised Clovis. Older than the cathedral, it impresses with its length and light; entry is free. The neighbouring abbey houses the Saint-Remi Museum, dedicated to the history of Reims.

The Champagne cellars

The second UNESCO listing concerns Champagne. In Reims, the crayères of the Saint-Nicaise hill, used by houses such as Pommery, Taittinger, Ruinart or Veuve Clicquot, are part of it. Our article Visiting the Champagne houses in Reims will help you choose.