Hotels in Reims
What to see by foot: Reims
 
Reims is an ancient Roman town boasting some extraordinarily gorgeous architecture.
However, most visitors to the city are drawn by its delectable champagnes rather
than its historical value.
Reims is constructed above hundreds of miles of passageways connecting crayeres,
huge chalk pits dug into the earth by the Romans, which are now used by some
of the most famous champagne houses to store millions of bottles of the sparkling
wine.
Great names such as Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Pommery use these cellars;
the latter having more than 16kms of tunnels plunging 30m below ground level.
All these champagne makers give guided tours of their cellars, which include
an explanation of the winemaking process followed by a tasting.
The city is not exclusively about wine, however. The Cathedral Notre-Dame de
Reims, where French monarchs were crowned for centuries, is one of the most
impressive Gothic cathedrals in France. After severe damage by bombing in WWI,
it has been beautifully restored.
The cathedral's west façade consists of three doorways decorated with
sculpted arches, and features a rose-tinted stained glass window dedicated to
the Virgin Mary, as well as two symmetrical towers. The sculptural detail is
one of the finest examples of Gothic craftsmanship, full of captivating realism
and movement.
The 11th century Saint-Rémi Basilica is part of the former abbey, and
the Tau Palace is part of the former archiepiscopal residence. Together with
the cathedral, they form a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace now acts as
a museum, tracing the history of Reims through its archaeological, military
and religious artefacts.
The Fine Arts Museum is housed in the former home of the Abbey of Saint-Denis,
and has an extensive collection of works from the Renaissance to the contemporary.
History junkies may wish to check out the Salle de Reddition, a former map
room in Eisenhower's headquarters where the signing of the surrender of the
German troops took place on May 7, 1945. The original table and chairs are still
in place.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Mercure Reims Cathedrale | | Quality Hotel Reims | | Holiday Inn Garden Court Reims City Centre | |
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full list of hotels and online booking
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