Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims Origin and history of the coronation of the Kings of France Origin and history of the coronation of the Kings of France With the baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi in 498-499, the precedent of royal unction was established in the Reims Cathedral. However, the first King to be coronated, Pippin the Short, was crowned at Soissons in 751, then again at Saint Denis in 754 by Pope Stephen II. Reims, Coronation city since the 11th century Louis I (the Pious) was the first King to be coronated in the Cathedral of Reims, in 816, and a diplďż˝me from the Emperor to the Archbishop Ebbo made explicit reference to the baptism of Clovis as the reason for this decision. Nevertheless, the choice of Louis the Pious was not immediately followed by his Carolingian or Robertian successors, and it was only in the early 11th century that the Cathedral of Reims finally imposed itself as the Coronation Cathedral.

From then on, with the exceptions of Louis VI (Orleans) and Henri VI (Chartres), all the kings of France who were coronated by royal unction (Louis XVIII and Louis-Philippe were not) were crowned in Reims by the Archbishop, or another prelate if the metropolitan seat was vacant. The King is dead. Long live the King! The coronation by royal, or divine, unction proceeded from the teachings of Saint Paul, who claimed that there was no authority except from God ("Non est enim potestas nisi a Deo, quæ autem sunt, a Deo ordinatæ sunt", Rom. 13, 1). Jurists and theorists of absolutism, especially during the Ancient Regime, didn't always agree with this. For some, the coronation did not make the King, he became King at the instant of the death of his predecessor, according the famous proclamation of the Chancellor of France, "The King is dead. Long live the King!" For others, coronation conferred legitimacy to the King.

This was the belief that impelled Joan of Arc to conduct Charles VII to Reims to be coronated in 1429, even though, entrenched at Bourges, he had been reigning as King for seven years. The legend of the Holy Flask Like the Kings of the Old Testament, the coronation was the alliance between God and the Capetian sovereign: in exchange for divine unction, the King promised to reign with justice, to protect his people, and to uphold the religion. This alliance took tangible form with the apparition of the legend of the Sainte Ampoule, or Holy Flask, in the 9th century. It was during the coronation of Charles the Bald in Metz that the Archbishop of Reims, Hincmar, related in his Vita Remigii, the miracle of the small vial brought to Saint Remi by a dove, sent by God, to anoint Clovis. From several Remoise traditions, Hincmar embellished the discovery, in the tomb of Saint Remi, of a vial of aromatics that had served to embalm the body of the Prelate.

Authenticated by Pope Innocent II in 1131 and entrusted to the keeping of the Abbey of Saint Remi until the Revolution, The Holy Flask assured the Church of Reims the privilege of being the coronation cathedral of French kings. The Coronation of the Kings of France in Reims - French Moments You are at: Home » Regions of France » Grand Est » Champagne-Ardenne »The Coronation of the Kings of France in Reims Coronation of Charles VII in Reims in the presence of Joan of Arc. Painting by by E. Lenepveu The Coronation of the Kings of France in Reims Champagne-Ardenne , French History , Reims If you're new here, you may be interested in downloading the guide "10 Amazing Offbeat Places in Paris". Click here to get your free copy now! Thanks for visiting! The coronation of the Kings of France took place inside the Cathedral of Reims , a Gothic art masterpiece which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. The Origins of the Coronation In 498-499, the baptism of Clovis by St.

Remi was the founding act of the Royal Anointing in Reims Cathedral . However, the first king to be crowned was Pepin the Short at Soissons in 751, then again at St. Denis in 754 by Pope Stephen II. Reims Cathedral was not explicitly held in reference to the baptism of Clovis until Louis the Pious was crowned in 816 and an official document was given to the Archbishop Ebbo by the emperor. Nevertheless, the immediate successors of Louis the Pious did not follow in his footsteps, and it was not until the beginning of the 11th century that the cathedral imposed itself as the coronation site. From then on, all the Kings of France were crowned in Reims by the hands of their archbishop, or at times by another prelate when the metropolitan seat was vacant. However, the coronations of Louis VI and Henri IV were held at Orleans Cathedral and Chartres Cathedral respectively, whereas Louis XVIII and Louis-Philippe were not crowned. The coronation stems from the idea that there is no authority except from God, according to the teachings of St.

Paul (“Non est enim potestas nisi a Deo, quæ autem sunt, a Deo ordinatæ sunt”, Romans 13:1). Jurists and absolutist theorists, particularly under the Ancien Régime (Old Regime), did not agree with this at times. For some, the coronation does not make someone the king: he becomes one at the very second his predecessor dies. This follows the famous statement declared by the Chancellor of France: “The King is dead. Long live the King!”. For others, the coronation bestows upon the sovereign his legitimacy. It was this belief that drove Joan of Arc to lead the heir to the throne (her “Gentil Dauphin”) to be crowned in Reims in 1429, despite the fact that Charles VII (1422-1461), residing in Bourges, was the de facto King for seven years already. The Legend of the Holy Ampulla Like the Kings of the Old Testament, the coronation was the sealed alliance between God and the Capetian sovereign: in exchange for divine anointing, the king promises to rule according to the law, to protect his peoples and to support religion.

This alliance took shape when the legend of the Holy Ampulla appeared in the 9th century. It was in fact at the coronation of Charles the Bald in Metz that the Archbishop of Reims, Hincmar, recounted in his Vita Remigii, the miracle of the small vial brought to St. Remi by a dove that was sent from God for the anointing of Clovis. From several traditions of Reims, Hincmar exaggerated the discovery of a vial in the tomb of St. Remi, containing herbs used to embalm the body of the prelate. Authenticated by Pope Innocent II in 1131 and entrusted to the care of the Abbey of St. Remi until the Revolution, the Holy Ampulla thus permanently assured Reims Cathedral the privilege of crowning the Kings of France. During the French Revolution on October 7, 1793 in Reims (the present Place Royale), the Holy Ampulla was solemnly broken by the conformist Philippe Rühl, on the pedestal of the statue of Louis XV which was prior to that toppled, broken and meant to be delivered to a foundry for cannons.

However, a priest and a municipal officer took out what they could from the contents of the Holy Ampulla and hid it the day before. Moreover, two glass fragments of the vial, on which some of the balm remained, were secretly retrieved during the destruction of the reliquary. On March 22, 1825, the Archbishop of Reims proceeded to decant all these fragments into a holy chrism, then into a new reliquary just in time for the coronation of Charles X. Today, the remains of the relic are preserved at the Palace of Tau, adjoining the cathedral. The Ceremony of the Coronation Coronation of Charles VII in Reims in the presence of Joan of Arc. Painting by by E. Lenepveu Before 816, the ceremony firstly consisted of a simple anointing on the forehead of the sovereign, to which was added the crowning, the presentation of a sceptre and the oath to defend the Church (ordo of Hincmar).

The ring and the sword appeared in the 10th century, followed by the dubbing of knighthood during the coronation of Philippe Auguste in 1179 and the oath against heretics in the beginning of the 13th century. In the 14th century, the waking of the king and the procession from the palace of the archbishop to the cathedral were introduced in the coronation of Charles V in 1364. Twenty-nine Kings of France were crowned at Reims between 1027 and 1825. Amongst them were Philippe Auguste, Louis IX, François I, Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XVI. French History, Past History of the French People and Country Metric Unit Conversion French History When discovering the French Culture, Architecture and even Politics, you cannot avoid the influence of the History of France! The French way of life as well as the Government still hold some marks of major historical events. French-Property.com gives you here some clues about the French History. Why is Christianity the major religion in France? Where does the name "France" originate from? How long had the French Monarchy lasted, when was the First Republic of France created?

So many questions about the French History we tried to answer here, from the Medieval Times to the 20th century... Learn More About the History of France, By Region! Antiquity France was originally named Gaul or Gallia. Julius Caesar led the Romans into Gaul, whilst the Celts were still dominating the territory. In 121, the Roman troops won a conclusive victory over the Celtic tribes and the Roman Empire set the First Roman Province (in the area of Narbonne). Marseilles, ally to Rome as it was a great rival of the Carthaginians, became an important centre for trading and merchandising. After his trumphal campaigns and famous Gallic Wars (58-51 BC), Julius Caesar got built the town of Lutetia - future Paris - in 52 BC, when the Southern regions were already successful (the southern town of Lugdunum (Lyon) used to be the capital of the Gauls). Romans also brought the Christian Religion into Gaul in the 2nd century. From the 3rd century, Barbarian from the East such as the Franks, the Vandals and the Visigoths, started to invade the territory.

Thus Gauls gathered up and formed alliances with local lords to gain their protection: the first marks of the Feodal system emerged. The Franks were actually a Germanic people who decided to conquer the Gallic territory from the East. Their leader, Clovis, rapidly became the First Frankish King and the "Country of the Franks" received its Latin name Francia - France in modern French. Christianity was definitely renowned and adopted when Clovis, who initiated the Merovingian Dynasty, was baptised in the Cathedral of Rheims in the late 4th century. French legends related that Clovis' conversion to Catholicism was an evidence of his love for Clotilda, a Burgundian princess who was Catholic. The most popular French Kings' name - Louis - may derive from the Latin name for Clovis. Middle-Ages Taking over from Dagobert I, last Merovingian Frankish king, Charles Martel initiated the Carolingian Dynasty. He expanded the Frankish kingdom even more than Clovis had done to the East, and struggled to stop Muslims' invasion from the South in 732.

A popular French kids' song - entitled Le Bon Roi Dagobert - talks about King Dagobert who apparently has put his pants back to front! So-called Pepin the Short succeeded his father in 751 but the powerful Charlemagne ("Charles the Great" in Latin) rapidly took over as Military Leader. Charlemagne is crowned Roman Emperor by Pope Leo III in 800, which is still one of the major dates of the History of France regarding the relationships with Papacy as well as politics. Emperor Charlemagne indeed made crucial changes - these changes would have consequences for the future France, especially in the education and arts fields. A very popular 60s French song even evoked Charlemagne "inventing" school! During the Middle Ages, the Frankish kingdom successions caused many wars and conflicts. After the Treaty of Verdun was completed in 843 to share Charlemagne's lands into his three sons, the Carolingian dynasty started to decline. Dane and Norvegian Viking raids increased on the Northern coast and the Carolingian King lost his power. The Scandinavian word for Viking is "Northman", becoming Normand in vernacular French.

The Normandy province of France actually received its name from the former Vikings' French dukedom. Hugh Capet was finally enthroned in 987, initiating the Capetian Dynasty. The complex game of dynasties would continue with the Duke of Normandy known as William the Conqueror, but who was also officially the King of France's vassal and would become the King of England in 1066! At that time, France widely developped the Education and Architecture fields. When Pope Gregory IX licenced Paris's university La Sorbonne as an independent institution, the Gothic style emerged as the Saint Denis and Chartres Cathedrals were restored. The Sorbonne was rapidly renowned as a centre of education and culture, and French Gothic churched would become a benchmark in terms of Architecture. After the death of Charles IV, last Capetian King, Edward III of England started the Hundred Years' War in 1337, determined to get the French kingdom - especially the Southwest regions (Gascony or the modern Aquitaine used to be English people's fief).

The Franks' Victory was partly dued to a young French peasant girl named Jeanne d'Arc, Joan of Arc, who helped Charles VIII to send the English out of France (excepting Calais) in the late 15th century. Renaissance and Grand Siècle When François I was enthroned in 1515, he brought the Italian Renaissance to France, inviting great artists like Leonardo da Vinci who would largely influence the French culture, arts and architecture. Meanwhile, the increasing number of Protestants following Calvin's Reformation and coming to France led to serious and long religious wars. These violent conflicts between Catholics and Protestants were initiated by the terrible Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre ordered by Catherine de Medicis. The first Bourbon King of France, Henri IV, originally protestant, converted to Catholism and put an end to the Wars of Religion signing the Edict of Nantes in 1598 that gave the Huguenots (protestants) full civil rights and protection. The 17th century is known as the Grand Siècle, a period of extravagance and power for the French Monarchy.

After more thriving and peaceful times, Cardinal Richelieu indeed ventured to turn the French feudal system into an absolute monarchy. From that day onwards, France has been more important on the European stage. King Louis XIV take the most of it and strengthened his own power by centralising the elaborate court life at his palace in Versailles (hosting the well-known "hall of mirrors", Galerie des Glaces) . Louis XIV - nicknamed Le Roi Soleil ("Sun King") to represent his influence - also forced the local princes and lords to be answerable to him and revoked the Edict of Nantes. Following the example of Richelieu and principal "minister" Mazarin, Colbert became the so-called Louis XIV's right hand man, acting with autority as for the French economy for instance. The reign of Le Roi Soleil was crucial as regards to the French culture and arts too: court ballets, shows, exhibitions and above all dramas were successful at that time. Molière, Racine and Corneille remain three major symbols of the French Classic Theatre.

Probably resulting from the Fronde - refering to the political agitation affecting France for five years as a reaction against Richelieu absolute rules - the French Monarchy eventually stopped during the reign of Louis XV. Age of Enlightenment and French Revolution The 18th century gave rise to Modern Thoughts, Enlightenment and Revolution in France. The Bourgeoisie began to demand more political rights, scholars and thinkers like Diderot, Voltaire and Rousseau questioned the absolutism and claimed equal rights, free trade and liberalism. French philosophers and writers also criticized the abuses associated with the French political system (the "Old Regime"), targetting especially the clergy and the nobility. In the meantime, inspired by the recent struggle for the American Independence, Parisian masses began to protest against disparities. As a result, the well-known French Revolution occured on July 14th, 1789, symbolised by the storming of a great prison called La Bastille. Robespierre, Danton and Marat were some powerful figures of the Revolution, leading a radical group called the Jacobins and imposing the so-called Reign of Terror.

The French national anthem La Marseillaise resulted in fact from the call to fight: the officer Rouget de Lisle composed this entertaining song to encourage the soldiers. Learn more about the symbols of France! During the Revolution, Louis XVI was decapitated (convicted of treason) at the Place de la Revolution now known as "Place de la Concorde". This event tragically marked the end of the French monarchy and in 1792, the First Republic of France was proclaimed. The court of Louis XVI and Austrian Queen Marie Antoinette is now often regarded as powerful as well as frivolous and corrupt. The French struggle between the privileged classes and the king turned into a real, political crisis and led the noble deputies to give up their traditional privileges: the legislation voted in August 1789 abolished all forms of feudalism - serfdom, monopolies and taxation, tithes to the clergy stopped, equality before the law and free provision of justice were set. Learn more about the Former Provinces of France such as Normandy, Anjou and Berry!

Napoleon, 19th Century To conclude the crucial - and bloody - late 18th century that also led to a kind of revolutionary war against France's European neighbours, the authoritarian and ambitious Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned "Emperor Napoleon I" in 1804. Apart from challenging the authority of the church and centralising again the French administration, Napoleon was foremost renowned for his military campaigns. He indeed did his best to expand his empire in Europe, but the defeats in Russia in 1812 and Waterloo in 1815 forced him to exil on the Saint Helena Island. Napoleon I would remain an essential figure of the French history, mainly remembered for his constitutional reforms, commercial practices and the establishment of the French Baccalauréat examination. The coronation of the following moderate Bourbon King Louis XVIII was known as the Restoration; Louis XVIII was due to establish a constitutional monarchy but the 1820s were marked by reactionary policies at the Parlement.

This political turning was even more visible after Charles X succeeded his brother in 1824: the clergy got back its power, the Jesuits reappeared, some money was again given to recompense the aristocracy, etc. Such perturbations rapidly provoked street fighting and rebellion: during the July Revolution, the French people - remembering the recent Revolution - finally won, Charles X gave up and Louis Philippe, a Bourbon cousin, was elected first King of the French by the will of the people". This young and modern King duly called "the Citizen King" originated the July Monarchy, period of prosperity in France. Napoleon I's nephew, Louis Napoleon, overthrew Louis Philippe and became the first president of the Second Republic in 1848. He was then proclaimed Emperor Napoleon III by national plebiscite - for the first time in France, the new constitution was approved by the nation. This marked the beginning of the Second Empire. At those times, the French were reassured by this new firm government, the economy and trade increased, railways were extended, industrialization and financial services were developed. As part of the Industrial Revolution, the Baron Haussman was ordered to redesign Paris by Napoleon III.

That is not surprising then that one of the greatest boulevards in Paris received his name! The late 19th century included some European troubles, especially between France and Prussia - a powerful neighbouring nation that overcame Austria in the Seven Weeks' War. Therefore, a Franco-Prussian war broke out in 1870 due to diplomatic issues, whilst a crucial uprising affected Paris in 1871. Indeed, as the royalists had a great majority at the Assembly at that time (expecting the return of the Bourbon dynasty), Parisians rose up in reaction to the disarming of the National Guard in March 1871. The following tragic insurrection was very violent and remains a revolutionary event named La Commune. 20th Century in France After the defeat of the 1871 revolution, the third Republic was born. During this period, very important rights have been voted like the freedom of assembly, which led to the creation of the French political parties, and the freedom of the press (1881), the union right (1884).

Some symbols of the French Republic were set at that time: Marianne’s bust, the Marseillaise and July, 14th as the French national holiday. The beginning of the 20th century was much influenced by the wish to separate the church from the state. As seen previously, Catholicism has always had a crucial place in the French society and culture, but Jules Ferry fought to establish the non-clerical organisation of public education. In 1905, a law of separation of church and state was implemented and, among other things, school became obligatory, non-denominational and free. France represented at that time a big colonial empire. The country kept on extending its territories for economic reasons and conquered new colonies in Asia, but especially in Africa in countries such as Senegal, Gabon, Congo and Mauritania for instance. Another characteristic of the third Republic was that the major part of the population was leaving the countryside to go to the city. The rural depopulation began in the middle of the 19th century. It indeed led to the urbanisation of France – as in other developing countries of that time.

The 20th century was tragically marked by the two world wars, WWI and WWII. France suffered heavy losses despite being part of the winning forces, but it rapidly recovered thanks to American aid. The WWI bloodiest battle was undoubtedly the battle of Verdun , which occurred in 1916 and caused over 700000 casualties. During the interwar years, France also experienced les années folles (the French roaring twenties) and the Great Depression – a long and difficult economic crisis which initially hit the United States and appeared later in France. The third Republic came to an end in 1940 when Marshal Pétain (Prime Minister of the third Republic) proclaimed the Vichy government, as a consequence of the French military defeat against the Nazi troops. From 1940 to 1944, France was split into two parts: the northern zone, which was occupied by the German soldiers, and the southern zone, which was “free” and governed by the French Maréchal. General Charles De Gaulle has been the most important president of the 20th century.

He has been at the head of the country from 1946 to 1958 (4th Republic) and initiated the 5th Republic in 1958. De Gaulle founded the current 22 French regions in 1969. After WWII, a period of decolonization began, marked by the first Indonesian war (1946-1954) and the Algerian war (1954-1962). This second controversial and violent war led to the independence of Algeria, in which De Gaulle proved to play an essential part. The following presidents of the 5th Republic were Georges Pompidou (1969-1974), Valéry Giscard d’Estaing (1974-1981), François Mitterrand (1981-1995) and Jacques Chirac (1995-2007).

Reims travel guide - Wikitravel Understand[ edit ] Cathedral Reims, the home of Champagne (the most celebrated and celebratory wine in the world), is the main city of the Champagne area.There stands one of the most beautiful buildings of the Middle Ages in Europe, one that is filled with history: 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 1920's in an Art Deco style. Reims, Épernay and Ay are the main places of champagne production. Many of the largest champagne producing houses, referred to as les grandes marques, have their head office in Reims. Most are open for champagne tasting and tours by appointment only. Champagne is aged in the many chalk caves and tunnels, some originating in the Roman period, located deep inside the ground. The city centre is fairly small and easily walkable, with many streets for pedestrians only, mainly in the shopping area.

Get in[ edit ] Since the high speed train line has been opened, Reims is linked not only to Paris, but also to major cities in the country: Lille, Bordeaux, Nantes, Strasbourg, ... Charles De Gaulle airport is only 30 minutes away and offers good connections to the South-East (Lyon, Avignon, Marseille, Nice, Montpellier). Trains to cities other than Paris leave from the brand new Champagne-Ardenne TGV station, located just outside the city. This station is connected to the central station through bus and local train. When booking your ticket, check the station you'll be arriving to or leaving from as many people get mixed up and miss their train Although one can get cheaper tickets if travelling on the regular train lines (with a change of trains in Épernay), it will take over 2 hours and one might get a much better deal buying a TGV ticket a few weeks in advance. Get around[ edit ] While the centre is fairly compact and easy to get around by foot, if you want to go further afield then try the buses. They're very reliable, run regularly and despite local complaints, I think, a good value at €1 to go anywhere.

If you intend to use them a lot, buy a carnet of 10 tickets for €8.60 from bars, tobacco shops or newspaper stands. Single tickets can be bought on the bus but make sure you have the correct change. You can also buy day tickets for €3 which is worthwhile if you take the bus at least 4 times during the day. Reims Public transportation website There are two tram lines in the city. They share a similar route but the B line goes to the new Champagne-Ardennes TGV station. Trams on this line can be very infrequent. If you're looking to catch a train at Champagne-Ardennes, it's best to book from Reims Central instead of relying on the tram. Trams use a smart card ticketing system. Note that you must 'touch on' to the readers on the tram, even with the paper tickets. Taxis are reasonable (about €2 a mile) but you can't hail them and they have to be booked in advance, which can be difficult if your French isn't above conversational level. With the TGV a day trip to/from Paris is possible (it only takes 45 minutes).

Be aware you have to book in advance, but at least you can do this in English online at SNCF.com . See[ edit ][ add listing ] Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims) - the French equivalent, somewhat, for England's Westminster Abbey, the cathedral at Reims was the church in which numerous French monarchs were officially crowned. Reims is one of the later Gothic cathedrals and renowned for its height. There is a fine interior west facade with carvings of Biblical scenes; some fine 13c stained glass in the high windows of the nave and choir; and windows by Marc Chagall (in the eastern chapel) and the two local artists Jacques and Brigitte Simon. The south transept window by Jacques Simon shows themes linked with champagne including a portrait of the monk who invented it, Dom Perignon. The Palace of Tau was the archbishop's palace and retains a 13c Palatine chapel. The Porte de Mars - a large late-Roman period triumphal arch The Hotel de la Salle - a fine Renaissance mansion The so-called Hotel des Contes de Champagne is a fine Gothic merchant's house. The Town Hall dates from the 17th century.

Behind it on the right is a fine art nouveau building originally for Mumm champagne, with mosaics showing the champagne making process. Saint Remi Basilica, a Romanesque church some way south of the centre of town. The many champagne houses and the chalk caves that are used to store and age the champagne. Most of the houses have several guided tours throughout the day in a variety of languages for a small fee, which usally includes a sample at the end of the tour. It is a good idea to call ahead to ensure that you don't miss the tour you are interested in. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Reims has a number of great museums, in particular the Musee des Beaux Arts and the War Museum, but as they all cost, visiting soon eats into your budget. The best thing about Reims is there is always something going on for free. I have lived here eight months and I don't think one month has passed without a festival or carnival. The best by far is the Christmas Fair which fills the Place d'Erlon with a huge number of specialist stalls, great for pre-Christmas shopping. If you like classic cars, this is a mecca, in eight months I've seen four classic rallies here.

For the kids in the summer, the traders set up a free, supervised area in the Place d'Erlon, it even has some English speaking guardians. For a cheaper time, head down to the Place de la Republique early on a Saturday morning (7am -1 pm) to look around the market, fish, meat, cheese and bric a brac at reasonable prices, unless they realise you're a tourist! Don't feel like shopping, just wander about and soak up the atmosphere. Reims has a vibrant theatre life. There is the main Theatre (Opera and Culture), La Comedie (20th century drama and film art), and further out the centre, La Cartonnerie (alternative, performance and music acts). It also has the Opera cinema which plays English language films, which one should note are marked V.O. on the board outside. There is a free listing guide available in most bars and supermarkets called 'Sortie' which comes out on Thursday, which lists all the live gigs and cinema times. Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Reims has all the usual stores you'd expect in any major town.

The Galeries Lafayette has menswear, womenswear, kidswear and a food hall downstairs, which sells English food at exorbitant prices if you feel homesick. There is a small shopping centre, Espace d'Erlon, which has a Monoprix downstairs, not a bad bet to buy your Champagne at prices that aren't inflated as they are in some tourist shops. It also has a FNAC (the French equivilent of HMV) which sells CDs/ DVDs/ and Books, including English ones. There are two wine cellars facing the cathedral, both of which sell a wide variety of champagnes at pretty much the same price as the maisons themselves, sometimes cheaper. If you feel the need to buy English or American newspapers, there is a news stand opposite the Gluepot (the English Pub) on the Place d'Erlon. The guy who runs it is extremely good fun and revels in the chance of speaking English.

Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Traditional French Cuisine Le Bouillon des Halles, 18, rue du Temple (on the pedestrian city centre, next to the town center and the historical Market les Halles du Boulingrin), ☎ +33(0)3 26 77 08 55 ( bouillondeshalles@gmail.com ). From Tuesday to Saturday. Panoramic restaurant with a superb wall of Champagne located inside a Unesco classified building, in the heart of Reims. Traditional French Cuisine, Unique Champagne Bar, artistic atmosphere . Menu from 19,80€. edit The Place d'Erlon is the near beating heart of the city (It's not exactly a hotbed of activity!) . There are many great places to eat here from cheap burger bars (Q, a Belgian McD's) to Anglo-Irish bars, the best for food being the James Joyce, to the very expensive, but very good Brasserie Flo, on the corner near the station. If you go around the corner onto Boulevard Foch you will find some good mid-price eateries.

The restaurant in the Hotel d'Univers is supposed to be very good, according to my local friends, but looks very intimidating from the outside. The Cote, nearer the square, is cheaper and is just as good for food. The real gem worth finding is the Aux Coteaux, mainly a pizzeria but with some nice mains as well. If you are up by the Theatre there's quite a nice cheap Chinese cafe opposite, and next to the only McDonalds in the centre of town. There is only one Indian restaurant in town, the Taj Mahal, on the Rue de Vesle. reasonable value, reasonable food, but Gandhi is hardly going to rise from his grave to eat there. If you go further down the Rue de Vesle you come to the Place d'Erlon. The Irish pub, The Kilberry, does food, I'm saying no more. Pizzerias here are a lot cheaper than the centre of town. All seem to charge a flat rate of E4.50 for a large pizza and the Mexicanne at the Calabraise could easily pass for Pizza Express' American Hot. They also do good mains as well.

If you can't find it try the Dolce Vitae, opposite the Taj Mahal. For better ethnic food look down the road at the side of the Opera cinema for a selection of good, cheaper, French and Ethnic restaurants (Chinese, Mexican and French). Matsuri, a small Japanese restaurant, is located next to the side entrance of Monoprix. Real top end recommendations say if you've just sold your granny for cash try the Hotel National at the station end corner of the Place d'Erlon. Another option is to buy a baguette at one of the many patisseries and sit by one of the fountains and watch the world go by. If this is your option try the Petit Fours, a small kiosk off the Place d'Erlon, past the Opera cinema and across the lights, it's bright yellow, you can't miss it!

Au Conti, 93, place Drouet d'Erlon (on the pedestrian city centre, next to the train station and the main historical heritage of Reims), ☎ +33(0)3 26 40 39 35 ( reservation@grandhotelcontinental.com , fax: +33(0)3 26 47 51 12), [1] . Every day but on Sunday evenings. Panoramic restaurant in the heart on the coronation town. Traditional French cuisine in the elegant style of a XIXth century mansion. Menu 3 courses + drink from 24,90€. edit Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] Champagne of course ! Place de Stalingrad- There are two great places here, The Kilberry and Stalingrad. The Kilberry, an Irish pub, is where all the French drink. It's a lot cheaper than in the centre and, to my mind, has a better atmosphere. It also has lots of free music and good promotions. The manager, Mike, is generally friendly and the staff and locals are very friendly. Definitely one to watch the Rugby in.

For the quieter drink, try the Stalingrad on the corner. It's a traditional French Tabac, has limited food at lunchtime. The owner, Patrick, is an English speaking Jazz fan and there is normally live Jazz upstairs on a Thursday night. Place d'Erlon- The main street in town is home to some excellent establishments. Cochon A Plumes and the Gin Pamp are two of the few places that have happy hours. Gin Pamp, being the less expensive of the two, is typically more crowded; it also sometimes offers live music. The Cochon A Plumes, however, offers an excellent atmosphere. Other options include the microbrewery Les 3 Brasseurs, L'Apostrophe, The Shirlock Pub (where the servers wear kilts), the James Joyce, and The Gluepot. Interested in staying out a little later? Try the LBee (complete with a small dance floor) or La Bodega! Both close around 3am. After that you will need to go to one of the few night clubs in town.

If you venture as far as the Porte de Mars, nip across to the Bar d'Anvers, across the Place de Republique, nothing out of the ordinary, but you may get involved in an interesting conversation, if you speak French and sit at the bar. Sleep[ edit ][ add listing ] Best Western Hôtel de la Paix, ☎ +33(0)3 26 40 04 08, [2] . edit Grand Hôtel Continental, 93, place Drouet d'Erlon - 51100 Reims, ☎ +33(0)3 26 40 39 35 ( reservation@grandhotelcontinental.com , fax: +33(0)3 26 47 51 12), [3] . edit Hotel Ibis Styles (Hotel Reims Centre Cathédrale), 21 boulevard Paul Doumer (51 100 Reims), ☎ +33 3 26 79 88 50, [4] . checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am.

The hotel Ibis Styles Reims is located downtown the City of Reims, close to the Convention Center, the train station of Reims Centre Ville and the Cathedral. Recently refurbished, the 3-star hotel offers 66 rooms, restaurant and bar. edit Hotel Holiday Inn (Hotel Holiday Inn Centre Reims), 46 rue Buirette (51 100 Reims), ☎ +33 3 26 78 99 99, [5] . checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. The 4-star hotel Holiday Inn Centre Reims is located in the heart of Reims, near the Place Drouet d’Erlon and the Cathedral. Recently refurbished, the 4-star hotel offers 82 rooms, italian restaurant Il Duomo and bar "In The R" on the 7th floor of the hotel. edit Hotel Mercure (Hotel Mercure Reims Cathedrale), 31 boulevard Paul Doumer (51 723 Reims), ☎ +33 3 26 84 49 49, [6] .

checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. Recently refurbished, the 4-star hotel Mercure Reims Cathédrale is located in the center of the city near the Cathedral and the Convention Center. It offers 126 rooms and junior suite, a restaurant with an outstanding view over the Canal of Reims, a bar and an indoor garage. edit Reasonably priced hotels off the Place d'Erlon include Grand Hotel du Nord and Hotel Cristal. Most of these hotels have a reasonably priced deal with the underground car park in Place d'Erlon, but remember to ask for a ticket at entrance to the car park and don't use your credit card, or you will end up paying twice. The cheapest place to stay in the Place d'Erlon is the Hotel Victoria. It's family run by the Camus and has been since the war. Don't be put off by the gaudy placards outside, or the cramped bar/ reception, the rooms are large, clean, en-suite and all come with TV (French), an added advantage is free wi-fi in the bar/reception. The bar is also the cheapest place to drink in the Place d'Erlon.

However, the reviews on most big hotel review sites aren't the most flattering. If you're backpacking take a taxi from the station to C.I.S (pronounced CES) It's basic, communal kitchen and showers, but it's cheap and clean, but can get noisy if large groups are in. The bad news is it's non smoking and no booze is allowed in the place (officially!) Get out[ edit ] Fancy something different, there's a big balooning scene around here, so if you want more information contact the tourist office. Reims, France | Article about Reims, France by The Free Dictionary Reims, France | Article about Reims, France by The Free Dictionary Also found in: Dictionary , Thesaurus , Wikipedia . Reims or Rheims (răNs, rēmz), city (1990 pop. 185,164), Marne dept., NE France, in Champagne. The center of the champagne champagne , sparkling white wine made from grapes grown in the old French province of Champagne. The best champagne is from that part of the Marne valley whose apex is Reims, the center of the industry. ..... Click the link for more information.

industry, Reims is situated amid large vineyards. Before the champagne industry took on its present proportions in the 18th cent., the chief products of Reims were woolen textiles. They are still important, and there are many other industries. As Durocotorum, the city of Remi, it was one of the most important cities in Roman Gaul. The see of an archbishopric since the 8th cent., Reims continued to play an exceptional role in French history. Clovis I was baptized and crowned (496) king of all Franks in the cathedral by St. Remi, the bishop of Reims, and it became customary after Louis VII (1137) for the kings of France to be crowned there. In the present cathedral (13th–14th cent.), Joan of Arc stood next to Charles VII when, at her instance, he was crowned in 1429. The cathedral is a monument of French Gothic architecture. During World War I, heavy bombing, which nearly leveled the city, destroyed the interior, including most of the irreplaceable stained-glass windows. Restored, partly with funds from the Rockefeller Foundation, it was reopened in 1938.

The town hall (17th cent.) and the old Church of St. Remi (11th–16th cent.) were also gravely damaged. In World War II, on May 7, 1945, German emissaries signed the unconditional surrender of Germany at Allied headquarters in Reims. Reims has a university founded by Pope Paul III in 1547. Jean Baptiste Colbert and St. John Baptist de la Salle were born in Reims. Reims (also Rheims), a city in northwestern France, in Champagne, in the department of Marne. Population, 153,000 (1968). Reims, an important transportation junction, is connected by canal with the Marne and Aisne rivers. The city is well known for its champagne and its woolen goods. It also has machine-building (mainly electrical appliances), garment, and confectionery industries. The city’s university was founded in 1962. Initially a settlement of the Celtic Remi tribe, the town subsequently became the center of the Roman province of Belgica. It was known as Durocortorum and then Remi.

In the late third century the town became an episcopal see. In the fifth century Reims was conquered by the Franks, whose king, Clovis, was converted to Christianity in the city in 496. From that time on, French kings were consecrated in Reims. (The last coronation in the city was that of Charles X in 1825.) In 1139 the city received the rights of a commune. During the Middle Ages, Reims was a major artisan center (production of woolen fabrics) and the site of large fairs. During World War I, Reims was almost completely destroyed. The city was occupied by fascist German troops during World War II (from June 1940 to September 1944). On May 7, 1945, the surrender of the Wehrmacht on the Western Front (later recognized as preliminary) was signed in Reims. Architectural landmarks in Reims include the Roman Arch of Mars (second century) and the Romanesque Abbey of St.

Remi (11th, 12th, and 16th centuries; now a museum housing prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and medieval sculpture and applied arts). The famous Reims Cathedral (1211–1311; architects Jean d’Orbais, Jean Loup, Gaucher de Reims, Bernard de Sois-sons, and Robert de Coucy; with 14th- and 15th-century additions), in terms of both architectural design and sculptural ornamentation, greatly influenced the emergence of the mature Gothic style. Also located in Reims are numerous residences from the 13th through 18th centuries. The collection of the Fine Arts Museum (formerly the Abbey of St. Denis, 13th to 18th centuries) consists mainly of French paintings from the 15th through 19th centuries and Dutch tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries. REFERENCES Nedoshivin, G. A. Reimskii sobor. Moscow-Leningrad, 1946. Druart, H., P. Schneiter, and P. Voisin.

Reims et sa région. Paris, 1959. Reinhardt, H. La Cathédrale de Reims. Paris, 1963. Reims , Rheims a city in NE France: scene of the coronation of most French monarchs. Pop.: 187 206 (1999) Regions - Eastern France - Champagne - France Tourism Regions - Eastern France - Champagne Region known for Champagne production. Picturesque rolling hills and vineyards. 90 minutes from Paris, making it an easy day trip or overnight from Paris. Historical gothic cathedral where France's kings were crowned Champagne, the very symbol of sophistication, graceful living and celebration, is produced nowhere else in the world. All champagnes are made within a few miles of each other outside Reims and Epernay, near the Abbey of Saint-Pierre where the legendary Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, supposedly invented the bubbly by accident in the early 18th Century (some would say by divine inspiration).

Just as still wines have different characteristics and tastes, so do champagnes, and the great houses of Mumm, Piper-Heidsieck, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot and Moët & Chandon, among more than 100 others, want to prove this with guided tours (in English) of their cellars and tasting of the current vintage. Sightseeing centers around Reims and its Notre-Dame Cathedral, the heart of France's royal history where twenty-five kings were crowned. This Gothic structure is one of France's most magnificent churches, and some would place its rose windows among the best in the world. South of the Champagne vineyards is Troyes, once one of Europe's most magnificent cities. This capital of the Counts of Champagne, who ruled the region before there was a France, is lined with beautifully-preserved half-timbered houses built during the 16th Century. North of Reims are the French Ardennes where Europe's sometimes bloody history has been decided on the fields of Sedan, Argonne and Châlons-sur-Marne, along the rivers Meuse and Marne.

The Champagne region is only a 90-minute drive from Paris, making it an easy day trip. Places of interest Charleville-Mézières Place Ducale, Rimbaud Museum Chalons-sur-Marne St. Etienne Cathedral, Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux Colombey-les-deux Eglises General de Gaulle house and memorial Epernay Champagne vineyards and cellars L'Epine Notre Dame Basilica Fère Bridge and 13th century medieval castle Hautvillers Town where Champagne was invented, reconstruction of Dom Pérignon's cellar and laboratory in the abbey museum Langres Home of Diderot, Renaissance houses, ramparts Mouzon Notre Dame Abbey Nogent-en-Bassigny Museum of the "Espace Pelletier" Novion Porcion Three Wars Museum Reims Champagne cellars, Notre Dame cathedral, St. Remi Museum and Basilica, Palais du Tau, Surrender room, Fine Arts Museum, La Pompelle Fort Renwez Forest Museum Rethel St.

Nicholas Church, Ardennes canal Revin View of the Ardennes forest Rocroi Museum of the Battle of Rocroi Saint Ménéhould City Hall, walks in the Argonne forest Sedan Largest fortified chateau in Europe Signy-l'Abbaye "Gouffre" de Gibergeon (natural cave) Troyes Museum of Modern Art, Workers Tool Museum, churches, Pharmacy Museum Varennes-en-Argonne Town where Louis XVI was arrested in 1791, fleeing from Paris Verzy Spectacular view of the city of Reims Villy-la-Ferté Last fort on the Maginot Line Vouziers St. Maurille Church. Technical tourism and sports The Montagne de Reims route (47 miles) starts in Reims and goes to Epernay, home of the famous Moet & Chandon and Perrier-Jouët vineyards. The Marne Valley route (33 miles) begins in Epernay and extends past Hautvillers, Ay, Dizy, Cumières, Chatillon and Vincennes.

The Côte de Blancs route (68 miles) goes from Epernay south to Verus and Villenauxe la Grande, an area planted almost exclusively with Chardonnay white grapevines. River cruises, barging, ballooning, cooking classes. Biking, hiking, horse-back riding, horse-drawn carriages Cuisine Champagne-Ardenne's refined cuisine incorporates the region's native sparkling wine whenever possible. Whether accompanying the meal (before, during or after) or used in the meal itself (in anything from seafood to chicken), champagne is a very important part of the region's culinary tradition. Champagne derivatives such as, "Ratafia", "Marc de Champagne" and "Fine de Marne" are also quite popular, as well as other spirits and wines including "Côteaux Champenois" (available in white and red), "Bouzy rouge", "Riceys rose", cider and fruit liqueurs. Desserts include sugar tarts, massepains & croquignoles (from Reims), and Haute Marne's meringue caissettes.

The Best Christmas Markets in France The Best Christmas Markets in France The Best Christmas Markets in France Where to Find the Best Christmas Markets and Festive Events this Winter By Mary Anne Evans Updated November 08, 2016. Christmas is a magical time in France and the markets bring a wonderful sparkle to cities and towns of every size throughout France, even down in the south of France where the evenings are crisp but the days still warm. Colorful wooden stalls line the boulevards, streets and market places and with that comes a sense of excitement and anticipation. The biggest and best known are in northern France and Alsace, particularly Lille and Strasbourg. But wherever you are planning a trip to France, check the local tourist office for information. Even small villages celebrate with special stalls at holiday time. Lille Christmas Market Wheel. 1. Christmas Markets in Nord-Pas-de-Calais North France stretching across Nord-Pas-de-Calais has wonderful Christmas markets throughout the region. As the region is so close to the U.K., it's a great chance for people to take the ferry across the Channel, or travel via Eurotunnel and stock up on festive produce to keep them going through those long days to December 25th.

You'll find good markets in ports like Boulogne , Dunkirk with its famous world War II Operation Dynamo sites, and Le Touquet while inland the towns of Amiens , pretty and romantic Arras , Bethune, Lens (where you can visit the Louvre-Lens with its fabulous art from its Paris parent, Licques (famous for its annual Turkey parade) and Lille put on a real show. For detailed information on all the above markets, click on the continue reading below our video America's Best Foodie Cities Shimmy down the Champs-Elysees and take in the white twinkling chalets that line the grand boulevard at Christmas. It's a wonderful sight, but there are many delightful markets all over Paris. Champs Elysees Market: November 11 2017 to January 8 2017 More on Paris at Christmas L'Abbaye aux Hommes in Caen. Atout France/CDT Calvados 3. Caen in Normandy Caen’s traditional Christmas Market takes over the Place Saint-Sauveur. Pick and choose from items from international stalls which fill the air with the smell of pain d'epices and warm wine.

It offers everything for anybody's Christmas stocking from foie gras to nativity figurines. There are also other Christmas markets in the region, such as Falaise with its castle where William the Conqueror was born (December 14th) . If you're in the area, try to visit Bayeux and its spectacular tapestry . Caen Christmas Market: November 28 to December 27 2016 More Information Boxes of Isigny caramels, a gourmet specialty from Calvados. Atout France/CDT Calvados 4. Rouen in Normandy Rouen, the capital of Normandy and the city associated with Joan of Arc who was burnt at the stake here in 1431, pulls out the stops at Christmas. The magnificent cathedral provides the backdrop to a market which offers items from far and wide. There are two ice rinks where you can pirouette away and entertainment will keep the family happy. Rouen Christmas Market: November 26 to December 27 2016 More about Rouen Reims at Christmas. © Reims Tourist Office 5. Reims in Champagne Champagne and Christmas are made for each other.

Of all the markets throughout the region, the big daddy of them all is in Reims itself, the capital of Champagne. The city where the French kings were crowned for centuries in the cathedral, Reims is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it’s a wonderful place to celebrate Christmas. 135 chalets are dotted around the city in different locations; there’s a big wheel on place de la Republique, and the main market takes place on place d’Erlon, and on rues Condorcet, de l’Etape and Buirette. There's also a special gourmet food festival on two weekends in December, and it's a sight to see. Drive from Reims to any of the other nearby towns and you’ll get a whole range of different Christmas markets. Reims Christmas Market: November 18 to December 24 2016 More about Reims Strasbourg Christmas Market. © Aurélie COTTIER, Strasbourg Office of Tourism 6. Strasbourg in Alsace Alsace is a particularly magical place for Christmas markets. Situated near Germany and Switzerland, it takes inspiration from all three countries.

Strasbourg began its Christmas markets way back in 1570, making it the oldest in France. At the crossroads of Europe, the market at Strasbourg has an international atmosphere. Today it's the big daddy with over 300 stands. The market spreads out throughout the city with the heart in Place Broglie and Cathedral Square. There’s a huge Christmas tree in Place Kleber and an ice rink outside the cathedral. For Alsatian food, go to the place des Meunieres; the three kings are to be found in Place Benjamin-Zix and the 'Golden Square' is located on the place du Temple-Neuf. Wines are sold on the place d’Austerlitz along with local food delicacies and in the commercial Galerie de l'Aubette you’ll find a book market. Strasbourg Christmas Market: November 25 to December 31 2016 More about Strasbourg Colmar at Christmas. © Colmar Tourist Office 7. Colmar in Alsace Colmar may be famous as the birthplace of Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, but at Christmas it’s equally well known for its market.

The pedestrianised center is full of old houses and cobbled streets, adding to the Hansel and Gretel atmosphere that seems to take over all cities in Alsace in December. There are five markets in the old town of Colmar. The place des Domincains has around 50 chalets, against the backdrop of the illuminated church stained-glass windows. Families with children go first to Petite Venise (Little Venice) for wooden toys, stocking fillers and sweet things. There’s also a postbox for your letters to Father Christmas, a wooden merry-go-round and a Nativity. Arts and crafts, from paintings to jewelers and second-hand booksellers fill the Koifhus covered market; and more stalls outside cluster around the fountain. For local crafts and food, make your way to the place Jeanne d’Arc. If you are here, don't miss one of Europe's greatest sacred works of art, the Issenheim Altarpiece. Colmar Christmas Market: November 25 to December 30 2016 More about Colmar Mulhouse at Christmas. © Mulhouse Tourist Office 8.

Mulhouse in Alsace Mulhouse is well known as a textile town with its Museum of Printed Fabrics a popular attraction. Each year it has a new fabric designed which decorates the stalls throughout the city and the museum hosts a market just selling fabrics. The main action is in the Place de la Réunion in the old city center. The impressive Hotel de Ville (City Hall) is illuminated, overlooking the 50 stalls that offer all the right goodies. In the Place de la Concorde, you’ll find a traditional Hungarian arts and crafts village, and if you want music, make your way to St Etienne church for concerts of Christmas music. Mulhouse Christmas Market: November 24 to December 27 2016 More Information St. Nicolas on Parade, Nancy, Lorraine. © Ville de Nancy 9. Nancy in Lorraine Christmas kicks off in Nancy on Saint Nicholas Day, celebrated particularly in Alsace, Lorraine and the north as well as Belgium, Germany, Holland and Austria. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of the weak and the oppressed as well as children and although the official date is December 6th, Nancy celebrates on the weekend of December 1st and 2nd.

Street entertainers in the afternoon of December 1st are followed by fireworks on Place Stanislas. The St. Nicholas Parade is on December 2nd when he gives out gingerbread figures; his rather more sinister companion, Pere Fouettard or 'Whipping Father’, lays about him to beat boys and girls who have not been good during the previous year. The Christmas market starts at the same time, mainly in Place Maginot where you can pick up local food from fresh bread to charcuterie, Bergamotte bonbons and Mirabelle liqueur. There’s street entertainment, carol singing and folk dancing. Saint Nicholas Weekend December 3rd and 4th 2016 Nancy Christmas Market: November 25 to December 31 2016 More about Nancy Avignon at Christmas 2012. © C. Rodde 10. Avignon in Provence Start at the town hall in Avignon for a look at the spectacular nativity scene, then compare them with others in the Palais du Roure and in many of the Provencal city’s churches. The buildings are specially lit up and you can stroll through the pedestrian-free center with ease.

There’s a winter village of 60 stalls offering all those tempting Provencale-style gifts that make the southern Christmas markets so different from their northern counterparts. Buy the local magnificent ‘santons’ figures (painted, fired terracotta nativity figurines) for your crèche, Provencal fabrics, jewelry and candles and stock up on nougat, candied fruits, chocolate, and spicy cake. There are spectacles, there is street theater and plenty of music. The main market is on the Place de l’Horloge with stalls and entertainment filling the surrounding streets as well. Avignon Christmas Market: December 5 to 31 2016 More about Avignon Reims and its cathedral and basilica – beach. is not just for bitch. Next Reims is a city in France’s Champagne-Ardenne region. It was founded by the Gauls, but its 3rd-century Porte de Mars triumphal arch marks its later Roman conquest. It’s the unofficial capital of the Champagne wine-growing region, and many of the houses headquartered there offer tastings and cellar tours.

For more than 1,000 years, French kings were crowned at its Cathédrale Notre Dame (wikipedia). This gothic cathedral is where, over the course of a millenium (816 to 1825), among them, two dozen kings, were crowned and began their reigns. After henry V, King of England defeated Charles VI’s army, Reims along with most of northern France fell to the English. The English held the cathedral until 1429 when it was liberated by Joan of Arc. For the rest of the story, and list of kings coronation, perhaps you can just check out wikipedia or other sites. Adorned with over 2,300 statues, this is the only cathedral to display angels with open wings, including the famous Smiling Angel on the western façade of the north portal. The exceptional stained-glass windows mix styles from the Middle Ages until the 20th century. Not to be missed is the absolutely unique reverse side of the façade – which is as wide as the nave -and the kings’ gallery with its magnificent statues.

I went there in the middle hot summer day in July, just to see the great Cathedral Notre Dame in half façade renovation, so it covers half of the front sculptures, too bad! But somehow, the Palace of Tau, next to it, keeps the history in tact. This place was the residence of the bishops and some historical pieces from the coronation (the tapestry, the robes….) Despite my high admiration to this cathedral, when I got to Basilica Saint Rémi…it was even more spectacular to my eyes. Dated older than the cathedral, in the roman era, the basilica Saint Rémi houses the relics of Saint Rémi, the bishop who baptized Clovis (french King) in 498. The present basilica was the old abbey, that was where the king coronation took place. When I got in, and had a breathtaking view of the great chandelier (none like the opéra Garnier has though), breathing the great hall, and said my prayers, and suddenly the orgel played. Grandiose. The Cathedral Notre Dame de Reims, Palace de Tau, and Basilica Saint Rémi, were included in UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Reims | Article about Reims by The Free Dictionary Reims | Article about Reims by The Free Dictionary or Rheims (răNs, rēmz), city (1990 pop. 185,164), Marne dept., NE France, in Champagne. The center of the champagne champagne , sparkling white wine made from grapes grown in the old French province of Champagne. The best champagne is from that part of the Marne valley whose apex is Reims, the center of the industry. ..... Click the link for more information. industry, Reims is situated amid large vineyards. Before the champagne industry took on its present proportions in the 18th cent., the chief products of Reims were woolen textiles. They are still important, and there are many other industries. As Durocotorum, the city of Remi, it was one of the most important cities in Roman Gaul. The see of an archbishopric since the 8th cent., Reims continued to play an exceptional role in French history. Clovis I was baptized and crowned (496) king of all Franks in the cathedral by St.

Remi, the bishop of Reims, and it became customary after Louis VII (1137) for the kings of France to be crowned there. In the present cathedral (13th–14th cent.), Joan of Arc stood next to Charles VII when, at her instance, he was crowned in 1429. The cathedral is a monument of French Gothic architecture. During World War I, heavy bombing, which nearly leveled the city, destroyed the interior, including most of the irreplaceable stained-glass windows. Restored, partly with funds from the Rockefeller Foundation, it was reopened in 1938. The town hall (17th cent.) and the old Church of St. Remi (11th–16th cent.) were also gravely damaged. In World War II, on May 7, 1945, German emissaries signed the unconditional surrender of Germany at Allied headquarters in Reims. Reims has a university founded by Pope Paul III in 1547. Jean Baptiste Colbert and St. John Baptist de la Salle were born in Reims.

Reims (also Rheims), a city in northwestern France, in Champagne, in the department of Marne. Population, 153,000 (1968). Reims, an important transportation junction, is connected by canal with the Marne and Aisne rivers. The city is well known for its champagne and its woolen goods. It also has machine-building (mainly electrical appliances), garment, and confectionery industries. The city’s university was founded in 1962. Initially a settlement of the Celtic Remi tribe, the town subsequently became the center of the Roman province of Belgica. It was known as Durocortorum and then Remi. In the late third century the town became an episcopal see. In the fifth century Reims was conquered by the Franks, whose king, Clovis, was converted to Christianity in the city in 496. From that time on, French kings were consecrated in Reims. (The last coronation in the city was that of Charles X in 1825.) In 1139 the city received the rights of a commune.

During the Middle Ages, Reims was a major artisan center (production of woolen fabrics) and the site of large fairs. During World War I, Reims was almost completely destroyed. The city was occupied by fascist German troops during World War II (from June 1940 to September 1944). On May 7, 1945, the surrender of the Wehrmacht on the Western Front (later recognized as preliminary) was signed in Reims. Architectural landmarks in Reims include the Roman Arch of Mars (second century) and the Romanesque Abbey of St. Remi (11th, 12th, and 16th centuries; now a museum housing prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and medieval sculpture and applied arts). The famous Reims Cathedral (1211–1311; architects Jean d’Orbais, Jean Loup, Gaucher de Reims, Bernard de Sois-sons, and Robert de Coucy; with 14th- and 15th-century additions), in terms of both architectural design and sculptural ornamentation, greatly influenced the emergence of the mature Gothic style.

Also located in Reims are numerous residences from the 13th through 18th centuries. The collection of the Fine Arts Museum (formerly the Abbey of St. Denis, 13th to 18th centuries) consists mainly of French paintings from the 15th through 19th centuries and Dutch tapestries from the 15th and 16th centuries. REFERENCES Nedoshivin, G. A. Reimskii sobor. Moscow-Leningrad, 1946. Druart, H., P. Schneiter, and P. Voisin. Reims et sa région. Paris, 1959. Reinhardt, H. La Cathédrale de Reims. Paris, 1963. Reims , Rheims a city in NE France: scene of the coronation of most French monarchs. Pop.: 187 206 (1999)

Question: Historically, French kings were crowned at the famous cathedral in which French city?
Answer: RHEIMS