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Reims, Champagne, France

Make the most of your time in Reims, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

The champagne capital of France, Reims is situated 144km east-north-east of Paris. It was founded by the Gauls and became a city of major importance during the period of the Roman Empire. The city was completely destroyed by the invading Vandals in 406.

Two key events in French history took place at Reims. The first was the baptism of Clovis, King of the Franks, in 498 which legitimized the monarchy and laid the foundation for a national identity. The second was the coronation of Charles Vll in 1429 when he was led into Reims by Joan of Arc after the siege of Orléans. This was confirmation that the French had finally shaken off 9 years of English rule, during which France had virtually ceased to exist as a separate entity. In total 33 Kings of France got crowned in Reims, the last one being Charles X in 1825.

In the Middle Ages Reims prospered due to its textile trade and then the growth of the champagne industry from the reign of Louis XlV onwards. During the Industrial Revolution the town grew rapidly with its population increasing from 30,000 to 120,000 inhabitants within a century ,and rich mansions replacing many of the half-timbered houses. The First World War saw massive bombing from German canons. More than 80% of the town was destroyed and there were more than 5,000 casualties.

Today Reims is one of France’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities. It offers visitors a large choice of fine restaurants, brasseries and shops, lively nightlife, concerts, festivals and cultural events. It also has countless art galleries and buildings with varied architectural styles that date from as early as the 3rd century, such as the Porte Mars (a superb Roman triumphal arch) to the contemporary architecture of the Conservatiore Nationale de Région. Along the Route de Mars are the lovely mosaics depicting the champagne-making process on the building opposite the town hall. Further on, at the Place du Forum, is the third century Cryptoportic, a semi-underground Roman gallery. The Gothic-Renaissance mansion of the Musé-Hôtel le Vergeur was the home of Veuve-Cliquot and was donated to the city by a wealthy champagne dealer and now houses some fine engravings by Dürer. The people of Reims are justifiably proud that their city has four monuments listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims, Tau Palace, The Basilica of St Rémi and the Saint-Rémi Museum.

Reims has several streets and squares that are particularly noteworthy. Of the squares there is the Place Royale with its statue of Louis XV, the Place Cardinal-Luçon with its statue of Joan of Arc on horseback and the Place Drouet d’Erlon packed with restaurants and bars as well as several attractive statues and fountains. The chief street of the city is the Rue de Vesle which crosses the city from southwest to northeast, passing through the Place Royale.

Many of the largest Champagne producing houses, known as les grandes marques have their headquarters in Reims including Pommery, Taittinger, Veuve Cliquot, Mumm and Piper Heidsieck. Many of them are open for tasting or tours by appointment.
 

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