Reims Cathedral
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims
The traditional coronation site of French kings, with more than 2,000 statues on its Gothic facade. Famous for the Smiling Angel and Chagall stained glass.
Construction began in 1211. From the 11th century onward, about 25 French kings were crowned here. In 1991 the cathedral was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Abbey of Saint-Remi and the Palais du Tau. The west facade's Smiling Angel is a symbol of Reims, and the axial chapel contains colored-glass windows designed by Marc Chagall. The cathedral was badly damaged by shelling in World War I and restored with funding from donors including Rockefeller. Entry is free. It is generally open about 07:30–19:30. Climbing the tower requires a separate ticket and a guided tour (seasonal). The cathedral is about a 15-minute walk from Reims railway station.
Opening hours
About 7:30 AM–7:30 PM (visits restricted during Mass)
Nearby sights
- Palace of Tau
- Carnegie Library of Reims
- Cryptoportique
- Biscuits Fossier
- Halles du Boulingrin
- Place Drouet-d'Erlon
- Porte de Mars
- G.H. Mumm