The Saint-Remi basilica of Reims was built from the beginning of the 11th century.
It is the most famous religious site in the city after the cathedral. Its vast dimensions (126 m long) can be explained by its original vocation: not only did it serve a royal abbey but it was originally built to keep the Holy Ampoule (vial containing a sacred oil which, according to legend, would have served during the baptism of Clovis in 498) but also the relics of Saint Remi, the bishop of the city who carried out the baptism and whose tomb, reconstituted in 1847 after having been looted during the Revolution, still occupies the choir.
The nave is sober and in Romanesque style, like the transept, but the Gothic choir dates from the end of the 12th century. The whole is presented in the form of four harmonious floors. The facade was built at the same time as the choir. The portal (south arm of the transept) was altered in the 15th century and the Renaissance colonnade which closes the choir was built in the 17th century.
Before these took place in the cathedral, it was in the basilica that the three first kings of France were sacred.
Desecrated and looted during the Revolution, the interior of the basilica has however lost its exceptional furnishings.
The upper part and the north tower were taken over in the 19th century. Finally, in 1896, the bronze shrine of the mausoleum and the crown of light (made up of 96 candles) were redone.
Listed as a Historic Monument since 1840, the basilica is next to the old abbey buildings (17th and 18th centuries) which now house a museum where the history of the abbey, the history of Reims during the 'Antiquity, collections of regional archeology and finally the military history of the city from the Gallic War until the War of 1870. Information on +33 3 26 35 36 01.
Also note that throughout year round, the basilica hosts concerts (it has a large organ) and "sound and light" shows.
Open all year round except Sunday morning. Free self-guided visit. Guided tour: 6 euros for two people. Information on +33 3 26 77 45 00.
