ReimsReimsGuide of the MarneGuide of the MarneTravel Guide > France > Champagne-Ardenne > Marne > ReimsCity of Coronations and Champagne, Reims can be proud of possessing four monuments, UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Notre-Dame cathedral, the Tau palace, the Saint-Remi basilica, and the Saint-Remi museum. Marvel of the city, the Notre-Dame cathedral is unusual in that it has been the place of coronation for 33 kings of France from 816 to 1825. Clovis was also baptized in this place in 498. This masterpiece of the Gothic art presents an architectural harmony and a remarkable statuary of this building of the 13th century. Decorated with magnificent statues of angels with opened wings, the cathedral of Reims is really worth its nickname of Cathedral of Angels. Once inside, one is immediately attracted by the light of the nave and the magnificent stained glass windows, which are largely of the 13th century. Do not miss to go to admire the blue stained glass windows of the axial chapel, designed by the contemporary artist Marc Chagall. Next to the cathedral, the Tau palace, a former archbishopric where the coronations banquets were notably organised, is today home to the Notre-Dame Work museum, in which are exposed tapestries, sculptures, the treasury of the cathedral and objects related to coronation. The visit of the key monuments of the champenoise city continues with the Saint-Remi basilica, a magnificent Romano-Gothic building, and its museum. Placed in the buildings of ancient Saint-Remi abbey, the museum evokes the history of the abbey and exhibits art collections, from Prehistory to Middle Ages. Also to be seen in the city: the Royale square surrounded by arches, and the Drouet-d'Erlon square, lively by the presence of its cafés, its shops and its restaurants. The museum-town house Le Vergeur, installed in a town house of the 13th and 16th centuries, is home to art objets, furniture and paintings. Famous for its buildings, the city of Art and History of Reims is also well known for the cellars of its prestigious champagne houses, which are dug in chalk and open to visitors.
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