You go through Reims? Think about stopping and visiting the famous and beautiful Cathedral of Reims!
Larger than Notre-Dame de Paris The Cathedral of Reims is an architectural work not to be missed if you pass through the city. This Gothic style construction of the 13th century is known mainly for being the place of the sacre of most kings of France, but especially for its gigantic collection of statues.
Whether by seeing its exterior or visiting the interior, you will be more than impressed by the beauty of the building and its many decorations. In order for you to organize at best to visit the Cathedral of Reims, we have resumed all the important information about it!
History of the Cathedral of Reims
Photo credit: Flickr – Winniepix
As the seat of the archdiocese of the city, the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims is a monument of the thirteenth century dedicated to the Virgin Mary and used for the priesthood of almost all the kings of France. This is one of the greatest Gothic French achievements, and since 1991, the Cathedral of Reims is a UNESCO-listed site as a world heritage.
Although its construction is after the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, its size is much more important than the latter, since the monument makes a hundred-fifty meters long for forty-eight meters wide and eighty-seven meters high for its bell tower.
The construction of the cathedral ended in the 14th century, but in the years that followed, many events caused damage to the monument, whether at its roof or its windows. In addition, during the First World War, a German bombing caused a fire that ravaged much of this place and destroyed many stained-glass windows and works in the compound. The cathedral was rebuilt and the former stained-glass windows were changed by contemporary works created by various artists.
Today it is possible to go to the Cathedral of Reims every day and it welcomes approximately 2 million visitors Every year.
What to see and do at the Cathedral of Reims?
The exterior facades
As soon as you arrive to visit the Cathedral of Reims, you can enjoy its incredible exterior architecture, and its imposing stature will probably seize you. Its front façade shows many arcs, tympans and especially sets of breathtaking statues. You can thus observe the gallery of kings, a series of 56 statues whose central piece represents the baptism of Clovis, but also the upper floor of the great rose, representing the battle of David and Goliath , or the central portal, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her glorification.
The north façade, it, has three portals of different eras. The first is the Saints Portal, the second is named Last Judgement Portal , and the third is the Pretiosa Gate.
The interior of the cathedral
The interior of the Cathedral of Reims is as glorious as the exterior, if not yet. From its nave on three levels with imposing arcades as well as a blind triforium and high windows surmounted by a six lobes rose to its choir and the altar master there, all recalls the grace of the Gothic style.
On your way out, you will have the opportunity to see the niches dug in the façade that houses fifty-two statues . This work by Gaucher de Reims, dating approximately 1260, represents many biblical episodes, such as the life of Mary, or the life of John the Baptist.
The windows
When you visit the Cathedral of Reims, you will undoubtedly notice its huge collection of windows. These, tasty mix of contemporary works and eras You'll be amazed for sure.
As far as ancient stained-glass windows are concerned, there are few, damaged and broken over time, as well as bombardments during the First World War. Nevertheless, it is possible to observe some of the most important ones, namely the large rose of the western façade, but also those of the choir, the southern crust, the high windows of the nave and the rose of the north transept.
As for the contemporary windows, replacing those that were destroyed or damaged during the 1914 fire, they were created by many artists, such as Brigitte Simon-Marq, Imi Knoebel and Marc Chagall.
The sculptures
We can't talk about the Reims Cathedral without talking about his 2303 statues which make the beauty of the inside, as from the outside. These decorations take different forms, from statues-columns to figurines of rags and embossed characters adorning the walls, without forgetting of course the so popular Angel with a smile.
In addition, many tourists think of visiting the Cathedral of Reims for its statues, because the monument is known to be the richest Gothic cathedral in sculpture throughout France.
How to get to the Cathedral of Reims?
There are several ways to get to the Cathedral of Reims from all over France. The two simplest ways remain to take the car, or to travel to TGV towards Reims.
If you want to take your GPS with you, here is the exact address to which you can visit the Cathedral of Reims: Place of Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims.
Car
By entering Reims after crossing La Neuvillette , it is possible to reach the cathedral by following the following indications:
- Take it Rue de l’Arbalète and continue to the Forum Square
- Take Rue Trudaine to the roundabout Place Royale.
- Take the Rue du Cloître and turn right in the Rue Robert de Coucy.
- Continue straight to Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral.
TGV + TER :
It is possible to take the TGV to Reims from many cities, including since Paris where the journey lasts about 46 minutes. You will arrive at the Champagne-Ardenne TGV station and you will then have to take the TER 840501 Reims to the Reims Station.
From there you will have about 1 km of walking to the Cathedral.
Schedules & Rates of the Cathedral of Reims
Photo credit: Unsplash – Numendil
HORARI
The Cathedral of Reims is open daily from 7.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. , and until 7:15 p.m. on Sunday and religious holidays .
Careful, during religious offices, visits are interrupted.
RATES
The entrance to the cathedral is completely free .
However, if you want to learn more about its history and the various works present, then it is possible to rent an audioguide at the Office du Tourisme de Reims or to benefit from a guided tour of Reims and its monuments including the Cathedral. In this case, count on average 9€ per adult and 4.5€ per child over 12 years .
MATTERS
- Is it possible to know when religious offices take place?
The Masses are held from Monday to Saturday at 8 a.m., Sunday at 9:30 a.m., and an additional Mass is organized at 7 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. In addition, the official site of the cathedral offers a calendar of special religious offices that take place during the year.
- Are there any special events at the Cathedral of Reims?
For a few months, a sound and light show called Régalia takes place every evening at 10 pm on the façade of the monument. This will be played until September 22, 2019.
- Can we go to the park around the cathedral?
Yes, you can access it and many visitors take advantage of it to make picnics in the summer.
- Is it possible to take an animal with yourself?
You can take your pet with you in the park surrounding the monument, but it will have to stay outdoors if you go inside to visit the Cathedral of Reims.
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