Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and Palace of Tau, Reims

Notre-Dame Cathedral is a Gothic religious complex in Reims with an elaborate facade featuring thousands of statues, including the famous Smiling Angel, and decorative stained glass windows. The site includes the former Abbey of Saint-Rémi and the Palace of Tau, which together form a significant architectural ensemble.

This location served as the coronation site for French kings from the 11th century until 1825, playing a central role in medieval French history. The founding of the Abbey of Saint-Rémi dates back even further to the early period of Christianization.

The Palace of Tau displays original sculptures, tapestries, and ceremonial objects from the cathedral, allowing visitors to see crowns and chalices that played a role in royal coronations. These pieces show how religious and royal traditions were intertwined in this place.

The site is open to visitors daily with combined tickets available for all three structures, and guided tours are offered in several languages. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon when crowds are lighter.

The Abbey of Saint-Rémi houses the tomb of Saint Remi, who baptized Clovis I and marked the beginning of Christianity among the Franks. This event linked spiritual authority with royal power in a way that echoed through the centuries.

Location: Reims

GPS coordinates: 49.25333,4.03278

Latest update: December 9, 2025 20:21