Square of the Parish, Square and parvis in Reims, France
Place du Parvis is an open, paved square in the heart of Reims, situated directly in front of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. The ground is flat and easy to walk on, and the space is lined with benches, lamp posts, and a few trees.
This square has existed since the Middle Ages as a central gathering point in front of the cathedral, which was built in the 13th century. After heavy destruction during World War One, the surrounding area was rebuilt through the 1920s.
The word "parvis" traditionally refers to the open space in front of a cathedral, and this square still plays that role today. Visitors often stop here before or after entering the cathedral, taking time to look at the facade from a comfortable distance.
The square is easy to reach on foot and sits in the center of Reims, close to several other points of interest. Visiting in the early morning tends to be quieter, as fewer people are around at that hour.
During World War One, the square was partly surrounded by wooden scaffolding erected to support the damaged cathedral. Old photographs show how this structure changed the look of the square for years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
