Cryptoportique de Reims, Roman underground gallery beneath Place du Forum in Reims, France
The Cryptoportique de Reims is a Roman underground structure beneath Place du Forum consisting of three U-shaped passages. The construction features barrel vaults and walls decorated with colored bands and stylized ornamental patterns.
Built around 100 CE during Roman times, this structure formed the northern section of the ancient forum. It stands as evidence of Roman settlement and urban development in the region two millennia ago.
The underground passages functioned as storage areas and meeting spaces where Romans conducted daily activities. They reveal how Roman society organized its work and social life below ground level.
The site is open for visitors from May through September, primarily on weekends and selected weekdays. Guided tours can be arranged to help you navigate the underground passages and understand the layout.
This is one of only about ten known cryptoporticus structures surviving from the entire Roman world. A notable feature is the original monumental staircase that turns at right angles above an altar bearing an imperial statue.
Location: Reims
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: 6 Pl. du Forum, 51100 Reims, France
Opening Hours: May-September Monday, Wednesday-Sunday 14:00-18:00
Phone: +33326777515
Website: https://reims-tourisme.com/cryptoportique/reims/pcu0000000000788
GPS coordinates: 49.25665,4.03395
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
The Grand Est displays a rich architectural and military heritage, from fortified structures like the Fort of Mutzig and the La Ferté ouvrage on the Maginot Line, to princely residences such as Château de Lunéville with its French gardens. The region also preserves religious sites like the Abbey of Sturzelbronn in the Vosges forests and the Jesuit College in Reims, founded in the early 17th century. Urban centers feature notable architectural complexes: the Kammerzell House in Strasbourg exemplifies 15th-century Alsatian half-timbered construction, while the Ducal Square in Charleville-Mézières reflects Renaissance urban planning. The Humanist Library in Sélestat holds over 150 medieval manuscripts and ancient books. Technical sites like the old Chappe telegraph tower in Saverne recall early communication history before the electric era. Historic parks, including that of Château de Pange with geometric gardens and stone bridges, offer pathways through centuries of landscape design.
Reims is a city where different historical periods naturally exist side by side, making it a favorite for photographers. Churches and palaces from the Middle Ages stand near Roman ruins, while underground caves have been turned into champagne cellars. These underground spaces offer special settings, away from natural light, where the walls tell the story of past centuries. Walking through the streets of Reims, you see finely crafted stone facades, decorative sculptures, and buildings that show each period of its building history. The Place Royale with its statue of Louis XV, the Town Hall in Renaissance style, the Reims Cathedral in Gothic, and the Sube Fountain with art deco shapes all show this flow of styles. The shady parks around the city offer green spots to rest and new views of the buildings. Surrounding Reims, the vineyards grow grapes for champagne and complete this historic view. The city invites slow exploration, where each corner holds something to find—an architecture detail, an underground opening, a Roman remnant. By wandering like this, you can see how Reims has changed over time and how its history is still visible in the current cityscape.
Place Royale
117 m
Hôtel de Ville, Reims
222 m
Musée Le Vergeur
52 m
Le Manège
221 m
Maison des Musiciens
108 m
Hôtel des Comtes de Champagne
52 m
Hôtel de La Salle in Reims
122 m
Sous-préfecture de Reims
222 m
Hôtel des Postes de Reims
221 m
Porte de la cour du chapitre
197 m
Hôtel de Bezannes
221 m
Musée Hôtel le Vergeur
51 m
Monument aux morts des 132e - 332e RI et 46eTerritorial à Reims
172 m
Champagne Taittinger - Demeure des Comtes de Champagne
107 m
Immeuble, 2 rue Bertin
77 m
Hôtel Le Vergeur
53 m
Immeuble, 11 place Royale
85 m
Immeuble, 3 place Royale
109 m
Immeuble, 9 place Royale
84 m
Immeuble, 7 place Royale
108 m
Immeuble, 13 place Royale
90 m
Immeuble, 15 place Royale
126 m
Immeuble, 5 place Royale
111 m
Immeuble, 2 place Royale
163 m
Immeuble,1 place Royale
143 m
Immeuble, 1975 avenue Albert-Einstein
164 m
Maison, 2 rue Colbert
74 m
Immeuble, 5 place Royale
124 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes