Reims

Places of Interest - France

introduction

Reims, located on the river Vesle and on the Aisne-Marne Canal is the capital of the district Champagne. In Roman times it was called "Campania" which literally means “land from the plains”. It is a city with a long history, famous for its royal cathedral where many French kings are crowned and of course the champagne that comes from. If you ever want to taste Champagne, Reims is the place tob e and there are countless cellars where you can do a tour.

The city that was largely destroyed in WWI and WWII (in WWI for about 85%) is known for its orderliness, its wide boulevards and neat parks. You can also visit the war chamber where on 7 May 1945 the German capitulation was signed and where the war in Europe finally came to an end.

highlights

Cathedral Notre Dame:

Since the 5th century there was a church on this spot but the construction of the cathedral you see now started in the year 1211. It took about 100 years before it was finally finished. In 1210 a large cityfire took place in Reims, where in the old cathedral was destroyed again.

This Notre-Dame is with its west façade and its famous sculpture one of the most important Gothic cathedrals, despite the heavy damage that the church suffered in the First World War. It was here that almost all French kings married with the highlight of the coronation of Charles VII with Joanne d'Arc at his side. There are beautiful stained glass windows and other relics, although the cathedral has been renovated in some places.

You can take the 250 steps to the cathedral tower and also visit the adjacent "Palace of Tau" where the princes waited (read: partying and ate) before they were sworn in. It is now a museum.

WWII Capitulation Room: see museums.

Champagne cellars:

There are no less than 8 wine cellars (caves) in Reims where the famous Champagne wine is stored and where you can book a tour.

Most of these international companies have tours in several languages and you get an impression of how Champagne is made, where it comes from, how it originated and of course you get the opportunity to try this delicious good afterwards. See museums (below).

Other attractions:

Romanesque basilica of Saint Remi, the Roman triumphal arch Porte Mars and Fort de La Pompelle (5 km from Reims).

Reims-France-Capitulation-Room-Eisenhower-Montgomery

history

When the Romans conquered the Gallic areas, the Remi tribe lived in the area where nowadays is situated. The Romans named Reims Durocortorum and made it the capital of the province of Gallia Belgica and later Belgica Secunda. That made the city grow into one of the most flourishing cities of Gaul and later France.

In 407 the city was destroyed by the Vandals, after which the Huns once again in 451 overrun it. Reims recovered under Bishop Remigius, who in 496 baptized the Frankish king Clovis and his men. Because of this the bishops of Reims enjoyed a lot of respect and the city would remain the coronation city of France until 1825. In Reims, almost all French kings were crowned and anointed until that year, a tradition that goes back to the baptism of Clovis. The most famous coronation is probably that of Charles VII in 1429, during the Hundred Years War: the dauphin was brought to Reims by Joan of Arc, after she had recaptured the city on the Anglo-Burgundian Alliance.

During the First World War (1914-1918) the buildings of Reims were almost completely destroyed by German artillery. For that purpose, the buildings consisted of many half-timbered houses. The cathedral was heavily damaged by fire. After the war only a small part of the population could return to their own homes. Due to the difficulties, reconstruction of Reims could not begin until 1920. It was a restriction that the houses could not be built in the original medieval style. The city of Reims was awarded the Legion of Honor, the French War Cross with the palm of the First World War and the War Cross from the Second World War.

Reims was on 7 May 1945 the city where the Germans signed the capitulation. That happened in the headquarters of General Eisenhower.

tips & advice (2010)

Reims - Compiegne: by train you can travel to Compiegne via Tergnier - the train leaves at least at 17:05 and arrives at 18:50.

Name: Musee de la Reddition

Address: Rue Franklin Roosevelt 12

Price: € 3

Time: 10:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00 (April to November)

Phone nr. : 03 26478419

Content:

In this old school, Allied Commander Dwight D. Eisenhower had its headquarters when on 7 May 1945 the war chamber was used to sign the capitulation of the Nazi’s. In the so-called capitulation room you can still see all the original maps and folders that were there at the time (exactly in the same place) - there are a number of puppets with uniforms so you can taste the atmosphere of that time.

And of course behind glass you can see the table where the German Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender for the Germans at 2:41 PM and ended the war at least in Europe. There are photos and you can watch a 12 minute movie.

Name: Champagne cellar Mumm

Address: Rue de Champ de Mars

Price: € 10 pp

Time: 09:00 - 11:00 and 14:00 - 17:00

Phone nr. : 03 26495970

Website: www.mumm.com

Content:

The only Champagne cellar located in the center of Reims was founded in 1827 and is currently the third Champagne producer worldwide. They produce 8 million bottles per year and offer one hour tours in their cellars where about 25 million bottles are waiting for consumption. After a brief introduction you walk into the cellars for a 20-minute introductory film. It is time for the cooled cellars that have to be 20 km in total.

We get an explanation of how the Champagne is made, flanged, preserved, etc. to finally do a short test session.

Name: Center International de Sejour

Address: Chaussee Bocquaine

Phone nr. : 03 26405260

Website: www.cis-reims.com

Content:

This large hostel is built on the edge of the city center (1 km west of the cathedral, just across the canal) and looks more like an office building or an institution than a hostel. It is light, large and very impersonal but it has excellent (hotel) rooms and a hot shower. Everything is clean, professional and well organized and you can catch your breath without coming into contact with other travelers (if you dont’want to).

Do not expect a cozy open hostel where you can talk about your travels in a cozy living room or living room by the fireplace. You can get off by bus "G" almost in front of the door (pont de Gaulle). The prices are very reasonable and with 85 rooms you can choose - we had a 2 person room with shower inside but there are also singles and triples. They offer breakfast in the basement of the institute.

Reims

Places of Interest - France

introduction

highlights

history

tips & advice (2010)

see also:

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