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Reims - CDG Airport
Many French kings where crowned in Reims Cathedral. So, if after having visited this incredibly famous city of Reims you need to get on time to Charles de Gaulle airport, you can hire our private transfer service. We provide fixed rates for all transfers
Archaeologists have found traces of human presence in Reims since the Neolithic Age. The city of Reims is located in the department of Marne, in the eastern part of France. During Antiquity, Reims was one of the most populous settlement of the Gallo-Roman period. Located 144 kilometers from Paris, its name refers to the Gallic people of Remes, whose territory included the Seine, the Marne and the Meuse. This Gallic people chose to ally themselves with Julius Caesar, and remained faithful to the Roman Empire during the Gaelic war. According to other historians, this people would be of Celtic origin. During the ancient period, the city of Reims experienced attacks by the vandals (Germanic invaders) who executed the bishop of Nicaise in front of the church where the Reims refugees were seeking shelter (402). Shortly before the Middle Age, the city was also invaded by the Huns, before submitting itself to the Frankish King Clovis. According to the historian Gregory of Tours, the city of Reims would be at the origin of the Carolingian dynasty. During the 5th century, the sovereign Clovis and 3,000 free soldiers were baptized in Reims, at the site of the present cathedral of Notre-Dame. Since this baptism consecutive to the reconversion of the king, Reims is the seat of the coronation of the kings of France. Reims becomes much more prosperous during the reign of Louis XIV, when the Champagne begins to know a true rise. But the city had been trading cloths and fabrics since the Middle Age, long before the invention of this sparkling drink in the 17th century. The Reims population has tripled by the end of the first year of the industrial revolution. This industrial and demographic revolution prompted the city to build fabulous mansions. At the end of the First World War, the people of Reims suffered heavy consequences, with a city destroyed more than 60% by bombing of the German Army. Historians have estimated at 300 the number of shells fired on the Cathedral of Reims, more than ever deserving to be called the Martyrs’ Cathedral. 5,000 victims were deplored during the war of 1914. The city of Reims was released at the end of the Battle of the Marne. During the last months of the Second World War, Reims saw the signing of the Nazi capitulation at the Lycée Franklin Roosevelt. Reims’ architecture has been enriched by its exchanges with many European peoples. Gallo-Roman vestiges, medieval monuments, but also the museums of the 1st and 2nd World War contribute to the city’s original and eclectic architecture. This originality results from the intervention of a cohort of several hundred architects called for the reconstruction of the city during the inter-war period. Reims is one of the cradles of aeronautics and welcomes several meetings of aviators since the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the first international air rallies were held in the city.
From the Gallo-Roman vestiges to medieval monuments, not to mention the traces of the two world wars, Reims is a tourist attraction and has a large number of hotels for tourists and students.
Reims Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims is a Gothic building, one of the oldest of its kind. This cathedral has seen the coronation of French kings since the conversion of King Clovis. Located on the Place Cardinal de Luçon, it is inscribed on the World Heritage List. The first cathedral of Reims was founded in the 5th century and restored during the 13th century. Despite the fires, some stained-glass windows in the 13th century remained visible. Since that time, the cathedral has a choir of adults, but also children. This cathedral is open for visits throughout the year.
The Mars Gate
This Roman arch was part of the access to the ancient city during antiquity. Always visible, this door refers to the God Mars, to which a temple was dedicated. The Mars Gate was erected in the third century. It enters the list of historical monuments in 1840.
The Rendition Museum
Founded by the city of Reims in 1985, the Rendition Museum is commemorating the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 7th 1945, at the end of the Second World War. The rendition room is classified as a historic monument since December 31st, 1985. It is a must-see for researchers in military history or art history.
Cecyl Hotel
A 2-star hotel, Cecyl combines modernity with old-world charm. Located in the city, the decoration of its rooms recalls that of the Museum of Fine Arts. A double room is available from 85 €. This property has an excellent location in the city of Reims. It is less than one kilometer from the train station and close to major shopping centers in the city.
Grand Hotel du Nord
Located in the heart of the Cité des Sacres, the Grand Hotel du Nord offers 49 rooms equipped with bathroom, WC and a flat-screen TV. A stay in Reims will always be worth it, if you choose to stay in this hotel. A 10-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Grand Hotel du Nord has 3 stars.
Au Tambour
Charming hotel with 24 rooms equipped with a flat screen TV, this hotel is ideally located near the city center, a pleasant and quiet place. The future guests of Au Tambour will benefit from its hammam or Turkish Baths, an installation which has recently become functional. Au Tambour is haloed by 4 stars. Its rooms can be rented for 89 euros.
History Founded by Nicaise, bishop of Reims at the beginning of the 5th century, the first Reims cathedral hosted several ceremonies including the coronation of thirty-three French sovereigns. This is the case with the baptism of King Clovis or the coronation of Louis the Pile and King Charles VII. Due to its poor condition, it was rebuilt in the 9th century and its interior was decorated with gilding, mosaics, paintings, sculptures and tapestries. This new building was 86 meters long and had two transepts. Destroyed by a terrible fire, Archbishop Albéric de Humbert had another building built in 1211. But the roof of the one caught fire in 1481 and royal aid enabled the reconstruction work to be carried out. Since then, fleurs-de-lis have adorned the roof. Severely affected during the Great War 1914-1918, reconstruction work had to be done following private funding.
Visit of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims
One of the major achievements of Gothic art in Europe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Two thousand three hundred and three statues, a concrete frame, contemporary stained glass windows designed by Marc Chagall as well as the four chapels surrounding the nave, the building is a true masterpiece. One hundred and fifty meters long, forty-eight meters wide and eighty-seven meters high, it is much more imposing than Notre-Dame de Paris. Having an important place in the history of France, it was registered on the List of the world inheritance of humanity by UNESCO in 1991. So that you can appreciate these wonders, it opens its doors to the public every day of 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. except during religious services
Reims also hides some historical remains of great beauty. This is the case, for example, of the Palais de Pau. It is a large building that you cannot miss in the region.
A bit of history
The Palais de Pau was already present in Reims in the ancient city. Over the years it has been renovated several times. After the works of 1671 and 1710, it was transformed into a classic building: the one you still know today. The Palais de Pau has occupied a great place in the history of France. Here were baptized and crowned several great names of the French monarchy. Like what, it also retains part of our history and does not shine only for its great beauty and that of its outdoor space.
How to visit the Palais de Pau?
The Palais de Pau is open to the public for only 8 euros for a full price and 6.50 euros for a reduced price. People under 25 and people with disabilities can access it for free. The Museum is open every day except Monday, between 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in the morning and 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. in the afternoon.
What to see in the Palais de Pau?
The visit of Palais de Pau opens the doors to guided tours to discover some historical vestiges of France. The visit will last a few hours through the different rooms of the palace. Enough to allow you to appreciate the various tapestries and decorative accessories of the Palace which have remained authentic.
144 kilometers separate Reims from Roissy CDG airport. To make the journey by minivan, you will have to go through the A4, join the A344 on the Jean Taittinger track, then your driver can join the A140.