Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims

What makes Reims Cathedral stand out in the long list of beautiful French cathedrals is the massive collection of larger than life-sized statues that adorn its outside. Take note of the list of enormous petrified Royals looking down at you from the Western Facade, and the similarly large animal-shaped gargoyles all around the temple. Inside, most remarkable is the collection of modern and contemporary stained glass, innovative, unique pieces, that most will either love or hate. In winter, bring a jacket. It will be cold inside.

This is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and a site of immense historical importance. It served as the coronation site for French kings for centuries, making it a cornerstone of France’s royal history. The intricate sculptures and awe-inspiring stained glass windows are reason enough to visit, but what makes it truly unforgettable is the nightly light show through December at 8 PM. I was lucky to stumble upon the very first evening of the show, which brought the facade to life in a captivating display of color and light. It’s a beautiful way to experience the cathedral in a modern, engaging context. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or just seeking a memorable experience, this landmark is absolutely worth a visit.

We visited the Notre Dame de Reims in February, a weekday day , the Plaza is Totally empty , we took many pictures of any angles. Great experience, this is the place that the kings were crowned and Clovis I was baptized

The cathedral was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and was the traditional location for the coronation of the kings of France. What a beautiful heritage, wow. Its a must if you like French history and Christianity.

An architectural gem with impressive interior and exterior. When you look at these places, it makes you realize the skill involved in designing and building it

Our tour group stopped in Reims, France to check out the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Reims. It is similar to the Notre-Dame in Paris, which was still damaged when we arrive there. It was built in 1212 and it took 64 years to complete. The exterior is very impressive with its gothic architecture and gargoyles. The Reims cathedral is the traditional place where the kings of France were once coronated. Multiple fires have damaged or destroyed parts of the cathedral over its long and eventful life. During the French Revolution it was even closed and turned into a storehouse for grain. Much of the symbols of royalty were destroyed, the reliquary melted down for gold and the bells melted down as well for cannon balls. During WW1, the floor was covered inside with hay and used as a hospital. It was heavily damaged and almost left in its badly damaged state as a war memorial, until it was eventually repaired in 1938. With all that it has been through in its long life, it is a very beautiful and impressive cathedral with its tall, narrow, arched roofs and stained glass. A very impressive cathedral, inside and out.

Definitely worth a visit if you're in Reims, France. It's centrally located, so lots of shops and restaurants available nearby. Beautiful religious structure that's free to enter and open into the early evening. The entire space can be seen in less than half an hour, or you could easily meander around / sit soaking in the space for much longer depending on your preference. Lovely statues and stained glass. There's also a little shop located near the main entrance with kind and helpful staff members.

Such a amazing cathedral. Lovely glasswork, can not understand how they did all that work in the 13th century! Strong recommendation! Also Reims was a very nice place to visit: we visited various Champagne cellars and towns like Troyes nearby. Also cruise on Marne river with a lunch was nice. Drank a lot of champagne during that trip! 😆🥂🍾

Just as magnificent as the Notre-Dame in Paris. It's free to enter. Quiet, peaceful and the architecture and stained glass windows is just overall beautiful. There's also a little shop inside for souvenirs too. No restrooms though.

Breath taking. I didn't know there was more than 1 Notre Dame before planning this trip. I've read that it is 50 years younger than the one in Paris and bigger. According to that page "it's had more work done than Dolly Parton". Its been around for more than 800 years, so I guess that's necessary. Not to mention all the wars that have been fought here. Now I think the primary destruction they fight against is pollution.

As with many Cathedral's in Europe, they are quite impressive, and the Catherdal of Reims stands up there around the best! I had a short visit but made the best of it with a visit the Cathedral. Quite old, but the maintenance is spectacular in terms of keeping up to date with cleaning and improvement. Most have a similar experience, optional donation, free roaming minus during mass, optional crypts (Not sure if this cathedral had one though), and ample amount of history behind it. This particular cathedral suffered quite a bit of damage through WW2, but was repaired and rebuilt, so three cheers to France for keeping a part of history intact! I spent roughly about 45 to an hour here before heading out and it was well worth it. It is centrally located in Reims, so no need to go out of your way for this one as you will likely run right into without expecting too! Would happily re visit if in the area again!

This Norte Dame is know as Our Lady of the Reims. It is dedicated to Virgin Mary. It was built around 12 century. It is part of UNESCO world heritage site. This church has been use as hospital during First World War. During that time it suffer a lot of damage due to shelling of the bomb. This church under huge renovation after the war. Funding includes donation fro Rockefeller foundation. The floor plan is arrow head in compare to most cathedral is cross plan. They don't have to t cross wing. The entrance has two towers that can be spotted far away. The top row are the kings statues between the towers. The entrance is awesome. After walk in to the building don't forget to look back the entrance stain glass window. It is beauty of the church. The back of the church is a garden that everyone enjoys. Stain glass window on the side also beautiful. This church will take minimal half hour to visit.

Beautiful architecture. I absolutely loved the stained glass windows and high ceilings. It's been here since the 1200s; amazing to see place with so much history.

I've been in incredible cathedrals all over the world and Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims took my breath away. Inside and out, it's truly spectacular. The existing church dates from the early 1200's and is a superb example of High Gothic. The exterior facade is richly decorated with incredible statues, sculptures and gargoyles. You could spend days admiring it all. Try to catch the front on the late afternoon when the sun hits the church just right. Inside, you'll feel tiny under soaring Gothic arches. There isn't the ornate decoration of some cathedrals - the beauty is in the perfect harmony of the unadorned stone, and the magnificent stained glass rose windows. Beyond being architecturally and artistically significant, the cathedral is where almost all French kings have been crowned. In more recent times, the Franco-German reconciliation was signed here. Of course, if you're visiting near Christmas don't miss out on their wonderful Marche de Noel. It's one of the largest in France and has something for everyone.

This is definitely a place to go; lots to see; lots of history and events. I wondered why the 2 halves of the cathedral are not identical...but you need to go to the Palais Tau next door to find out (see review) Its a fascinating place - from the front it looks like a rib cage on the roof...inside all the altars, organ, clock and chapels are stunning...however, the new stained glass windows are not to my taste, far too glaring and in your face, but that's just me maybe A must see

In A Nutshell: -The Norte Dame Cathedral in Reims, France is AMAZING. -For such a very old building, it has so many details & very, very high ceilings. -Walking around the outside perimeter you'll note all the various animal & human carvings. -Some of the animal carvings have their "mouth open", which acts as the rain spout. -You can only imagine how the water looks gushing out. -Inside, the details only get better. -The stained glass is superb. Overall, I've been in some amazing cathedrals around the world, but this one really sticks out & is a must-see.

Very similar to all of the other cathedrals throughout France. It's very pretty and huge. It's the main draw of the city so it's full of tourists. It was weird to see souvenir vending machines inside a "church" and I also thought it odd that they priced the prayer candles. I understand that they need to raise money to maintain and repair the building, I just thought it was odd. They still have church services so if you're there on Sunday and need to attend mass, this is the place!

Beautiful cathedral with lots of history. It was almost totally destroyed doing the second world war and it was rebuilt the a fire almost destroyed it again. Beautiful stained glass some of it donated by Germany, some created by various French artists.

This is a beautiful Cathédrale! It has just recently been cleaned and the architecture is amazing. I went during a light show after the Christmas market and it was unbelievable. The projection onto the face of the building made the illusion that the figures were in color and depicted scenes of men building the structure of the church. Absolutely amazing! This is a great thing to see and walk around inside, regardless of religious belief.

Spectacular. Breathtaking and all you could you for. Plus very small crowds. Well worth the trip for it alone.

The front of the cathedral is breath taking, and one of the best parts of the entire building. You could get a neck ache trying to take in all the different and unique sculptures etched into the outside of the building. The cathedral has a rich history, and has witnessed much wear and tear through several wars. This is also the site where the kings of France were once crowned. I believe it mentioned over 25 kings were crowned here. The current building replaced an older church on the same site, which was destroyed by fire in 1211. On this same site once stood a basilica where Clovis was baptised by Saint Remi in 496, and originally a Roman Bath was found here. Inside the church, I enjoyed most viewing the beautiful stained glass windows. We were lucky, and were able to visit during mass on Sunday morning. They allowed us to walk around the church while the organ and choir were playing. It was amazing. This building is on the UNESCO world heritage site, and is definitely not to be missed when visiting Reims.

My, my, my! Absolutely stunning. Reims Cathedral is huge!! No big crowds like the one in Paris. If you are on a tour, check out Cafe du Palais for lunch and order the duck. Unforgettable experience.

Beautiful as you would expect. Worth "reviewing" due to the fact that it is totally worthwhile as a free thing to do in the town center, and has a free shuttle that runs to it (take the Opera stop) from the Reims main train station. Despite being a major tourist attraction for this area, at the height of the season (mid August), compared to Paris's Notre Dame it was dead. You can actually slowly walk around and take in the stained glass and signage about the history.

It certainly is a beautiful cathedral, just like any other cathedral in any other city. I would not go out of my way to see it. If you have time to kill, then go as it's open from 7:30am to 7:30pm. Plus it's free and it's a good way to relax after doing the champagne tour.

Its the history that is compelling about this place...almost all the kings of France were crowned here, many using the sacred and miraculous chrism of St. Remi. The facade is stunning as well, but with ongoing restoration (it is April 2015 as I write this and it will still be some time before they are done) it may be some time before you get to see it in all its glory. Take a tour - they only have them in French but bring one of your French-speaking friends with you. Even if you only half-understand what's going on you'll get to go up in the towers, which are not open to the public.

This is one of my favorite cathedrals in France. I may prefer it, even to the Notre Dame in Paris. It's a bit of a trek by train and by foot, and that makes all of the difference here. Except in the highest of the high season, this cathedral will be nearly empty for a few nuns and a random tourist. You have the entire place to explore for yourself and pay respect the the few shrines that they have, should that float your boat. The outside of this cathedral is classic gothic and is also breathtaking. It's located almost exactly between the train station and the champagne houses, so definitely stop by this cathedral should you find yourself in Reims.

Even if you don't geek out over architecture, this place is a must-see. It's awesome structurally, is of major historical significance, and was even shelled during the great war. Best of all, it's not a crushing experience like one might get at the similarly named cathedral in Paris. Even when there are lots of other tourists around, you can relax here, take your time to walk around, and basically enjoy the place at your own pace. Guided tours can be had, if you want one. When you are done, there are great wine shops very close by with all the champagne you could ask for. There is shopping not far away, and even a carousel if you feel so inclined.

The Notre Dame de Reims cathedral is absolutely gorgeous!!! Amazing architecture w inside & out!!! The fine details of the craftsmanship is unbelievable!!! Once inside, it's peaceful. U can c the beautiful stain glass windows above. We walked around & took some pictures. I had time 2 reflect on life & b thankful 4 all that I had. They had a small gift shop & I bought a nice rosary as a souvenir of this cathedral. Must see while u're in Reims!!!

When the sky is brilliant blue and you approach from the front, I can't imagine anything more beautiful! The damage sustained in the World Wars make it even more beautiful. It is a must on the bucket list of life!

Exquisite and then some. I have no other church in France to compare it to since i had just arrived but this Cathedral is breathtaking inside and out. There is no entry fee but they do not allow photos to be taken. The champagne window is a must see located on the right hand side of the church you can see the detail put into all the stained glass fixtures throughout. There are plenty of offering boxes and the flickering candles that line the tables and walls make this place even more beautiful. If you are visiting the Reims please come here you won't regret it.

Absolutely breathtaking handiwork by remarkable craftsmen and artisits. Although, technically a place to pray, it is also a place to be inspired by such amazing vision and talent. If you are in Rheims (pronounced: Rems), you should not miss this beautiful cathedral.

Takes your breath away This cathedral has to be the most amazing that I have ever visited - look for the statues all around the outside of the structure. All I can say is visit Reims (which I think is a rather lovely city for its atmosphere and people) and make sure you visit the cathedral - you will never forget it.