About
Notre-Dame de Reims, also known as Reims Cathedral or the Cathedral of Our Lady of Reims, stands in the centre of Reims in the Grand Est region of France. Its address is Place du Cardinal Luçon, 51100 Reims, so it is easy to reach on foot once you are in the old town.
This is a Gothic cathedral built in the 13th century, and it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its traditional role as the place where French kings were crowned gives the building a particular weight, and many visitors come as much for that history as for the architecture itself.
What to look for
- The façade and sculpture, typical of French Gothic work of its era
- The rose windows, which are among the features the cathedral is best known for
- The interior light, which changes through the day as it passes through the stained glass
Planning your visit
The cathedral is a place to take your time over, so allow a good part of an hour or more to walk around, look up at the windows and step back to see the façade. Because it is a working place of worship as well as a monument, it is worth being mindful of services and of other visitors when you move through the building.
For opening times, fees or any current arrangements, it is best to check directly by calling +33 3 26 47 55 34 before you travel.
Reims itself is a good base for the visit. The cathedral sits in the heart of the city, so you can combine it with a walk through the surrounding streets and a stop at one of the city's cafés before or after you go in.
