Reims Discovery Tour: Crowns, Champagne, and Pink Biscuits

Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims

Thirty French kings were crowned in Reims cathedral, from Henry I in 1027 to Charles X in 1825. Joan of Arc stood beside Charles VII here in 1429. The façade h…

Rue du Trésor

The Rue du Trésor is a narrow lane. From its end you see the cathedral rise above the houses. Look out for the old iron door knockers.

Bibliothèque Carnegie

The library was funded by an American benefactor who paid for 2,509 libraries worldwide. It is one of the few Carnegie libraries outside the English-speaking w…

Place Royale

After the First World War about 85 per cent of the centre lay in ruins. On 7 May 1945 Germany signed a first unconditional surrender in Reims.

Café du Palais

Café du Palais opened in 1930. The Art Deco stained-glass ceiling by Jacques Simon, from 1928, is the showpiece. The walls are hung with art collected by the f…

Maison Fossier

Maison Fossier's pink biscuits are baked twice, hence biscuit. That keeps them whole when dipped in champagne. The pink colour once hid the black specks of van…