Reims
Reims is known as the world capital of champagne. Located in northeastern France, it is well known for its wine. This is the northernmost of the famous wine regions of France. According to the code of French winemakers true champagne is produced only from the land of Champagne, located between the city of Reims and the River Seine. Today the production of premium champagne is the preserve of three areas - Montaigne de Reims near the town of Reims, Epernay and the town in Côte de Blanc south of the River Marne.
The town Reims is one of the most important historical cities of France. It was founded during the Roman Empire, then underwent outrageous development, primarily in cultural terms. Reims became one of the biggest places for pilgrims’ visits. The magnificent Gothic cathedral in Reims - Notre-Dame de Reims, remains forever in history as the place where French kings were crowned in the Middle Ages. One of the most popular events was the coronation of Charles VII in the presence of Joan of Arc in 1429.
Reims is located about 130 km northeast of the capital Paris. As the largest city in Champagne, it is considered the capital of the famous area. Annually Reims and the fertile areas around the city are visited by over 5 million tourists from all over the world. Here one can enjoy the beautiful scenery, rich history and architectural monuments, urban atmosphere and a wonderful aroma of wine. Around 200, 000 people live in Reims.
Founded by the Gauls, Reims gained importance during the Roman Empire’s rule. The prototype of Notre Dame de Reims, the temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in the 5th century on the orders of Bishop Nikas. In 486, Bishop Remigiy, canonized as Saint Remi, he christened Frank King Clovis, the Merovingian. After this ruler won his famous victory over the Visigoths, the newly formed Frankish country engulfed almost the entire Roman Gaul. In practice, the day on which he was initiated into Christianity is considered the time of the creation of France.
In the 10th century Reims was already a center of intellectual and spiritual life in France. Many schools are based on the "liberal arts" and the cathedral is used for the crowning of French rulers. Today this temple is one of the main attractions of the city. It was built in 13-14 century, like the cathedral in Chartres, it is remarkable for its dynamic, lavishly decorated facade, many stained glass works, statues and tapestries depicting life of the Virgin Mary.
In 1909 Reims is where the first international meeting of pilots is held. During the World War, damages here are quite heavy, and the Cathedral in Reims is seriously affected. The image of the ruined cathedral became one of the central images in anti- German propaganda in France. At the end of World War II, the Allies in Reims take full capitulation of Nazi Germany.
Sightseeing in Reims must begin from the Square Place Royale and the palace itself, which has a statue of Louis XV and Place Cardinal-Luçon, where you can see the statue of Joan of Arc. The main street of Reims is the Rue de Vesle, which crosses the city from southwest to northwest, passing through King's Square. Drouet d'Erlon is one of the busiest places in the center of Reims. There are many beautiful fountains, many cafes, restaurants and shops, which are usually crowded with tourists.
One of the most important sights of Reims is the Arc de Triomphe Porte de Mars. It is the oldest monument of historical memory in the city. It is 32 meters long and 13 meters high and is named after the nearby temple of Mars. There, in turn can be seen can be seen an interesting mosaic of enormous size, which depicts battles of gladiators and animals.
Tau Palace, built between 1498 and 1509, together with the cathedral in Reims and the former abbey of Saint Remi are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites in 1991. The archiepiscopal palace is where the kings stayed France during their coronation. Remarkable is the salon, where they held royal banquets. There is a huge stone chimney of the 15th century, decorated with beautiful Flemish draperies of the 17th.
