Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims

Visit description

Reims Cathedral is one of the great achievements of Gothic art in France, striking visitors with its stylistic unity and impressive verticality. From the moment you arrive on the forecourt, the west façade unfolds an extraordinary wealth of sculpture—most famously the Gallery of Kings and the Smiling Angel—offering a stone spectacle that seems to soar toward the sky.

The site carries a unique historical aura: seat of the archdiocese, it keeps alive the memory of Clovis’s baptism and hosted the coronation of most of the kings of France. Begun in 1211 after a fire, it endured centuries of upheaval and war—especially 1914–1918—before being reborn through bold restoration campaigns.

Visit plan

Step 1: The west façade

Admire the vertical elegance of the main entrance, adorned with the Gallery of Kings and sculptures including David and Goliath.

Step 2: The central portal

Observe this portal dedicated to the Virgin Mary—her Coronation and glorification—rather than to the Last Judgement.

Step 3: The north portal and the Smiling Angel

To the left, discover the iconic Smiling Angel and Saint Nicaise carrying his head.

Step 4: History and the northern walk

Walk along the cathedral to the north, in the footsteps of Clovis’s baptistery and the foundational fire of 1210.

Step 5: The north transept façade

Contemplate the three portals of the north transept, notably the Portal of the Saints and the Portal of the Last Judgement with the “Beau Dieu”.

Step 6: The inside of the façade

Once inside, turn around to see this unique wall pierced with niches housing 52 statues—an interior triumphal arch.

Step 7: The nave and the labyrinth

Walk through the balanced nave and locate on the floor the former labyrinth, destroyed by the canons in the 18th century.

Step 8: The choir and the stained glass

Finish in the light-filled choir, where 13th-century windows converse with modern creations by Chagall and Knoebel.