Did you know ?

 

Gallo-Roman Reims:

Did you know that… Reims is one of the scarce French cities which have preserved their city centers? It was called Durocortorum, and the center of the Gallo-Roman Reims was located at the Place du Forum, the heart of the city’s economic activity at that time. Next to the cathedral, and after being a location of a flower market, that is now a good place for dining and relaxing!

 

Reims and coronations:

Did you know that… 33 Sovereigns were crowned in the cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims? The first one, Louis the Pious, was crowned in 816. Coronations went on till 1825 with Charles X. During 1,000 years of coronations, the most famous ones are Louis IX, Francis I, Louis XIV (the "Sun King”) and Louis XV’s ones who were crowned there! That is a must-know!

 

Did you know that… each coronation lasted over five hours? For such an event, the cathedral was magnificently decorated, and some parts of the inside were painted in blue for the coronation of Charles X! Each guest got five chickens for dining so they could feast in the Palace of Tau after the ceremony.

 

Reims and champagne:

Did you know that… French champagne was first enjoyed by the British bourgeoisie? At the time of sparkling wine increase, the French were more likely to drink Burgundy wine. After the French became accustomed with bubbles, Dom Pérignon reorganized Champagne region with three varietals that became famous: chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier.

 

Reims and World War I:

Did you know that… Reims had a major role in aviation history? The first aerial journey from one city to another in 1808 was from our coronation city. That is no longer the case because that city was too close to the front line during WWI. Aircraft industry was transferred to Toulouse, in Southern France, to avoid the enemy seize it.

 

Did you know that… 300+ shells dropped on the cathedral of the martyrized city during WWI? The roof made with lead melted and then got spat by the gargoyles, and due to thermal shock the liquid lead instantly solidified. That is why you can see gargoyles spitting lead in the basement of the Palace of Tau!

 

Reims and Art Deco:

Did you know that… the side of the former entry of Opéra cinema is classified as a national heritage site? With its Art Deco architecture, it was built in the 1920s and is classified since 1981. You can see upside a monumental arch, three balconies, stained-glass windows and mosaics! You will go along that when you leave the auditorium after watching a movie.

 

All our thanks for CHAMP, a student association, for that presentation of Reims!