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DISCOVER FRANCE

Six reasons why everyone should visit France’s ‘City of Kings’

Reims (pronounced Rance not Reems), the City of Kings - and Champagne - in the northeast of France does not always get the attention it deserves, but Jessie Williams, who lived there as a student insists it has a lot more to offer than just its famous cathedral.

Published: 11 July 2017 16:42 CEST
Updated: 4 April 2024 15:43 CEST
Six reasons why everyone should visit France's 'City of Kings'
People sit on a bench in the square outside the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Reims in Reims, northern France on May 16, 2020 (Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP)

1. The history

Reims is known as the City of Kings because the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims was the place where France’s kings were coronated after 816. Some 33 kings were crowned there in total – the last one was Charles X in 1825.

Legend has it that Reims was founded by Remus, Romulus’s brother who founded ancient Rome. There are still traces of the Romans in the city; Mars Gate is the only remaining monumental gate and was built in the first part of the third century.

During World War I, the cathedral and the Abbey of Saint-Remi was badly bombed by the Germans. Almost 80 percent of the city was destroyed. If you visit the cathedral and the abbey (which contains Saint Remi’s tomb) there are photographs showing how they rebuilt both of these historical monuments.

At the end of World War II, Reims was the place where the German commander-in-chief signed the first instrument of surrender, which led to the end of the conflict. It was ratified in Berlin the next day on 8th May 1945, which is now known as Victory in Europe Day, and is a public holiday in France. Reims has therefore come to symbolise peace between France and Germany.

2. The architecture

Of course one has to visit the famous cathedral. Frequently referred to in architecture classes across Europe – it is one of the pinnacles of Gothic architecture and in 1991 was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The stained glass windows are each a unique work of art, one of which was designed by the famous Russian-French artist, Marc Chagall. 

Next door to the cathedral is the Palais du Tau, which is an impressive feat of architecture too. Unfortunately, however it is undergoing renovations that will not finish until at least 2025.

The most remarkable objects are Charlemagne’s talisman, from the 9th century, and Saint Remi’s chalice, from the 12th century, as well as the “holy flask”, which contains the holy oil that was used to anoint new kings during the coronation ceremony.

Also around Reims you will find numerous art deco flourishes, as the city was so heavily damaged during World War I and the 1920’s was a time of intense reconstruction.

3. The cultural scene

Reims hosts many cultural events throughout the year – suited to both young and old. 

Other festivities include; Flâneries Musicales de Reims, a festival that includes classical music; Reims Sunnyside Jazz Festival; and Les Fêtes Johanniques, a medieval festival which celebrates the coronation of Charles VII, when he was led to the cathedral by Joan of Arc in 1429.

The Musée des Beaux-arts houses a collection of objects seized during the French Revolution, as well as paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries, furniture and objets d’art. Sadly, it was also closed for renovations as of 2024.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for something more modern, try FRAC Champagne-Ardenne which displays contemporary art from artists around the world.

4. The Champagne houses

From Champagne Pommery to Mumm and Ruinart (the oldest Champagne house in the world), Reims is the beating heart of France’s Champagne industry. You can take a tour of the cellars, learn all about the history of the champagne house and the Champagne-making process, and finish with a glass of bubbly.

Don’t forget to make a trip out of the city to see where the grapes are grown – the patchwork of vineyards that surround Reims is a beautiful sight.

Epernay is a short drive away, and is also a key place in the Champagne world – visit the Avenue de Champagne and gawp at the beautiful Champagne houses, including Moët et Chandon.

READ MORE: 9 tips for enjoying a French vineyard tour (and wine tasting)

5. The Christmas Market

Stroll through the maze of little wooden ‘chalet’ stalls in front of the cathedral with a warming cup of vin chaud. You will find stalls selling everything from regional delicacies, crafts, sweets, wine, jewellery and much more.

If you’re lucky you could also catch the light show at the same time, which makes for a magical festive experience.

6. The cafés, restaurants and bars

Reims certainly delivers on the food and drink front. One particularly special place is Le Cabasson, a café/pub with a rustic charm, friendly bar-tenders and great wine.

Think old-school tunes playing impromptu musical performances, and homemade tarts to die for, it’s no wonder that it’s usually packed with locals and students – also a good place for Sunday brunch.

For lunch, try En Apart Thé, where they have delicious quiches and a never-ending selection of teas.

And like most French cities, there is a boulangerie around almost every corner, but La Cave à Pain makes the best buttery croissants.

by Jessie Williams. This article was first published in 2017.

PARIS

Discover the ‘coolest street in Paris’

Named among Time Out magazine's '30 coolest streets in the world', this thoroughfare is not in the classic mode of Parisian elegance, but instead showcases a different and very fun side of the city.

Published: 21 March 2024 10:44 CET
Discover the 'coolest street in Paris'

Rue de Belleville, which straddles Paris 19th and 20th arrondissements in the northern part of the city, was recently named among the 30 ‘coolest streets’ in the world by Time Out magazine.

The Parisian street ranked 20th, with streets such as High Street in Melbourne, Hollywood Road in Hong Kong and East Eleventh in Austin topping the podium.

According to the travel magazine, cities were chosen for their “bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture,” with many emphasising outdoor drinking and dining, as well as “green initiatives”, making the area for walkable and pleasant.

What’s special about Rue de Belleville?

It is not located in central Paris, it’s not near to the banks of the Seine river and monuments like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and it gives a different vibe to those beautiful but touristy areas.

Rue de Belleville runs up a hill, going from the Belleville Metro station to the Porte des Lilas station at the edge of the city.

If you start at Porte des Lilas and walk downhill into the city you will get a great view of Paris spread out in front of you, while about halfway down the Eiffel Tower suddenly appears through a gap in the buildings.

Like Montmartre, Belleville was once a suburb of Paris and did not officially become part of the city until the mid 19th century. At that time it was a run down area and its most famous daughter Edith Piaf (born at 72 Rue de Belleville) grew up in poverty in the area.

Historically working-class, the Belleville neighbourhood has long been a key location for new immigrant communities coming to Paris. From German Jews fleeing the Third Reich in the 1930s to north African immigrants in the 1960s, Belleville has remained diverse.

In the 1970s, refugees from French Indochina arrived and opened shops and restaurants. Nowadays, Belleville is one of Paris’ two Chinatowns.

In the past few years, the neighbourhood – and especially Rue de Belleville itself – has become an increasingly popular location for eating, drinking and strolling around a less touristic part of Paris.

What to do nearby?

Time Out recommends drinking at the trendy cocktail bars Combat and Kissproof, or testing out the wine bar la Cale.

They advise eating at the Michelin recognised Cheval d’Or restaurant (it’s not actually on Rue de Belleville but on a side street) – The Local agrees and recommends getting the duck and trying their interesting selection of ‘natural’ wines.

Mian Guan for noodles and street food is Time Out’s other recommendation. 

As for the team at The Local, we recommend getting tasty dumplings at Ravioli Chinois Nord-Est and then breaking off from the main road to check out the graffiti alley-way, Rue Dénoyez.

Once you’ve had your street art fill, head back to Rue de Belleville and make your way up the hill toward the Jourdain Metro station and taking a slight detour along the Rue de la Villette.

Enjoy some window-shopping at the cute boutiques, grab a coffee at Mardi and make your way down to the Buttes-Chaumont park.

We cannot disagree with the recommendation to ‘chill out in Belleville Park to admire the view’, and karaoke at Chinatown Belleville is always a fun time.

Belleville is also the location for good markets, especially on public holidays where local creatives display their wares.

READ MORE: ‘Avoid the Eiffel Tower’ – What to see if you’re visiting Paris for just one day

How do I get there?

By Metro, you can take either line 2 or 11 to the Belleville station. You can also get off at from the 11 at nearby Pyrénées, Jourdain and Télégraphe stations (for a short walk).

Other Paris rankings with Time Out

The travel magazine also listed a few other Paris neighbourhoods and landmarks in its ‘best of’ rankings for 2024.

In their ‘40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world‘, Paris’ Haut-Maris, “sandwiched between the touristy Marais and the more boho 11th”. 

The magazine also ranked Paris in 11th place in its ’50 best cities in the world’ ranking, with the southern, coastal city of Marseille taking 45th place.

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