Reims Cathedral
Reims, France
The Gothic cathedral where French kings were crowned, with more than 2,000 statues including the Smiling Angel. The Palais du Tau next door holds the coronation treasures.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Reims is one of the great Gothic cathedrals of the 13th century. After a fire in 1210, rebuilding began in 1211, and the structure was essentially complete by about 1275. From the Middle Ages almost all the kings of France were crowned here, Charles VII among them in 1429, in the presence of Joan of Arc. The baptism of Clovis, around 500, is also associated with Reims. Some 2,300 statues adorn the building, including the famous "smiling angel". The towers are 81 m high and the church is about 149 m long. Since 1991 it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the Palais du Tau and the Abbey of Saint-Remi.
The Palais du Tau, the former archbishop's palace, was the venue for the coronation banquet. Inside the cathedral you can also see Chagall's windows of 1974 in the axial chapel. Allow half a day for the cathedral and the palace together. Tower climbs are booked through the Palais du Tau; times change, so ask in advance (as of October 2026).
- Nearest town
- Reims, France
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 49.2538, 4.0341
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© Dguendel · CC BY 4.0Verzenay lighthouse
© October Ends · CC BY-SA 3.0Avenue de Champagne
© Etienne · CC BY-SA 4.0Medieval Provins
© Ad Meskens You are free to use this picture for any purpose as long as you credit its author, Ad Meskens. Example: ©… · CC BY-SA 4.0Bouillon Castle
Campsites nearby
- Aire de Camping-Cars Centre International de Séjour de ChampagneMotorhome stopover1 km from Reims Cathedral · 7 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Aire de service et de stationnement , Centre International de Séjour, Chausée bocquaineMotorhome stopover1 km from Reims CathedralMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Aire de service et de stationnement Rue du Château Rouge - ChameryMotorhome stopover11 km from Reims Cathedral · 3 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Aire de stationnement Saint-ImogesMotorhome stopover17 km from Reims Cathedral · 14 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
- Camping municipal EpernayCampsite22 km from Reims CathedralTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Aire de stationnement Mareuil sur AyMotorhome stopover23 km from Reims CathedralMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalFree
All campsites in France · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Reims Cathedral?
Reims Cathedral is in Reims, France, at GPS 49.2538, 4.0341. It is about 13 km from Verzenay.
Can you camp near Reims Cathedral?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Aire de Camping-Cars Centre International de Séjour de Champagne, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Reims Cathedral?
Reims Cathedral is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Champagne: Reims to the Côte des Blancs.
What is there to see near Reims Cathedral?
Places worth a stop nearby: Verzenay lighthouse (14 km), Avenue de Champagne (24 km), Medieval Provins (94 km) and Bouillon Castle (96 km).
When is the best time to visit Reims Cathedral?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)