Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims

The kings of France were once crowned in Reims Cathedral.

Along with the cathedrals of Chartres and Amiens, Reims is a member of the illustrious triad of "High Gothic" or "Classical" French cathedrals built in the 13th century. The original church on this site was the basilica where Clovis was baptized by Saint Remi, bishop of Reims, in 496 AD. A later cathedral was built on the same site, but it burned down in 1211.

The present Reims Cathedral was completed by the end of the 13th century, with the west front added in the 14th century based on 13th-century designs. In the meantime, the nave was lengthened to make room for the crowds that attended the coronations. The façade is the finest portion of the building, and one of the most perfect masterpieces of the Middle Ages.