Day Trip from Paris to Reims Cathedral, France
Reims Cathedral is an ideal destination for a day trip from Paris. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are top in my bucket list of places to visit. So Reims Cathedral had to figure in my itinerary. We planned the day trip from Paris to Reims Cathedral accordingly.
The reason why I suggest you to make a visit to this cathedral is to see how this cathedral is covered with a blanket of sculptures and statues. And I bet you will find it hard to forget one among them, the Smiling Angel.
Day trip from Paris to Reims Cathedral
Drive to Reims Cathedral from Paris was smooth and we reached within the estimated time as predicted by Google Maps. Early morning drive has a charm of its own, you feel you are the master of the road with no traffic around.
Reims is known for many things. Besides being known for several historical events, there are many interesting things to do in Reims. If you have extra time you can spend it at Museum of Reims. This Museum has the surrender room, where the Germans surrendered unconditionally to French. Also, food scene in Reims is particularly too good. Several of the city’s restaurants are rated with Michelin stars.
Tumultuous History of Reims Cathedral
The cathedral played important role in all historic events of Reims right from the day it was formed. In the 3rdcentury Reims was known as Durocortorum. The practice of coronation of kings in Reims Cathedral started in 496AD. This went on till the reign of Charles X in 1825. With this tradition of French Kings getting coronation here, Reims got its name: City of Kings!
First stone for the cathedral was laid in 1211AD. The cathedral has undergone several renovations and facelifts after that. In 1481 there was a major fire and cathedral’s roof was destroyed badly. The royal families then always chipped in for the renovations. During French Revolution the cathedral was transformed into fodder store and all signage glorifying the royal family were removed.
After the damage due to WWI there was major reconstruction of its roof and other damaged parts of the façade.
Facade Details of Reims Cathedral
Sharing with you here, the shots of façade of Reims Cathedral. You can see how the whole length and breadth of the structure is laden with statues. Can you guess the number of statues adorning this facade? It is a mindblowing figure of 2303!!! Built in 13th century, Reims Cathedral is in UNESCO World Heritage list since 1991. The facade faced the wrath of German bombings during World War I. However during WWII the cathedral was spared of targeted bombing.
The south side has a modern rose window with the prophets and apostles.
Gargoyles in Reims Cathedral
The gargoyles here caught my attention. Gargoyles or Holy Terror as they are known are nothing but creative outlets for water that gets collected in the roof. In simple words it is a water spout! It is hard to ignore them as they keep staring at you from high above as if threatening to spew out water any time.
Facade details of Reims Cathedral
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Simply beautiful
nice captures to start the day !!! 🙂
beautiful clicks
lovely pictures. nice shot.
Wonderful shots of the cathedral.
Great work!
To me the cathedrals look all the same ! You have seen one you have seen them all ! This one looks like the cathedral St Gudule in Brussels !
Wonderful shots. Happy sky watching.
My sky.
Absolutely stunning, Indrani!!!
Reims, an important city for church history. Never can get enough of the gothic architectural style!
you really show it well.
ALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
~ > < } } ( ° > <3
Spectacular!!
Amazing architecture.
I know 'spectacular' is often over-used, but I think it is a perfect description of this cathedral.
excellent pic of Cathedral
Awesome! Nice shots.
I do continue to be amazed by the beauty of this cathedral! Thanks as always for sharing your wonderful captures!! Enjoy your weekend!!