The City of Marne Champagne

Reims, the home of Champagne,is the principal city of Marne Champagne. It is situated in a plain on the right bank of the Vesle River, a tributary of the Aisne River.

It is a city in northern France, is perhaps best known for its cathedral. The main attraction of Reims is its cathedral Notre Dame, a masterpiece of French gothic architecture. They began to build it in 1211 and the UNESCO has put it on their World Heritage list. The gate is also so richly decorated with gothic ornaments. It is where French kings were crowned. Twenty six Kings of France have been crowned in this Cathedral over its 800 year history, the most famous being King Charles VII.

Many of the largest Champagne producing houses, referred to as les grandes marques, have their headquarters in Reims. There are around 10 champagne houses to tour within the city, several of which you can visit without an appointment. There are miles of tunnels under the city and most of them are filled with champagne.

Krug have been making high quality Champagne in the city for many centuries. One of the top names in the business, the mark is a distinguished one that has always been synonymous with quality and excellence.

The old town of Reims consists of cobbled streets and small alleys that converge on the pedestrianised place Drouet dErlon. This is where all the action is and where you will find the shopping arcades, cafes and restaurants.

The city centre is home to have over 400 shops and is the largest shopping centre in the region. The Place Drouet d'Erlon is a very spacious pedestrians only area and a favourite meeting place.

St. Jaques Church is one of the places of worship in the city. Like many of the major churches in the city, the wealth of the area, has been reflected by the intricate designs and architectural prowess put into every element of the building. During the Second World War the church was substantially damaged and a series of stained glass windows had to be replaced.

The Ancient College of Jesuits is a old college building which has stood in Reims for many centuries. It originally served as a place of religious observation and training for the Jesuit order. Today, the building is open to the public and contains a series of interesting and exciting exhibitions. There is also a large planetarium where young and old can marvel at the wonder of the stars.. There is also a fascinating baroque library open to the public.