Things to do in Reims

Founded by the Gauls, Reims became a major city during the period of the Roman Empire. The city played a prominent ceremonial role in French monarchical history as the traditional site of the crowning of the kings of France. The Cathedral of Reims housed the Holy Ampulla containing the Saint Chrême, allegedly brought by a white dove (the Holy Spirit) at the baptism of Clovis in 496. It was used for the anointing, the most important part of the coronation of French kings. People know Reims also as the city of wine where many of the largest champagne-producing houses have their headquarters and most open for tasting and tours. Champagne ages in the many caves and tunnels under Reims, which form a sort of maze below the city. Carved from chalk, some of these passages date back to Roman times.