Hi Frugalistas! In the second of my series on Reims I’m featuring the wonderful cathedral de Notre Dame. A UNESCO world heritage site, the cathedral was the venue for the coronation of 33 French kings. The cathedral was originally built in the 13th century, but like many buildings in Reims was badly damaged during WW1. Much of what we see now is therefore a 20th century restoration.
The impressive facade
I love the fleur de lys detailing of the roof
One of two rose windows, both dedicated to the Virgin Mary
One of three transept windows, built after WW1 in celebration of champagne
A 1960s window, designed by a local Reims artisan, depicting water
The famous Chagall windows. The left representing the Old Testament, the middle the New Testament and the right the Kings of France (the green images are Joan of Arc and Charles VII who Joan brought triumphantly to Reims for his coronation)
The modern windows designed by German Imi Knoebel
Light from the Imi Knoebel window reflecting on the floor
The famous laughing angel on the front facade was added after WWI and is now used frequently in the marketing of Reims
The next door Musee Tau houses many original features of the cathedral, including this impish young fellow
When you visit Reims, make sure you stay away from the champagne caves long enough to visit the cathedral – it does not disappoint!
Related post:
How to make a day trip to Reims
Author’s note: I was a guest of Reims Tourisme during my stay.
Thank you for posting and for the lovely photos.
I visited this area as a high school student many, many years ago and your posting brought back some wonderful memories. I was surprised that I remembered the Chagall windows! Thank you for that photo.
All the best!
Gorgeous photos! I especially love the stained glass!
I love the picture of the light on the floor. Vivid.
Thanks Lynne. I’m not normally into more modern windows, but the Chagall ones really were stunning.
Yes, I love a bit of stained glass too!
Thank you! We were there quite early in the morning and I was fascinated by it
No wonder it looks so unusual to me. It’s *early morning* sunlight! 😉
About 9.30 from memory!
The different stained glass is a really feature. Glad you liked it!
Fantastic pictures – love the stained glass and the amazing facade.