Reims

The cathedral of coronations, Notre-Dame de Reims was known as the « queen of French churches » in the Middle Ages. It took nearly a century (1212-1300) to build and featured an architectural programme of unrivalled richness.

Although its towers were not completed until the 15^th century, its builders faithfully adhered to its original overall plan.

The nave and the vaults were designed using some of the most modem techniques of the 13^th century. Bringing Gothic architecture to its apogee, the cathedral was to inspire the whole of Europe.

Thanks to its numerous sculptures - those of the north and west portais in particular - and its original stained-glass décoration, the cathedral proclaims the glory of the Virgin Mary and the role of the Church in history and in the promise of salvation.