Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims)

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Reims is one of the supreme achievements of French Gothic architecture and served as the coronation church of French kings for over a millennium. Located in the Champagne city of Reims in France's Grand Est region, the cathedral hosted the coronations of 25 monarchs from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825. The western facade is an overwhelming composition of three portals surmounted by a gallery of kings, with a spectacular rose window above, all executed in creamy local limestone that takes on amber and golden hues in late afternoon sun. Inside, the nave reaches 38 metres in height; the most celebrated feature is the collection of stained glass by Marc Chagall, installed in the axial chapel in 1974, which bathes the apse in intense blues and crimsons. The cathedral sustained severe damage during First World War shelling, and the visible reconstruction — notably in sections of rawer stonework — is itself part of the building's history. The north and south towers rise to 81 metres and can be climbed for €11 to enjoy views over the Champagne plain. A full interior circuit takes at least 45 minutes; audio guides in multiple languages are available at the entrance. The cathedral faces Place du Cardinal Luçon, a large open square ideal for viewing the three-portal facade in its entirety, particularly in morning light. The adjacent Palais du Tau museum, two minutes away, displays original sculptural elements removed from the exterior for conservation.