The construction of the twin towers of the cathedral of Rheims began in 1241, at the same time as the rest of the facade. The facade was completed in 1311, while the two towers were not finished until the 15th century. The spire that had originally been planned were abandoned after a fire in 1481; the works had begun, but funds were undoubtedly lacking to complete them.
The two towers, and especially the north tower, were severely damaged during the First World War. They were later considerably restored.
The first level is pierced by very broad twinned bays; on the second level, a row of small narrow arches supports the gallery of the Kings. Above this rises the last level, which dates from the 15th century. It is composed of a square base which is surmounted by an octagonal drum. Four small open bell towers occupy the four sides of the base.
LODGING
See the listing of the Hotels in ReimsÂ
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
Cathedrale of Reims
2, place du Cardinal Luçon
BP 2062
51 072 Reims cedex
Going there
From Châlons-en-Champagne: main road N44 or motorway A4 towards Reims, then towards the city centre
At the intersection of the Strasbourg/Paris and Lille-/Beaune roads
48 km northwest of Châlons-en-Champagne
[wl_geomap]
Opening / Closing
Open:
from March 15 to May 5, guided visits on Saturdays at 10 and 11 am, at 2, 3 and 4 pm
from Mai 6 to September 8, guided visits except Mondays and Sunday morning every 1/2 hour from 10 to 11:30 am, and 2 to 5 pm
from 9 september to 31 october, guided visits on Saturdays at 10, 11am and 2, 3, 4 pm, on Sundays at 2, 3, 4 pm
Closed
1 November to 14 March, 1st May
Guided visit
jumelée Palais du Tau et tours
français
sur réservation : 3 semaines
durée : 2h30
Guided visit
français
sur réservation : 3 semaines
durée : 1h
Services
Toilettes
Librairie-boutique