Reims facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Reims
Subprefecture and commune
Counterclockwise from top: Place Drouet-d'Erlon; arch in the Porte de Mars; Reims Cathedral
Flag Coat of arms
Reims Location in France Show map of France Reims Location in Grand Est Show map of Grand Est
Country	France
Region	Grand Est
Department	Marne
Arrondissement	Reims
Canton	Reims-1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
Intercommunality	CU Grand Reims
Area 1	46.9 km2 (18.1 sq mi)
Population  (2021)	179,380
• Density	3,825/km2 (9,906/sq mi)
Demonym(s)	Rémois(e)
Time zone	UTC+01:00 (CET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+02:00 (CEST)
INSEE/Postal code	51454 /51100
Elevation	80–135 m (262–443 ft)
1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km2 (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

Reims (pronounced "REEMZ") is a large city in France. It is the most populated city in the Marne area and the 12th largest city in France. Reims is located about 129 kilometers (80 miles) northeast of Paris, by the Vesle river.

The city was first built by the Gauls and became an important place in the Roman Empire. Later, Reims became famous as the traditional spot where French kings were crowned. This special ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Reims. People often call Reims "the Coronation City" because of this important history.

Reims is also known for its amazing buildings, from old Romanesque styles to newer Art Deco designs. The Reims Cathedral, the Palace of Tau, and the Abbey of Saint-Remi are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is because of their beautiful architecture and their importance to French history. Reims is also a key city for making and selling Champagne!

History of Reims

The Porte de Mars, an ancient Roman arch from the 3rd or 4th century.

Reims was first the capital city of the Remi tribe around 80 BC. When the Romans conquered Gaul, the Remi tribe became friends with the Romans. This loyalty helped Reims become a favored city under Roman rule. At its biggest, Reims may have had up to 100,000 people. The city was first called Durocortorum in Latin, which might mean "Door of Cortoro-". Later, it was named after the Remi tribe.

Christianity arrived in Reims around 260 AD. Saint Sixtus of Reims started the church area there. The city faced attacks from different groups, like the Vandals in 406 AD and Attila the Hun in 451 AD.

Saint Remigius, Bishop of Reims, asking Clovis to return a sacred vase.

A very important event happened in 496 AD. Saint Remigius, the bishop of Reims, baptized Clovis I, the King of the Franks. Legend says a white dove brought holy oil from heaven for this baptism. For many centuries, this event was used by French kings to show that their right to rule came from God.

Reims became a center for learning in the 10th century. Archbishop Adalberon and the monk Gerbert (who later became Pope Silvester II) started schools. These schools taught important subjects like the classical "liberal arts."

The Coronation Chalice, also known as the Chalice of Saint Remigius, found in the Palace of Tau.

The Archbishops of Reims had the special job of crowning the kings of France. They did this for most kings from the 12th century until the 19th century. The Palace of Tau was the Archbishop's home and where kings stayed for their coronations. Royal feasts were held there after the ceremonies.

Joan of Arc at the coronation of Charles VII of France in Reims, painted by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

In 1429, Joan of Arc helped Charles VII of France be crowned in the Reims Cathedral. This was a big moment for France during a war with England.

During the 16th century, Reims was involved in the French Wars of Religion. The city sided with the Catholic League but later joined King Henri IV. The city also suffered from plagues in the 17th century. The beautiful City Hall was built around this time.

In the 18th century, the Place Royale was built. Reims was also affected by the French Revolution. In the 19th century, the city was captured and recaptured during wars. Later, forts were built around Reims to protect Paris. The city also became a center for wool production.

The first international aviation meet in Reims, August 1909.

Reims played a role in early aviation history. In 1908, the first cross-country flight happened from Châlons to Reims. In 1909, Reims hosted the first international aviation meet, where famous pilots like Louis Blériot flew.

Reims in 1916, showing damage from World War I.

Reims was badly damaged during World War I. The famous cathedral was hit by bombs in 1914. Its ruined state became a symbol of the war's destruction. After the war, people from around the world helped restore the cathedral.

The city also suffered damage in World War II. A very important event happened in Reims on May 7, 1945. German leaders signed the unconditional surrender to the Allies here. This officially ended World War II in Europe.

City Administration

Reims is a "subprefecture" in the Marne area of France. Even though Reims is the biggest city in its area, Châlons-en-Champagne is the main administrative center. Reims works with 142 other towns in the "Grand Reims" community.

Population of Reims

Economy and Jobs

The main shopping street in Reims is Rue de Vesle. The city's economy relies heavily on the wine and Champagne industries. Reims is also growing in new areas like bio-economics.

Famous Buildings

Reims cathedral and Palace of Tau.

Reims Cathedral is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture. It's known for its beautiful stained glass and sculptures.

The Basilica of Saint-Remi.

The Basilica of Saint-Remi was built in the 11th century. It is the largest Romanesque church in northern France. It has been added to over the years.

Other old churches include the Church of Saint-Jacques, built between the 13th and 16th centuries. The churches of Saint-Maurice, Saint-André, and Saint-Thomas are also popular with visitors.

The Reims Manège and Circus.

A stained glass window in the Protestant Church of Reims.

The Protestant Church of Reims was built in the 1920s. It has a unique neo-Gothic style.

The City Hall was built in the 17th century. It has a statue of King Louis XIII on its front.

Narcisse Brunette was a city architect for almost 50 years in the 1800s. He designed the Reims Manège and Circus, which mixes stone and brick.

The Carnegie Library of Reims is a great example of Art Deco style. The Foujita Chapel, built by Japanese-French artist Tsuguharu Foujita, is also a famous landmark.

Culture and Fun

Reims is hoping to become the European Capital of Culture in 2028.

Museums to Visit

• The Palace of Tau displays old statues from the cathedral. It also has royal treasures and clothing used in coronations.
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  Inside the Musée Saint-Remi.

The Musée Saint-Remi is in the former Abbey of Saint-Remi. It has tapestries, old furniture, jewelry, and tools from different time periods. There's also a section about military history.

• The Automobile Museum Reims-Champagne has a collection of cars from 1903 to today. It also features motorcycles, pedal cars, and toy models.
• The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the old Abbey of Saint-Denis.
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  The Museum of the Surrender.

The Museum of the Surrender is where Germany officially surrendered to the Allies in 1945.

Theaters and Shows

• The Reims Opera House was built in 1873.
• The Reims Manège and Circus is another historic venue.
• The Comédie de Reims is a modern theater that opened in 1966.

Libraries

Reims has several libraries, including a Carnegie library built in the 1920s.

Festivals and Events

• The FARaway - Festival des Arts à Reims is a two-week event early in the year. It features music, dance, theater, and art.
• Every June, the Fêtes Johanniques celebrate Joan of Arc's entry into Reims and the coronation of Charles VII.
• In August and September, the Regalia light show is projected onto Reims Cathedral. It tells the story of French coronations.
• A large Christmas market is held in front of the Reims train station. It's the third largest in France, with about 150 stalls selling crafts, food, and gifts.

Wine and Food

Place Drouet d'Erlon, a popular area for restaurants.

Many restaurants and bars are found around Place Drouet d'Erlon in the city center.

Reims is one of the main cities for making Champagne. Many big Champagne companies have their headquarters here. You can often visit them for tastings and tours. Champagne ages in chalk caves and tunnels under the city, some dating back to Roman times.

The biscuit rose de Reims (pink biscuit of Reims) is a famous cookie often eaten with Champagne. Reims was also known for its gingerbread.

Sports in Reims

The old Reims-Gueux racing circuit.

From 1925 to 1969, Reims hosted the Grand Prix de la Marne car race. The French Grand Prix was held here 14 times.

The city's football (soccer) team, Stade Reims, plays in France's top league, Ligue 1. In the 1950s and 1960s, Stade Reims was one of France's best teams.

Reims also hosted the Teqball World Cup in 2018 and has held the Reims Marathon since 1984.

Getting Around Reims

Reims has two main train stations. Gare de Reims is in the city center for local trains. The Gare de Champagne-Ardenne TGV is outside the city for high-speed trains to Paris and other major cities. Major highways also meet near Reims.

The Paris Gate in Reims.

Public transport includes buses and a tramway system, which opened in 2011. There's also a bike-sharing program called Zébullo.

The Canal de l'Aisne à la Marne is a waterway. Reims also has an airport, but it does not have commercial flights.

Parks and Green Spaces

Reims has many beautiful parks and gardens.

• The Parc de Champagne is home to a monument honoring the "Black Army."
• Next to the main train station is the Hautes Promenades. This park has swings, hammocks, a carousel, and trampolines.
• Smaller parks like Jardin Le Vergeur, Parc Léo-Lagrange, and Parc Saint-Remi are also found throughout the city.

Higher Education

Reims is home to several important schools and universities.

• The Institut d'Etudes politiques de Paris (SciencesPo Paris) opened a campus in Reims in 2010. It focuses on social and political sciences. Over 1,500 international students study here.
• The URCA was founded in 1548. It offers many different study programs to over 18,000 students in Reims.
• NEOMA Business School is another major school in Reims. It was first created in 1928.

Famous People from Reims

Many notable people were born in Reims, including:

Climate in Reims

Reims has an oceanic climate, meaning its weather is influenced by the ocean. This keeps temperatures fairly mild, but it can still have very hot or cold days. Reims often has cloudy weather, but it doesn't get a lot of rain.

Sister Cities

Reims is twinned with these cities around the world:

Images for kids

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  Map of Rheims

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  Sarcophagus of Jovinus (Musée Saint-Remi)

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  The Baptism of Clovis (detail), around 1500.

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  The New Testament of the Douay–Rheims Bible was printed in Reims in 1582.

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  Monument to King Louis XV of France, at the center of Place Royale.

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  German surrender of 7 May 1945 in Reims. Top: German officers sign unconditional surrender in Reims. Bottom: Allied force leaders at the signing.

See also

In Spanish: Reims para niños