Since 987 AD and for as long as the French monarchy existed, Notre-Dame de Reims (pronounced "reince" with a heavy nasal tone) has been the traditional coronation site of the French monarchs with only a handful of exceptions. Most famously in 1429, Joan of Arc won Reims back from the English and led the then-Dauphin to be finally be crowned as Charles VII.
I could only afford a very brief visit before having to rejoin the group, but it was well worth the hassle.
The interior was narrower than I would have guessed, especially considering the fact that it was used for grand coronation ceremonies. To think of all the French kings who once walked down the same aisle gave me chills.
Part of the front facade was under renovations, along with the main rose window over the front portal (Drats!)
One of things I found unique about this church was that not all of its stained glass windows adhere to the medieval aesthetics, such as the more contemporary windows pictured on the right.
... and these windows designed by the famous painter Marc Chagall.
Fun facts from the cathedral's wikipedia page:
1) A labyrinth design once existed on the church floor from medieval times. The design has now been adapted by French Historical Monuments as their logo.
2) During the WWI, the church caught on fire and molten lead from the roof poured out of the gargoyles' mouths (seriously!?)
Joan of Arc
The outer facade.
Compared with the Notre-Dame in Paris, the gargoyles here are far more animal-like. Not going to lie, it was somewhat spooky having them looking down at us, as if ready to come alive at any moment.
The weather was pretty dreary but really amplified the Gothic feel of the entire building.
Magnificent!
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