Rebuilding Reims

We’ve just spent a few days in Reims, the capital of Champagne, which is situated in the north of the region, about a 90 minute drive from us.

We had been here previously, tasting Champagnes from the many large, prestigious houses. We’re both probably a bit biased now, but after discovering southern Champagne, and the beautiful boutique Champagnes that are produced there, we don’t feel the need to do that again. So the purpose of our trip was simply to explore the city, understand the lie of the land, and enjoy a little city living for a few days.

After settling into our hotel, not far from the cathédrale de Notre Dame, we headed off to find somewhere to sit, unwind, and plan our time away.

What I’d read about Reims was that during the First World War 70% of the buildings had been destroyed. With so much devastation, the government put in place a number of laws and schemes to help rebuild the city. The rebirth of Reims happened during an era of exciting changes in architecture, with young architects keen to try new building techniques and styles. As we wandered around the city we discovered a broad mix of the various styles of architecture that were being explored and could see how the city must have come to life with the new constructions.

They stand tall in the city of Reims, some very angular and stern, others with the softer feminine lines that the new era was starting to allow, but all remarkable examples of a growing boldness in architectural construction and style.

If you have time to visit Reims, and enjoy exploring the city streets like we do, make sure you also look up, otherwise you may just miss all of this beauty.