Having visited central Reims including the cathedral and the Tau palace a few decades ago, this time around I came to Reims to see the Champagne Houses. The Champagne Houses are on the outskirts of town, so I did not plan to revisit the Reims WHS.

When studying the map of the area (our France country map zoomed in on Reims) I noticed a nearby blue point: the former abbey of St Remi. First I thought this referred to another component of the Champagne site. As it turns out this is part of the Reims WHS.

St Remi is the 2nd most important church in Reims. It holds the remains of St Remi, the bishop who converted Clovis (and the Francs) to Christianity. More specifically to Catholicism which at the time was competing with Arianism for primacy as Christian faith of the Francs. Although, converted may be a bit strong a word. Clovis supposedly bartered with god: "Yeah, I will join your religion. If you help me win my decisive next battle." He won and eventually he converted.

With serial nominations I am always a bit reluctant on the seemingly lesser components. But in this case I was very positively surprised. St Remi may not have the Chagall windows or the Smiling Angel, but it is a very fine church with stunning stonework and windows. It also predates the cathedral. Only downside right now is that as of toady (2019) major renovations are ongoing on the church premises somewhat restricting access to the church.

Getting There

Reims has a TGV station a few kilometers outside of town, Champagne-Ardenne. Less frequent TGVs from Paris run directly to Reims Station in the center of town. If you travel by local train you will have to change in Epernay.

While You Are There

Visiting the Champagne sites in Reims is a must. They are just next door to the Abbey of Saint Remi. If you are travelling by local train from Paris, you will pass through Epernay with its splendid Avenue de Champagne.

The whole area is dotted with WW 1 Memorials (T). To the North lies Laon, a former TWHS, that comes recommended by my aunt.