A thousand years of royal coronations.
The former palace of the Bishops of Reims has been closely linked to the History of France over the centuries. Monarchs resided in the Palais of Tau prior to their coronation and returned here after the ceremony for the traditional feast and celebrations in the vast banqueting hall.
The most precious artefacts in the treasury are the remains of the Holy Ampulla, used since the anointing of Clovis in the 5th century, and the 9th-century Talisman of Charlemagne. The original statues from Reims Cathedral are also on display in addition to seventeen magnificent tapestries portraying the life of the Virgin.
Designated world heritage site by UNESCO
Palais du Tau
2, place du Cardinal-Luçon
B.P. 2062 - 51072 Reims cedex
> tel.: (33) (0)3 26 47 81 79
fax: (33) (0)3 26 47 99 60
palaisdutau@monuments-nationaux.fr
> Self guided tour with booklet guide in French, English, Deutsch, Italian, Spanish, Dutch
Duration : 1 h
> Unaccompanied tour with guide booklet
French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch
Reservations : 2 days
Duration : 1 h
> Audio-guide tour
French, English, German, Italian, Spanish, Dutch
(Rent at Reims Tourist Office)
From Paris to Strasbourg A4, from Lyon or Lille A26 : exit Reims-Cathédrale
TGV Est from Paris Gare de l'Est
Useful adresses :
> Reims Tourist Office
tel.: (33) (0)3 26 77 45 25
www.reims-tourisme.com
> Marne Tourist Board
tel.: (33) (0)3 26 68 37 52
www.tourisme-en-champagne.com
> Champagne-Ardenne Regional Tourist Board
tel.: (33) (0)3 26 21 85 80
www.tourisme-champagne-ardenne.com