Editing Reims (section)

== Short history ==
Reims was founded by the Gauls over 2,000 years ago and played a major role at times in French history. It is a landmark mainly because most kings were coronated in its [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reims_cathedral cathedral], one of the masterpieces of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_architecture Gothic architecture]. You will find more historical information on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reims Wikipedia]. The city suffered severe damage during WWI as fighting went on on its outskirts for four years. The reconstruction turned the city into a landmark for [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_deco Art deco], the architectural style that developed in the 1930s. However, the city retains many interesting monuments from the past:

=== From Roman times: ===
* part of the forum
* a former arch of triumph called "porte Mars", one of the few preserved in the Roman world
[[File:IMGP2371.JPG|thumb|right|350px|Outside and inside the cathedral]]

=== From the Middle Ages: ===
* Notre Dame cathedral, masterpiece of gothic architecture
* Saint-Remi basilica
* Saint-Jacques church

=== From later periods: ===
* Hôtel Le Vergeur, house of a rich seed merchant in the 1500s
* Palais du Tau, former archbishop residence, partly built in the 13th and 14th centuries
* Place Royale, an example of classic architecture of the 1700s
* Former Jesuit college, built in the 1600s
* City hall (1600s)
* War room where the end of WWII was signed for the first time on May 7, 1945
* Carnegie library

The famous Champagne vineyard is only a few kilometers away, mainly south of the city. The "route du Champagne" will lead you across rolling hills, through nice villages and gorgeous landscapes. The area has also collected numerous national awards in flower contests ; some nearby villages, Baconnes and Coulommes-la-Montagne are famous landmarks. You might want to have a taste of champagne and buy a couple of bottles at a producer's home; many signs will invite you over. If you drive, be careful not to break the .5 gram alcohol limit for your own safety. Besides, police controls are not uncommon!

You might consider spending 2 or 3 days visiting the city and the vineyard. You might want to check the [http://www.reims-tourisme.com/indexflash_br.php#debutnews visitor center] to hjelp you plan your trip.