Reims Cathedral guided tour: Coronations and stained glass

Coronations, war damage and a 13th-century smile: what the cathedral holds

A 1.5-hour guided tour of Reims Cathedral led by a live guide in English or French, starting at the Tourist Office. You walk through the nave, sculpted portals, Gallery of Kings and stained glass windows while the guide explains the coronations of French kings, Joan of Arc's role at Charles VII's coronation, the cathedral's First World War damage and its restoration. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided tour of Reims Cathedral

• Meet guide at Tourist Office
• Explore cathedral interior
• Visit nave and sculpted portals
• See Gallery of Kings and Smiling Angel
• View historic and contemporary stained glass
• Learn about coronations and Joan of Arc
• Discover cathedral history and restoration

The experience

If you're in Reims for an afternoon or a first visit, a guide cuts through what's easy to miss on your own. You meet at the Tourist Office on rue Rockefeller and enter the cathedral to walk the nave, past the sculpted portals and up to the Gallery of Kings. The Smiling Angel (a 13th-century carved face that has survived centuries) sits among the architectural detail most visitors walk past without noticing. The guide points out why it matters and what it tells you about the cathedral's age and craft.

The stained glass is the other half of the story. You'll see windows from different periods: medieval work alongside pieces by Marc Chagall, Jacques and Brigitte Simon, and Imi Knoebel. The guide explains how each one fits into the cathedral's timeline and what the imagery means. The tour also covers the coronations: why Reims was chosen, which kings were crowned here, and how Joan of Arc stood present at Charles VII's coronation in 1429. That history is woven into the building itself. The guide shows you where it lives in stone and glass.

The cathedral's scars from the First World War are part of the tour too. The building was damaged during the conflict and later restored, and understanding that damage and recovery changes how you see it. The whole visit runs 1.5 hours, which is enough time to move through the main spaces without rushing and to absorb what the guide is explaining. All fees and taxes are included.

What’s included

• Live guide in English or French.
• entry to Reims Cathedral.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guided tour of the cathedral in French11:00 and 14:00

Guided tour of the cathedral in English14:15

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 11:00, 14:00 and 14:15

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (5 to 12 years): free · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 25

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Office de Tourisme du Grand Reims

Is this one for you?Book the English tour if you want the coronation history and architectural detail explained as you walk. Choose French if that's your language. The 1.5-hour length fits a free afternoon without eating into the rest of your day in Reims.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In French, at 11:00 and 14:00. In English, at 14:15.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 12 years): free. Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What's the Smiling Angel and why does the guide mention it?

The Smiling Angel is a 13th-century carved stone face on the cathedral's exterior, one of the most recognizable sculptures in French Gothic architecture. The guide points it out because it's easy to overlook, and understanding its age and craftsmanship deepens how you see the whole building.

Does the tour go up into the tower?

The tower is not included in the standard tour. If you want to climb the tower, that's available as an add-on option at checkout.

Is the cathedral accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

Yes. All areas and surfaces inside the cathedral are wheelchair accessible, and the entrance is accessible by wheelchair. If you're traveling with a stroller or pram for a small child, that's fine too.