Reims: Self-Guided Tour of Roman Ruins & WWII History
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Overview
Reims From Roman Ruins to World War II self-guided walking tour takes you on a journey through over 2,000 years of history. This tour lets everyone experience Reims' iconic landmarks and hidden stories at their own pace. It's perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike!
See where French kings were crowned at the amazing Reims Cathedral. Explore old Roman ruins under the city, like the well-kept Cryptoporticus of Reims. Visit the schoolroom where Nazi Germany surrendered in World War II. Walk through streets rebuilt with Art Deco style, and hear tales of royal legends and quiet resistance. Discover gardens, old mansions, and monuments that tell stories from long ago. The key stops along the tour are Reims Cathedral, Cryptoporticus of Reims, Mars Gate, Place Royale, Palais du Tau, Carnegie Library of Reims, The Red House Museum (Musée de la Reddition), Monument aux héros de l'Armée Noire, Hôtel Le Vergeur Museum.
This audio and written guide gives you a fresh way to see Reims. The tour is available on iOS and Android for one year. Once downloaded, it can be used offline. It includes pictures to help you find each stop and an interactive map to help you get around.
Highlights
See Where Kings Were Crowned: Visit Reims Cathedral, where nearly every French king was crowned.
Explore Ancient Roman Ruins: Discover rare Roman ruins hidden beneath Reims, including a Cryptoporticus.
Visit WWII Surrender Site: See the schoolroom where Nazi Germany signed its surrender.
Self-Guided Exploration: Go at your own pace with this self-guided walking tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the tour, praising its thoroughness, flexibility, and rich historical insights. While some users experienced minor technical issues with language models, the overall experience was overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending the tour to others.

Customers loved doing the tour at their own pace.
They found the information, pictures, and maps to be excellent.
Many said it was easy to download the app and the tour.
They said the historical information was outstanding and very accurate.
One user noted some spelling issues in the German language model with "Reims."
Another user was unable to test different languages once they selected German.
The Journey
Reims Cathedral
Stand in awe before the Reims Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the traditional site for the coronation of French kings. Marvel at its soaring spires, intricate sculptures, and the stained-glass windows that filter light into a kaleidoscope of colors. Uncover the legends surrounding the Holy Ampulla, believed to contain oil delivered from heaven to anoint Clovis, the first king of France. Experience the grandeur that shaped French history and the sacred aura that still permeates its hallowed halls.
Cryptoporticus of Reims
Descend into the mysterious Cryptoporticus of Reims, an underground gallery built by the Romans nearly 2,000 years ago. Explore the cool, shadowy corridors, remarkably preserved beneath the bustling city. Discover the secrets of this subterranean structure, believed to have served as a market, granary, or even a military storage facility. Marvel at one of the world's rarest examples of Roman civil engineering, a hidden gem that whispers tales of ancient life in Reims.
Mars Gate
Stand beneath the Mars Gate (Porte de Mars), one of the oldest surviving Roman triumphal arches in the world. Admire its imposing structure, adorned with intricate carvings depicting Roman deities and scenes of daily life. Uncover the origin of its name, dedicated to the god of war, Mars, and discover the stories etched into its weathered stones. Reflect on the empires that have risen and fallen, witnessed by this enduring gateway, a testament to the power and artistry of ancient Rome.
Place Royale
Walk onto Place Royale, a magnificent royal square where statues and architecture celebrate the power of the French monarchy. See the statue of King Louis XV at its center, and note the subtle symbolism of its outstretched hand, rumored to conceal layers of forgotten meanings and historical secrets. Discover how the square was designed to glorify the Bourbon dynasty and served as a stage for royal ceremonies, festivals, and public events. Explore the elegant buildings surrounding the square, showcasing classical architecture and ornate facades.
Palais du Tau
Step behind the scenes at the Palais du Tau, the Archbishop's Palace and royal residence during coronations. Explore the opulent halls where kings feasted, changed, and prepared for their sacred ceremonies. Discover the treasures held within, including France’s most sacred relic, the Sainte Ampoule, used to anoint the kings. Delve into the history of this magnificent palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and witness the grandeur that surrounded the coronation rituals of the French monarchy.
Carnegie Library of Reims
Discover the Carnegie Library of Reims, a stunning example of Art Deco architecture that stands as a testament to resilience and international cooperation. Learn how American steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie helped rebuild Reims after the devastation of World War I, not with weapons, but with books and a bold vision for the future. Admire the library's striking facade, intricate mosaics, and vast collection of literary treasures, a symbol of hope and cultural renewal in a city scarred by war.
The Red House Museum (Musée de la Reddition)
Visit the Red House Museum (Musée de la Reddition), an unassuming school that served as the nerve center of the Allied forces during the final days of World War II. Stand in the very room where Germany officially surrendered, marking the end of the war in Europe. Uncover the intriguing story of why General Eisenhower was not present at this historic moment and learn about the complex negotiations that led to the German surrender. Reflect on the sacrifices made and the hope for peace that emerged from this pivotal site.
Monument aux héros de l'Armée Noire
Gaze upon the haunting memorial at the Monument aux héros de l'Armée Noire (Monument to the Heroes of the Black Army), where bronze figures mourn and remember the fallen soldiers of the Great War. Honor the contributions and sacrifices of African troops in the French army, whose courage and dedication played a vital role in the Allied victory. Reflect on the themes of remembrance, reconciliation, and the enduring legacy of war.
Hôtel Le Vergeur Museum
Explore the Hôtel Le Vergeur Museum, a medieval mansion where one man rebuilt history, meticulously recreating period rooms and showcasing his impressive art collection. Discover the eccentric vision of Hugues Krafft, who restored the mansion to its former glory, but deliberately left one wing in ruins to symbolize the ravages of time. Admire the eclectic mix of art, furniture, and historical artifacts that bring the past to life in this unique and captivating museum.
Know Before You Go
This self-guided tour includes an audio and written guide, accessible offline once downloaded. You'll get images to help you find your way and an interactive map for easy navigation. The tour is available for one year on iOS and Android devices. Remember, no physical devices or headphones are provided, and there is no human tour guide on location. Check your email from “Tourific” for tour access instructions. If you aren’t satisfied, you can request a full refund.
Hot Tip
To make the most of the tour during the summer, find shadowy spots to listen to the audio, especially if you plan to listen to more than one episode in a row. This will help you stay cool and comfortable as you explore!