Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Reims

A runner-up in Europe, after Chartres, in terms of bedazzling sculpted ornamentation, the former coronation site is an outstanding blend of royal history and architectural artistry. The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Rheims displays the perfect synthesis of Gothic elements distinguished by remarkable unity, harmony, and balance. The subtle contrast in adornment between conspicuous realism and rigidly formal classicism may not be noticed by a lay eye, but the overall grandness will definitely make a lasting impression. Together with the 9th-century Abbey of Saint Remi and the Tau Palace, the RheimsCathedral has been drawn on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.