The largest city in the Champagne region, Reims, is only about 40km from where we are staying. On our day trip we took a short bus tour of the city to get our bearings before wondering around ourselves.

The most dominating building in the city is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. It is currently undergoing some restoration and clean up on the outside and the front bottom half has already been done. The difference is very noticeable. The detail in the stonework is remarkable.

Much of Reims was damaged or destroyed in both WWI and WWII and has since been rebuilt. The restoration of the cathedral in particular has been a joint international effort over many years.

Inside the stain glass windows are the most intricate we have seen in any of the cathedrals we have visited.

The elegance of the new buildings after the wars is akin to Paris’ facades and rooftops.

The excited children were just getting off the carousel as we passed. It was closing for a few hours for lunch so we we missed seeing it in operation.

Reims is a very attractive city and if we had more time we would make another day to visit and see some more.