French History in Reims and Verdun

The first stop, after having left Paris, is in Reims, and to enjoy the city center in the best way possible, the itinerary suggests leaving the car in the parking lot and go on foot.

The Reims Cathedral is the most important worship place of the Marne region and historical symbol of the religious power.
It is one of the most relevant example of Gothic architecture, and it has been the coronation place of all Kings of France, among which Louis IX, Charles VII and Charles X.
The Cathedral has been declared UNESCO world heritage in 1991, and its history saw multiple construction interventions during the years.
It was first built in the IV century on the wish of the Bishop San Nicasio, on a site that was of Gallo-Romans origins, and that later hosted a proto-Christian church.
During the French Revolution it was transformed into a temple and part of the interiors missed, until in 1875 the French Assembly decided to fund the renovation works.
After the World War I, the Cathedral was partly destroyed and rebuilt by the Rockefeller's family funds in several years, terminated in 1938.
It is possible to visit the Reims Cathedral every day: 7.30 am - 7.30 pm, except on Sunday, when it closes at 7.15 pm. There is also the possibility to book a guided tour on the site.

Not far from the Cathedral both spatially and iconically - since it was the place where the Kings were staying before being crowned - there is the Tau Palace.
The Palace was built in 1131, since before the site was still occupied from a Roman Villa, and its name comes from the plan that has the shape of the Greek letter tau.
In the Palace, the king was prepared and dressed for the coronation that would have happened in the Cathedral, and later return for a ceremonial banquet.
Today the Tau Palace is UNESCO world heritage and hosts statues and tapestries from the Cathedral and all the objects related to the king's coronation.
Opening times: From 9th September to 5th May Tuesday - Sunday: 9.45 am - 12.30 pm, 2 pm - 5.15 pm Monday: closed
From 6th May to 8th September Tuesday - Sunday: 9.45 am - 6.30 pm Monday: closed
More info you'll find here.

The lunch break will be at Le Riad, for an oriental taste of flavors.
It is a refined and intimate environment, located in the very city center, just 5 minutes walk from the Cathedral.
The menu offers a rich variety of Moroccan, Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, that you can try by reserving a table only by phone 03 26 89 60 26.
Opening times: Tuesday - Saturday: 12 pm - 2 pm, 7 pm - 10.30 pm Sunday: 12 pm - 2 pm Monday: closed

Remaining in the city center, the last stop in Reims before taking the car back and heading to Verdun, is the Royale Square.
It is an historical monument of France, built in 1757 in honor of the King Louis XV of France. In fact, it hosts, right in the center, a statue representing the King wearing Roman clothes and a laurel crown.
The square is a typical example of the 18th century architecture, surrounded by building with arcades and balustrade roofs.

Before leaving Reims and heading to Verdun, it's time to pick up the car from the parking space where has been left before.

Arrived in Verdun, the first stop on the route is the Citadel.
It consists of a set of galleries dug underground, at the end of the 19th century, as a refuge part of the city.
It is a path of over 7 km, which extends 14 meters underground the upper city and built by the engineer Guinot and Rouillon de Gironville.
Its origins are related to the upper part of the city, since it has been a fortress since the King Henry II took the city of Verdun, and maintained the status of a strategic point during the history wars.
In fact, during the World War I it has been used as a logistic base, as a command and supply base, not just as a refuge point.
Opening times: December, February Monday - Sunday: 9.30 am - 5 pm
November, March Monday - Sunday: 9.30 am - 5.30 pm
September, October, April, May, June Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 6 pm
July, August Monday - Sunday: 9 am - 7 pm
You can find all the info about the visit and tariff here.

The Verdun Cathedral is the most important worship location of the city of Verdun, in Lorraine region.
It is a Roman Catholic Church, declared French historical monument in 1906, and whose origins are the most ancient of Europe, since it is dated back to 990.
It is a building signed from the war events and rebuilt several times due to the damages, so it combines the different architectural styles, from the Romanesque to the Baroque.
The Cathedral is accessible every day from 8.30 am to 7 pm.

The next discovery on the itinerary is Chaussée Gate, a historical monument of France.
As mentioned before, Verdun was a fortified city, and part of the fortification buildings are the access gates to the city, in this case the Chaussée Gate.
It was built along the shore of the river Meuse in 1380 as a symbol of the freedom of the city of Verdun from the Empire in 1374.
During the years it has been subjected to many transformations and renovations, for example from 1755 to 1860 it served as a military prison, until it was bought by the city in 1889.
The monument is composed of two towers 20 m high, crowned on the top with crenelations and battlements, plus it has decoration statues representing gargoyles.

Leaving Verdun, the dinner stop is at the restaurant Clairefontaine, in Luxembourg, the next stop on the itinerary.
Mentioned also in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant is located in the main center of the city of Luxembourg, with an elegant atmosphere of the square with tables outside.
The menu offers a modern and creative choices, that you can taste Monday to Friday from 12 pm to 1.30 pm and from 7.15 pm to 9 pm. Here you can book a table.

After a long day, a resting night in the beautiful center of Luxembourg is well deserved.
Not far from the restaurant, there is the Hotel Le Place d'Armes, a charming and elegant building with a cozy and intimate atmosphere to feel like at home.
The structure is a building from the 18th century, with patios, terraces and inner courtyard. The rooms are decorated with a mix of Contemporary and Art Nouveau styles, and some of them are located under the roof, with white wooden frameworks.