Hotelboat cruises France Champagne; Itinerary 2020 and 2021 for Hotel Barge Merganser

Reims

is the Capital of the Champagne-Ardennes Region and boasts numerous museums, monuments and a collection of high class shops, cafés and boutiques. A tour bus with commentary is a good way of seeing the entire city. It takes about one hour and leaves ample time for strolling round the shops and cafés. Badly damaged in the First World War Reims was largely rebuilt in the period between 1920 and 1940. As a result the buildings in the central area offer an unusually rich display of Art Deco architecture, sculpture and decorative motifs. The 14^th century cathedral, one of the finest in France, has magnificent statues and windows, including a group by Chagall. The palace of Tau, next door, has a collection of interest, including coronation robes

THE BASILICA OF NOTRE DAME AT L’EPINE

A Unesco World Heritage site, the Basilica is an unsurpassed example of the flamboyant gothic style of the 15th Century. A noted place of pilgrimage since the 13th Century, it has unequal twin towers with original gargoyles and a 15th Century Crypt. Magnificent early 20th Century stained glass windows.

The West Front gargoyles at l'epine

Gargoyles

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