Construction began in 1211, and for centuries the Cathedral of Reims served as the coronation church of the French kings — Clovis was baptised near here by Saint Remi in 498, and the tradition continued through to Charles X in 1825. The western facade is a High Gothic masterpiece, with over 2,300 statues including the famous Smiling Angel of the left portal. Significant damage was suffered during World War I, and the restoration — partly funded by John D. Rockefeller — took decades. The Marc Chagall stained glass windows in the axial chapel are a more recent addition and worth seeking out.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
Coronation church of French kings since the 5th century