The best city hikes and walks in Marne

A magnificent architectural jewel nestled in the heart of this historic French city. This elegant opera house, with its rich history and vibrant programming, plays a vital role in the cultural life of Reims, captivating audiences with its splendid performances and significantly contributing to the city's artistic identity. The origins of the Opéra de Reims date back to the 19th century. Built in 1873, the original structure, designed in the neoclassical style, was a testament to the city's ambition and its thriving cultural scene. However, the devastation of the First World War severely damaged the building, leaving it in ruins. This setback, however, did not deter the city's commitment to the arts. The opera house was meticulously rebuilt in the 1930s, embracing the then-popular Art Deco style. Architects François Maille and Louis Sollier skillfully blended historical elements with the sleek lines and geometric shapes characteristic of the Art Deco movement, creating a unique and captivating architectural statement. The result is a building that seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern aesthetics, a testament to the city's resilience and commitment to the arts. https://operadereims.com/

Unfortunately, performances are only irregular, so check the program in good time.

The opera, with its 750-seat Italian Hall, is a must-see on any tour of Reims' Art Deco heritage. Behind the preserved 19th-century facade, the architects completely restructured the interior in the spirit of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris after the First World War: bas-reliefs, ironwork, chandeliers, paintings...

Under the central arch is a calendar depicting the activities and tasks of agriculture and viticulture: grape pressing, harvesting, etc. A calendar can be seen here through the carved reliefs. Under the eastern arch, we can see a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. According to legend, it was Remus who founded Reims. Finally, under the western arch, we can see Leda being seduced by Jupiter.

This ancient monument is one of the longest in the Roman world: it is approximately 32 meters long and 12 meters high! The Mars Gate was built towards the end of the 2nd century and is the only one of the four monumental arches providing access to the city of Durocortorum that has survived. It consists of three arcades. The central arch carried the city's major north-south axis, intended for the passage of carriages. The two side arcades were used by pedestrians.

Place Drouet d'Erlon, with its two fountains, is a vibrant and integral part of the city's social and cultural fabric. It serves as a central meeting place for residents and visitors and offers a lively mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants.

Completely redesigned, renovated, and densely planted in 2019 as part of the Reims Grand Centre project, the high promenades offer a new range of leisure facilities that quickly became popular with Reims residents. Two new fountains enliven the square. Several memorials are also located here, including the Monument to the Martyrs of the Resistance in the center.

In the “Les Hautes Promenades” section of the park there are various fitness equipment and a beautiful fountain.