It has a Roman gate, a Gothic cathedral and a great many Art Deco buildings due to a city rebuilt after the devastation of WW1. The Porte de Mars was built in 2nd century AD and escaped damage in WW1 but not so well in other times. The cathedral was begun in 1211, was the site of the baptism of Clovis, the first King of France in 496 and coronation of 26 more Charles VII who was pushed here by Joan of Arc. The last King crowned was Charles X in 1825. It has a magnificent west portal with 2000 statues, including the usual headless St Denis, sinners boiling in cauldrons but also some smirking Angels. As well double rows of flying buttresses with more statues and gargoyles along both sides. The inside is famous for its stained glass. The glass ranges in age from 1255 to more recent work by Marc Chagall in 1974. This new work is behind the altar and was commissioned to commemorate its 800th birthday. Another 3 colourful abstract windows by Imi Knoebel were installed in 2011. The city is also the main centre of the Champagne district but we stoically ignored that!
The Grinners . . . .
The Grinners . . . .
Jeanne D'Arc
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