Palais du Tau

The majestic Palais du Tau (Palace of Tau) is not just an architectural monument but a genuine treasure trove of history located in the heart of Reims. As the former residence of the archbishops, this palace played a key role in the lives of monarchs for centuries: it was here that the kings of France stayed before the solemn anointing ceremony and celebrated their accession to the throne.

Palace of Tau. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The building received its intriguing name from its unusual floor plan, which resembles the Greek letter "tau." Today, it houses a unique museum that stores original masterpieces of medieval art, exquisite tapestries, and priceless relics rescued from the neighboring cathedral. Due to its historical significance, the palace is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The architectural ensemble of the palace is a wonderful combination of Gothic vaults and Baroque splendor, created by the outstanding masters of their time. This site attracts thousands of tourists annually, offering a chance to touch the era of great dynasties and see the luxury in which banquets were held after France's most important state rituals.

For more details or to book a guided tour, you can use the museum's official contact information.

Within the walls of the Palais du Tau, guests are immersed in a world of royal grandeur. The museum's main pride is the Cathedral Treasury, where you can closely examine the original Gothic statues that once decorated the facade of Reims Cathedral. Among the most valuable exhibits is the legendary 9th-century Reliquary of Charlemagne and the Sainte Ampoule — the vessel containing the chrism used in the coronation of French monarchs.

Be sure to visit the Banquet Hall (Salle du Tau), which is striking in its scale. Imagine how kings feasted at these long tables after the ceremony! Equally impressive is the architecture of the Palatine Chapel, preserved from the 13th century, and the lower hall with its massive vaults, conveying the austere atmosphere of a medieval fortress. Art lovers will appreciate the series of ancient tapestries detailing the lives of saints and monarchs.

A walk through the palace halls allows you to see not only official regalia but also personal belongings of rulers, ceremonial clothing, and everyday items of the archbishops. This is a rare opportunity to trace how the fashion and tastes of the French elite changed over nearly a thousand years — from the first Carolingians to the last king, Charles X.

The Palais du Tau is conveniently located in the heart of the historic center of Reims, just a few steps from the famous cathedral. If you are arriving by train, the walk from the central Reims Gare station takes no more than 15–20 minutes through picturesque streets. A journey from Paris on the TGV high-speed train takes only about 45 minutes, making the palace an excellent choice for a day trip.

For those who prefer public transport, tram lines A and B are ideal — get off at the Cathédrale stop. City buses No. 1, 2, and 3 also stop within walking distance. If you are traveling by car, you can leave your vehicle at the nearby Parking Cathédrale or Tau, though finding a free space can be difficult during the peak tourist season.

Thanks to its central location, a visit to the palace is easy to combine with a walk to other UNESCO sites, such as the Abbey of Saint-Remi, which can be reached in 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, you can always use a local taxi, which will quickly take you from any point in the city directly to Place du Cardinal Luçon.

The history of this site dates back to ancient times: in the 6th and 7th centuries, a luxurious Gallo-Roman villa stood here, which later became a residence for the Carolingian dynasty. The first written mentions of the palace itself date back to 1131. The building received its unusual name — Tau — due to its T-shaped floor plan (resembling the Greek letter Τ), which was characteristic of the structure in the 13th century.

The architectural appearance of the palace was shaped over centuries, experiencing periods of prosperity and change. At the end of the 15th century, it was rebuilt in the exquisite Flamboyant Gothic style, and at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, famous architects Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Robert de Cotte added features of classical Baroque. It was within these walls that future kings of France prepared for the most important event of their lives — the coronation — dressing in ceremonial robes before appearing before the people.

The palace has endured many trials: during the French Revolution, it was used as a prison and a warehouse, and it also suffered damage during past historical events. After extensive restoration work in the post-war years, the building reopened its doors, and in 1972, it officially became a museum, serving as the guardian of the priceless relics of the French monarchy.

To explore the palace halls at a leisurely pace, study the rich collection of sculptures, and view the royal regalia, most travelers need 1 to 2 hours. This is plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere of the ancient residence and take memorable photos in the banquet hall or the quiet Palatine Chapel.

If you plan to study every tapestry in detail and read all the artifact descriptions, you should allow for a bit more time. A visit to the Palais du Tau is usually perfectly combined with a tour of the neighboring Reims Cathedral, which altogether can make for a rich three-hour program in the heart of the city.

Currently, the Palais du Tau may be temporarily closed for visits due to restoration or technical work. Usually, the museum adheres to a standard schedule from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (with a possible break in the middle of the day), and Monday is most often the closing day.

Since opening hours can change depending on the season and holidays, we strongly recommend checking for up-to-date information on the official website or confirming the status by phone before planning your visit to ensure your trip is as comfortable as possible.

Exploring the central part of Reims allows you to see many iconic sites concentrated around the main square and the cathedral in a single day. A stroll through these historic quarters immerses you in the atmosphere of French classics and provides access to monuments from various eras — from antiquity to the modern day.