Tau Palace (Palais du Tau)
The basics
Formerly the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa, the Tau Palace was later rebuilt, and today features a striking mix of Gothic and baroque architecture. In addition to serving as the residence of the Archbishop of Reims, the palace also hosted French kings prior to their coronations at the nearby Abbey of Saint-Remi. Today, the landmark is open to the public as a museum and displays tapestries, reliquaries, and other extraordinary artifacts.
The Tau Palace is conveniently included in the Reims City Pass scheme. It’s also possible to prebook tickets to the attraction before you travel.
Things to know before you go
- The palace was renovated in the 17th century by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s architect, who also designed the Grand Trianon at Versailles.
- The landmark is free to visit on the first Sunday of the month and during European Heritage Days, held every September.
- Private tours (in French) are available upon request and are offered twice daily.
- The landmark is fully adapted to wheelchair-users.
How to get there
To reach the Tau Palace via public transportation, take the A and B trams to Opéra station. The landmark is also served by bus lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 16, and is just a 15-minute walk from the Gare de Reims, the city’s main train station.
Trip ideas
When to get there
To reach the Tau Palace via public transportation, take the A and B trams to Opéra station. The landmark is also served by bus lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 16, and is just a 15-minute walk from the Gare de Reims, the city’s main train station.
Reims Cathedral
The Tau Palace is located just adjacent to the Reims Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), and it’s a popular option to visit both landmarks in one day. The cathedral, renowned for its Gothic splendor, is one of the most important religious buildings in Europe, It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.