The Palace of Coronations, in the Shadow of the Cathedral
Tucked against the south flank of Reims Cathedral, this former archbishop's palace gets its name from its medieval layout, originally drawn in the shape of a T, or tau in Greek. Behind this facade lies one of the most history-dense sites in France.
This is where the royal banquet took place after each coronation, in a hall designed to receive the monarch straight out of the cathedral.
Why Visit the Tau Palace
Coronation ceremonies took place in Reims starting in 816 for the crowning of Louis the Pious, and lasted until 1825 with that of Charles X, the last king crowned in French history. The palace itself survived through the centuries in waves: built between 1498 and 1509, partially rebuilt in 1675, and then restored following the fire of September 19, 1914.
It became state property in 1905 and reopened as a museum in 1972, dedicated to the artwork of the cathedral and royal coronations.
What You Will Discover Inside
The tour moves through several meaningful rooms. The Tau Room, also known as the Feast Hall, hosted the royal banquet after the ceremony. The Charles X Room holds the coronation robe, a piece of violet silk velvet, along with all the ornaments created for the 1825 coronation.
Elsewhere, monumental statues removed from the cathedral during its restorations stand alongside ancient tapestries. In two strongrooms, the Treasury brings together reliquaries and liturgical objects tied to the coronation ritual. The story of Clovis and his baptism, alongside the legend of the Holy Ampulla that sparked the entire Reims coronation tradition, shapes the entire visit.
A Listed Landmark, a Palace Under Construction
The archbishop's chapel has been a listed historic monument since 1886, the archbishopric itself since 1907, and the entire site is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Friendly tip: The palace is currently closed to the public for major restoration work and an overhaul of the visitor route. Only the gift shop remains open, and guided tours of the cathedral towers are available in the meantime. Check ahead before you go, as standard operating hours do not apply during the construction project.
Opening hours
Mid-September to early May: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Closed Mondays.
Early May to mid-September: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM. Closed Mondays.
Closed January 1, May 1, and December 25.
How long for this activity
Plan on 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through all the galleries of the Tau Palace and check out the Treasury.
This palace is truly magnificent. It is located just a stone's throw from the cathedral and houses a vast museum. You can discover many different works across several floors. The museum is currently closed for renovation, so check the reopening date.