Basilica St Remi (France)

And yes, it's Easter weekend, and while some of us thought of celebrating it with our family (me for example!), France is re-confined just before the school holidays ...

But let’s not lose our enthusiasm nor our faith in a better future, and that’s why I’m taking you today to visit the Basilica of St Remi in Reims.

After my Solo Wedding in Santorini, I’ve spent a lot of time in this beautiful region of Champagne-Ardennes, which includes the city of Reims, and I’ve already introduced you to some great attractions:

• Reims Cathedral
• Rainy day at Epernay

And especially:

• Champagne!

because this famous alcohol is produced here ...

St Remi Basilica is almost as tall as Reims Cathedral, 413ft long (126m), like Notre-Dame de Paris and 190ft wide (58m).

It was built in the 11th century, but more construction occurred for several centuries until the 19th century, and its golden age happened during the 12th century.

It was largely destroyed during the 1st World War, and 40 years were necessary for its reconstruction (20 for the Cathedral of Reims).

Roman and Gothic in style, its volumes are very impressive and make the place very solemn.

Many items of furniture and decoration were destroyed and ransacked during the French Revolution.

However, some sumptuous elements are still present and distinguish it from other religious buildings such as:

• The Crown of Light is the symbol of heavenly Jerusalem, the ninety-six candles of which evoke the lifespan of Saint Remi.
• The organ replaced on several occasions, including one burnt during the First World War, was finally replaced in 2000, 21ft (6.5m) of pipes integrated into a 38ft (11.5m) wood structure!
• The display of a slab with lead inlays from another church, which depicts scenes from the Old Testament, including Pharaoh pursuing Moses and the Jews.
• And statues ...

Let's admire now the classic stained-glass windows that have withstood ages and wars, accompanied today by contemporary stained glass windows created between 1950 and 1980.

But what makes this basilica unique is that it keeps the relics of Bishop Saint Remi, the very one who baptised Clovis, the first King of France. This is the reason why it was originally built.

His tomb is majestic and beautifully displayed, although this is only a 19th century replica, the original being looted and vandalised during the revolution.

Moreover, the basilica is decorated with many chapels including the chapel of the Virgin of the Vow, and an ambulatory to accommodate the many pilgrims.

A video to watch at the end, unfortunately it's in French,  but you can still enjoy the beautiful images...
 
Don't hesitate to re-read my articles from previous years:

• Chocolate - that you're certainly enjoying right now 
• In the air
• Happiness
• Pyrgos
• Thank you
• Reims Cathedral
• Paris Pantheon
• Almudena Cathedral​

No article next week but you can continue to follow me on my social media ...
Next Post: April 17, 2021
 
 
Happy Easter!
 
Love & Joy,
L.