The historic center of Reims is built up with monumental buildings. The city of Reims was founded on the site of a settlement of the Remus tribe, who were allies of Julius Caesar when Roman troops captured Gaul. At the site of Reims, there was a Roman camp, and then a small city with fortified walls, thermal baths, and a Palace on the site where is now the Cathedral of Reims.
Only the arch of Mars and the Cryptoportico (part of the Roman forum) have survived from the Roman era. In the 4th century, the Gauls captured Reims, and all the buildings of that era were destroyed. From the Middle Ages, there are also mostly monumental buildings that are included in the UNESCO cultural heritage lists: Reims Cathedral, the Basilica of Saint Remigius and the Palace of Tau.
The cramped buildings of medieval Reims with narrow streets were demolished in the period 1756-60 by the architect Jean-Gabriel Legendre. On the site of the Roman street Cardo, in the center of the city, is now the Royal square. A monumental building of the Prefectural administration was erected there. In the center of the square is a monument to king Louis XV.
The historic center of Reims is built up during the 18th and 19th centuries. It fully corresponds to the status of the informal capital of the province of Champagne. It is nice to walk here during the day. In the evening, tourists usually visit the Boulevard Place Drouet-D`erlon. There are many restaurants where you can drink champagne.
