Royal Square

The Place Royale of Reims, eighteenth-century elegance

With its almost square plan and its arcaded buildings, the Place Royale is one of the most harmonious in Reims. At its centre stands a statue of Louis XV, leaving little doubt as to the origin of its name. The Reims audio-guided tour stops here to evoke the royal town planning of the eighteenth century, designed to give the city a showcase worthy of the king.

A square to the glory of Louis XV

Begun in 1757 in honour of Louis XV, the square is characteristic of eighteenth-century architecture, with its arcades and balustraded roofs. It aimed to ease circulation and offer a monumental setting in the heart of the city. The royal statue that dominates it makes it a manifesto of the urban art of the time, where order and symmetry were to celebrate the monarchy.

What to see

People come to the Place Royale for its architectural unity, its arcaded façades and the statue of Louis XV at its centre. It is a pleasant landmark during a walk through the centre, a stone's throw from the great Reims monuments. The details of the balustrades and pediments reward those who take the time to look up.

Practical information

The Place Royale lies in the centre of Reims, near the cathedral, and is freely explored on foot. It is a public space open at all times, with no ticket office. The ground is broadly flat and accessible; as everywhere in the centre, parking is limited during the day and walking remains the simplest way to get around.

Why is it called the Place Royale?

Because it was begun in 1757 in honour of King Louis XV, whose statue occupies the centre of the square.

What architectural style characterises the square?

The eighteenth-century style, with its arcaded façades, balustraded roofs and regular composition, typical of the royal town planning of the time.