Tau Palace

The Palace of Tau, setting for the coronation of kings in Reims

Adjoining the cathedral, the Palace of Tau was the residence of the archbishops of Reims and the stage for the splendour of the coronation. Here the kings of France stayed during their visit, and the banquet following the ceremony was held. The Reims audio-guided tour extends the cathedral visit here to reveal the behind-the-scenes of the royal crowning.

The archiepiscopal palace shaped like a T

The palace owes its name to its plan, which in the Middle Ages drew the shape of a T, the Greek letter tau. Residence of the archbishops, it also housed the administration of the archbishopric, one of the most powerful in the kingdom. Intimately linked to the coronations, it keeps the memory of those ceremonies that made Reims, for a few days, the political and religious centre of France.

What to see

The palace houses a museum devoted to the history of the coronation and to the cathedral, where original statues, tapestries and pieces of the treasury are notably displayed. The great hall where the coronation banquet was held is among the most striking spaces. It is the ideal complement to the cathedral visit, to understand the royal and sacred dimension of Reims.

Practical information

The Palace of Tau lies right next to the cathedral, in the heart of Reims, reachable on foot. Note: the palace has gone through a long period of works in recent years, with a reopening planned after renovation. Before any visit, it is strongly advised to check the hours, prices and opening status with the monument or the tourist office.

Why is the palace called the Palace of Tau?

Because its plan in the Middle Ages drew the shape of the Greek letter tau, that is a T; it was the residence of the archbishops of Reims.

What is the link between the Palace of Tau and the coronation of kings?

The kings of France stayed there during their coronation in the neighbouring cathedral, and it was there that the great banquet following the ceremony was given.