The Drouet d'Erlon square

Place Drouet d'Erlon, the great lively terrace of Reims

At nearly 400 metres long, Place Drouet d'Erlon is said to be the largest terrace in France. Lined with lively bars and restaurants, it is the beating heart of Reims life, by day as by night. The Reims audio-guided tour stops here to capture the convivial atmosphere of the city, around its famous fountain.

Longer than the great squares of France

With its impressive dimensions, the esplanade exceeds in length squares as famous as the Concorde in Paris, the Quinconces in Bordeaux or Bellecour in Lyon. Formerly Rue de la Couture, it was dedicated in 1853 to Marshal Drouet-d'Erlon. Rebuilt after the Great War in the spirit of the medieval loges, it is today crowned at its centre by the fine Subé fountain.

What to see

People come to the square for its liveliness, its terraces and its homogeneous architecture from the reconstruction. At its centre, the Subé fountain, topped with a gilded statue, is an essential landmark and a meeting place for the people of Reims. Entirely pedestrian, the esplanade invites strolling and links the station to the historic heart, in a decidedly lively atmosphere.

Practical information

Place Drouet d'Erlon lies right in the centre of Reims, between the station and the historic heart, reachable on foot. Entirely pedestrian, it is freely accessible at all times, with no ticket office, and its flat ground makes it manageable for visitors with reduced mobility and pushchairs. It is an ideal meeting point, particularly lively in the evening.

Is Place Drouet d'Erlon really the largest terrace in France?

At nearly 400 metres long, it is often presented as the largest terrace in France, exceeding in length renowned squares such as the Concorde, the Quinconces or Bellecour.

What is there to see on Place Drouet d'Erlon?

Its long pedestrian esplanade lined with terraces, its architecture from the reconstruction and, at its centre, the Subé fountain topped with its gilded statue.