Discovering Reims' rich history

(Tribune Media Services) -- Imagine that happy day around 1700 when the monk Dom Perignon, after much fiddling with the double fermentation of his grape juice, stumbled onto a bubbly delight. Having tasted the very first glass of champagne, he ran through the abbey shouting, "Brothers, come quickly ... I'm drinking stars!"

The drink he invented ultimately put the region of Champagne in northeastern France on the map. And thanks to a new TGV bullet train that lets you connect nearly hourly from Paris (in 45 minutes), the region and its delightful capital Reims (pronounced "rance") are more accessible than ever.

You can tour a handful of interesting Champagne caves right in Reims. Most tours include a walk through the chalky cellars, where literally millions of bottles are stored; a tour of a museum featuring old Champagne-making contraptions; and, of course, a ritual tasting. Guided visits cost 12 euros and take about an hour.

But there's far more to Reims than bubbly. Reims has a turbulent history. It was one of many cities essentially destroyed in World War I -- by 1918, there was barely a building standing. Reims was rebuilt in the next decade during the art deco age. Today, this lively workaday town boasts a fun art deco flair without the glamour of tourism, while its sights give you an interesting peek at its past.

The fountain, which hasn't functioned since World War I, stands dry on the main square. Everything around it was rebuilt -- mostly in the 1920s. All around, you'll see stylized art deco features -- geometric reliefs, motifs in ironwork, rounded corners and simple concrete elegance. The only hint of the Middle Ages are the narrow lots upon which they're built. In a patisserie, a lady hands out samples of Biscuits Roses, the favorite local munchie -- light, rose-colored egg and sugar cookies dating from 1756 -- to accompany a glass of Champagne.

At the Museum of the Surrender, World War II buffs can visit the actual room where the Armistice was signed by British, American, French, German, and Soviet leaders. In this building, Gen. Dwight Eisenhower received the unconditional surrender of all German forces in the early morning of May 7, 1945. The surrender was announced the next day, turning May 8 into Victory in Europe (V-E), or Armistice, Day.

Anyone interested in World War II will be fascinated by the extensive collection of artifacts (like the ticker tape with the happy news), photos, and video. The signing room still has the maps with troop positions on the walls and the 13 chairs with nametags in their original spots.

The cathedral of Reims is a glorious example of Gothic architecture, and one of Europe's greatest churches. Clovis, the first king of the Franks, was baptized at a church on this site in A.D. 496, establishing France's Christian roots that hold firm today. Since Clovis' baptism, Reims' cathedral has been the place for the coronation of 25 French kings and queens -- allowing it to play a more important role in France's political history than Paris' Notre Dame cathedral. Severe bombing during World War I devastated the church, which was later restored (just in time for the start of World War II), thanks in large part to John D. Rockefeller.

Flying buttresses soar from the sides of the church. These massive "beams" are critical to supporting this structure. The pointed arches inside the church push the weight of the roof outward, rather than downward. The flying buttresses support the roof by pushing back inward, creating a delicate balance between the two forces. Gothic architects learned by trial and error -- many church roofs caved in as they tested their theories and strove to build ever higher.

Contemplate the lives of the people who erected this huge building, starting in 1211. Construction on a scale like this required a wholesale community effort -- all hands on deck. Most townsfolk who participated donated their money or their labor knowing that neither they, nor their children, nor their children's children would ever see it completed -- such was their pride, dedication and faith. Master masons supervised, while the average Jean did much of the sweat work. Labor was something even the poorest medieval peasant could donate generously.

In the apse glows a luminous set of Marc Chagall stained-glass windows from 1974. Chagall's inimitable style lent itself to stained glass, depicting scenes from the Old Testament and the resurrection of Christ. The Tree of Jesse is extended to symbolically include the royalty of France, both affirming the divine power of the monarchs but also stressing the need to rule with wisdom and justice.

With its Gothic cathedral, venerable Champagne caves, playful art deco style and vibrant pedestrian zone, Reims feels both historic and youthful at the same time.

Rick Steves writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. E-mail him at rick@ricksteves.com, or write to him c/o P.O. Box 2009, Edmonds, Wash. 98020.

Copyright 2007 RICK STEVES, DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.