Best architecture photography spots Reims

Reims is an absolute dream for architecture photographers visiting France in 2025. It mixes ancient history with modern styles in a way that is truly unique. You will find the best architecture photography spots Reims has to offer in this guide. This expert guide helps you capture every detail of the city's historic charm.

The city serves as a living museum of French history and artistic evolution. From Roman arches to sleek modern designs, there is something for every camera lens. Most of these locations are within walking distance of the historic city center. Prepare your equipment for a full day of capturing stunning architectural diversity today.

Capturing the Majestic Reims Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Reims is a Gothic masterpiece that features incredible stone carvings and tall spires. Early morning light hits the cathedral facade to create a beautiful glow for your photos. This location is one of the top photography spots Reims provides for travelers. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of this massive structure.

Walk around the entire exterior to find unique angles of the flying buttresses. The Great Organ inside offers a stunning symmetrical shot for your photography portfolio. High ceilings and stained glass windows create a sense of massive scale and wonder. Tripods are often restricted inside, so you should use high ISO settings for clarity.

Look for the famous Smiling Angel statue located on the northern portal specifically. This sculpture adds a perfect human touch to the cold, historic stone surfaces. Late afternoon sun creates dramatic shadows on the portals for high-contrast images. You should plan your visit before the daily crowds arrive for the best results.

The cathedral is free to enter, but climbing the towers costs ten Euros. This climb offers a panoramic view of the city and the cathedral roof. Capture the gargoyles up close while enjoying the breeze from the high balcony. It is a perfect spot for capturing the sprawling urban landscape of Reims.

Best Architecture Photography Spots Reims Offers in Art Deco

Reims was rebuilt after World War I using the elegant Art Deco style. Many buildings feature bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors for your camera to capture. The Carnegie Library is a primary example of this beautiful and unique era. Check our guide on Reims Art Deco buildings for specific address details and maps.

Walk down Rue de Vesle to see many diverse and ornate building facades. Look up to see intricate ironwork and colorful mosaics on the upper floors. Many local shops have preserved their original 1920s storefronts for modern visitors. These small details make for excellent close-up shots during your afternoon photography walk.

The Cinema Opéra is another stunning Art Deco landmark located in the city center. Its vintage neon signs look amazing during the blue hour after sunset. Position yourself across the busy street to get a full view of the building. Use a tripod at night to ensure your images remain sharp and clear.

The Halles du Boulingrin is a restored market with a stunning concrete vault. This building combines industrial strength with the elegance of Art Deco design principles. The market is open on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from early morning until late. Shooting from the interior balcony provides a great perspective of the active stalls.

Historic Landmarks and Roman Heritage Sites

The Palais du Tau stands directly next to the famous Reims Cathedral. This former palace houses many royal treasures and features a classic French style. It provides a sharp contrast to the Gothic church sitting right next to it. This area is essential for anyone interested in historical architecture Reims currently features.

Visit the Basilica of Saint-Remi for its beautiful Romanesque and Gothic design details. It is much older and quieter than the main cathedral in the center. The interior light creates a very moody and atmospheric setting for your photos. It is the perfect place to use a wide-angle lens for interior shots.

The Porte de Mars is an ancient Roman triumphal arch from the third century. It is currently the widest arch found anywhere in the entire Roman world. Capture its intricate carvings and massive stones during the warm golden hour. The surrounding park provides a green frame for your historical architectural photography.

The Abbey Museum next to the Basilica also offers stunning cloister views. These arches create perfect frames for the courtyard gardens inside the historic complex. Admission to the museum costs five Euros and is well worth the price. You can spend hours capturing the light as it moves across the stone.

Modern Structures and Contemporary Design

Reims also features several impressive contemporary building designs for modern architecture lovers. The Reims Management School shows off sleek glass walls and modern sharp angles. These glass surfaces reflect the surrounding clouds and the changing sky beautifully. It offers a sharp contrast to the older parts of the historic city.

The TGV train station is another modern architectural highlight worth your time. Its sweeping roof looks like a futuristic wing made of steel and glass. Wide lenses help you capture the building's massive scale and flowing curves. Check our modern architecture Reims guide for more contemporary photography locations.

Visit the FRAC Champagne-Ardenne for a mix of old and modern styles. This contemporary art center is housed in a beautifully renovated historic building. The contrast between new materials and old stone creates very interesting visual layers. It is a great place to experiment with abstract architectural photography shots.

The Arena Reims is a newer addition to the city's modern skyline. Its metallic exterior glows under the streetlights during the late evening hours. Capture the building from the nearby park to include some natural elements. This structure shows the future direction of urban design in this historic city.

Champagne Houses and Grand Estates

Champagne houses often combine luxury with grand industrial architecture in their designs. Many estates feature massive 19th-century chateaus and ornate iron entrance gates. Taittinger and Pommery have very photogenic main buildings that attract many tourists. The surrounding gardens provide a lush and colorful backdrop for your architectural photos.

Venture into the deep chalk cellars for unique subterranean architectural photography shots. These caves are UNESCO World Heritage sites and feature endless rows of bottles. The long tunnels create amazing leading lines for your camera to follow. Use a fast lens for these dark environments to avoid blurry images.

Villa Demoiselle is a masterpiece of Art Nouveau design located near Pommery. The restoration work on this villa is truly world-class and very detailed. It is a must-see for photographers who love intricate details and elegant curves. Entry costs fifteen Euros and includes a guided tour of the interior.

The Veuve Clicquot visitor center offers a very modern take on champagne architecture. Its sleek wood and glass design stands out among the traditional stone buildings. Capture the reflection of the logo in the polished surfaces for creative shots. It represents the perfect blend of tradition and modern branding in Reims.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time for architecture photography in Reims?

The golden hour provides the best light for the cathedral and stone buildings. Early morning is ideal to avoid large crowds of tourists at popular spots. Blue hour is perfect for capturing the Art Deco neon signs downtown. Most buildings look best when the sun is at a low angle.

Are tripods allowed inside the Reims Cathedral?

Tripods are generally not allowed inside the cathedral or other religious buildings. You should use a camera with good image stabilization for interior shots. High ISO settings will help you capture clear photos in the dim light. Always be respectful of worshippers while you are taking your photos.

Is the city of Reims walkable for a photography tour?

Reims is a very walkable city with most major landmarks close together. You can reach the cathedral, Palais du Tau, and downtown easily on foot. A tram system is also available for reaching sites further from the center. This makes it easy to carry your camera gear between locations.

Reims offers a rich variety of photo opportunities for every type of photographer. From Gothic cathedrals to Art Deco streets, your camera will stay very busy. Grab your gear and explore these amazing spots during your 2025 visit. You will capture the true spirit of French architectural history in Reims.

Key Takeaways

Visit the Reims Cathedral during the early morning for the best light.
Explore the Rue de Vesle to find unique Art Deco building details.
Climb the cathedral towers for a great panoramic view of the city.
Use a fast lens when photographing the dark underground champagne cellars.