Reims and the coronation of the Kings of France
From Clovis to Saint Remi, Charles VII and Joan of Arc... since the dawn of time, the Marne has often seen its history intertwined with the history of France!
Thirty-three kings of France travelled to Reims to be crowned. The ceremony takes place in Reims Cathedral, and the Palais du Tau, the archiepiscopal palace of the diocese of Reims, is intimately linked to the ceremony.
Origins
The baptism of Clovis by Saint Remi on Christmas Eve 498 in the ancient cathedral of Reims is at the origin of the tradition of the Sacres Royaux. Some thirty kings have been crowned in the city, including Charles VII, thanks to the efforts of Joan of Arc.
First crown
The first king to be crowned at Reims was Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne.
He was crowned emperor on October 5, 816 by Pope Stephen IV in the first cathedral built by Saint Nicaise. The prestige of the Holy Ampoule and the political power of the archbishops of Reims, in particular Archbishop Hincmar, led to the definitive location of the coronation in Reims from Henry I onwards (1027).
An unchanging ritual
From Charles the Simple in 893 to Charles X in 1825, no fewer than 33 pretenders to the throne were elevated to royal dignity, according to an immutable ritual that lasted… 5 hours. But 5 hours wasn’t too long for the Sainte-Ampoule to be transported under escort and with great care, the orations to be pronounced, the oath of coronation to be taken, the chrism and oil to be anointed, the silk slippers, satin tunic and velvet cloak with fleur-de-lys to be donned, the crown to be imposed and the sword, spurs, sceptre and rod to be handed over… The ceremony took place three times at
Since 1027, two kings have not been crowned in Reims: Louis VI was crowned in Orleans by the archbishop of Sens in 1108, and Henri IV was crowned in Chartres on February 27, 1594.
This last defection had a major historical impact: in 1594, Reims refused to accept Henri IV, a pale Catholic in his eyes.
The latter, finally crowned in Chartres, made the city pay dearly for this affront: he preferred Châlons as the seat of the generality of Champagne.
ROYAL CORONATIONS FROM LOUIS XIII TO CHARLES X
33 is the number of kings of France who have been crowned at Reims, from Louis the Pious in 816 to Charles X in 1825.