Tau Palace (Palais du Tau)

A former residence for French monarchs, previously occupied by the Archbishop of Reims, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991, the Tau Palace (Palais du Tau) is one of Burgundy’s key historical landmarks. The palace’s name comes from its distinctive “T” shape (tau is the Greek equivalent of “T”), and its history dates back to the 6th century.

Formerly the site of an ancient Gallo-Roman villa, the Tau Palace was later rebuilt, and today features a striking mix of Gothic and baroque architecture. In addition to serving as the residence of the Archbishop of Reims, the palace also hosted French kings prior to their coronations at the nearby Abbey of Saint-Remi. Today, the landmark is open to the public as a museum, displaying tapestries, reliquaries, and other extraordinary artifacts.

The Tau Palace is conveniently included on the Reims City Pass. It’s also possible to prebook tickets to the attraction before you travel.

• The palace was renovated in the 17th century by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, Louis XIV’s architect, who also designed the Grand Trianon at Versailles.
• The landmark is free to visit on some first Sundays of the month and during European Heritage Days, held every September.
• Private tours (in French) are available upon request and are offered daily.
• The landmark is fully adapted to wheelchair users.

To reach the Tau Palace, you can take the A or B tram to Opéra station, or bus lines 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 or 16. The palace is a 15-minute walk from the Gare de Reims, the city’s main train station.

The Tau Palace is closed for renovations, and will reopen in 2025.

The Tau Palace is just adjacent to the Reims Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims), and it’s a popular option to visit both landmarks in one day. The cathedral, renowned for its Gothic splendor, is one of the most important religious buildings in Europe, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.