i 🏛️ Heritage & castles
Cathedrals and basilicas of the Grand Est: Strasbourg, Reims, Metz
The Grand Est is home to some of Europe’s great Gothic building projects: Strasbourg’s pink sandstone cathedral and its 142 m spire; Notre-Dame de Reims, where almost every King of France was crowned from the 11th century onwards; and Saint-Étienne in Metz, the “Good Lord’s Lantern”, with nearly 6,500 m² of stained glass. Around them, Troyes, Toul and Châlons-en-Champagne offer quieter visits, often free of charge, while the Basilica of Saint-Remi in Reims holds the tomb of the bishop who baptised Clovis.
To choose, start with what draws you. Stained glass? Metz, Troyes and Châlons make a remarkable trio, with Chagall as a bonus in Metz and Reims. The history of the monarchy? Reims and Saint-Remi, listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view? The platform at Strasbourg and the towers of Reims are reached on foot, up flights of stairs. The naves are generally free to enter outside services; towers, treasuries, crypts and the astronomical clock charge admission. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 per building, longer with a guided tour.
How to choose?
If you love stained glass
Metz has nearly 6,500 m² of windows, Troyes around 1,500 m² dating from the 13th to the 17th century, and Châlons stained glass from the 12th to the 16th century.
🏛️ Metz Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)🏛️ Troyes Cathedral (Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul)🏛️ Châlons Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)
If you are fascinated by the Kings of France
The coronation cathedral and the basilica housing the tomb of Saint Remi form a single UNESCO site, around 2 km apart.
If you are travelling without a car
All three can be reached on foot or by tram from the station, in historic centres that are easy to explore.
🏛️ Strasbourg Cathedral🏛️ Metz Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)🏛️ Troyes Cathedral (Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul)
If you want a free, peaceful visit
Free entry, smaller crowds and, at Toul, a vast Gothic cloister to discover.
🏛️ Troyes Cathedral (Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul)🏛️ Châlons Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)🏛️ Toul Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)
ComparisonData taken from each listing, checked against official sources
| Place or activity | When | Time needed | Who it suits | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg Cathedral📍 Bas-Rhin (67) | All year; platform closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December | 1 hour for the nave, 1 hour for the clock (11:30–12:45), 45 min to 1 hour for the platform | All ages; platform only suitable for those in good physical condition | Tram A or D to Langstross-Grand’Rue, tram B, C or F to Broglie; pedestrianised centre, leave the car at a Park & Ride (P+R) |
| Reims Cathedral📍 Marne (51) | Cathedral open all year round; towers open from mid-February to mid-November | 45 min to 1 hour for the cathedral; add the guided tour of the towers | All ages; towers not advisable if you struggle with stairs (249 steps) | Reims station (TGV from Paris-Est), tram A or B to the “Opéra” stop 250 m away; A4 or A26 exit “Cathédrale” |
| Metz Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)📍 Moselle (57) | All year, daily 08:00–19:00 (visits outside services) | 45 min to 1 hr 30 min with the crypt and treasury | All ages; lovers of stained glass and Gothic architecture | Metz station about 15 min on foot; Mettis A and B, République stop; car park beneath the covered market |
| Basilica of Saint-Remi📍 Marne (51) | All year round (place of worship); guided tours according to the tourist office calendar | 45 min self-guided; 1 hr 30 min on a guided tour | All ages; lovers of Romanesque art and the history of the Frankish kings | Buses 4, 6, 11, 40 and City Bus, “St Remi” stop; about 2 km south of the cathedral |
| Troyes Cathedral (Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul)📍 Aube (10) | Open every day of the year; no visits on Sunday mornings (Mass) | — | All ages; “Zorobabel” children’s trail | Place Saint-Pierre, in the historic quarter of Troyes; Troyes SNCF station |
| Toul Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)📍 Meurthe-et-Moselle (54) | All year round; longer opening hours in summer | 1 hour for the cathedral and cloister; half a day with the old town | All visitors | Toul SNCF railway station; by car via the A31 from Nancy (about 23 km); square in front: Place Charles-de-Gaulle |
| Châlons Cathedral (Saint-Étienne)📍 Marne (51) | All year round: 10:00–16:00 from October to April, 10:00–18:00 from May to September (times not guaranteed) | 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes | Lovers of Gothic architecture and stained glass; no pets | Rue de la Marne, Châlons-en-Champagne town centre; Châlons-en-Champagne SNCF railway station |
Map: Cathedrals and basilicas of the Grand Est: Strasbourg, Reims, Metz
When to go?
- JanPossible
- FebPossible
- MarPossible
- AprPossible
- MayPeak season
- JunPeak season
- JulPeak season
- AugPeak season
- SeptPeak season
- OctPossible
- NovPossible
- DecPossible
Peak season Possible Off season
📅 The cathedrals can be visited all year round; go in the warmer months if you want to climb the towers of Reims (mid-February to mid-November), and pick a sunny day to see the stained glass blaze with colour.
Tips & insider advice
- Avoid service times
Visits are suspended during services, notably on Sunday mornings in Troyes. Check the times before you set off.
- Strasbourg’s astronomical clock
Its presentation takes place in the late morning (11:30–12:45 slot), with a paid ticket separate from the nave.
- Get your legs ready
The towers of Reims have 249 steps and the Strasbourg platform calls for a good level of fitness; it closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.
- Look for Chagall’s windows
Marc Chagall created windows for Metz (begun in 1958, permanently installed in 1970) and three windows in the axial chapel at Reims (1974).
- Bring binoculars
The upper windows and the façade sculptures are far easier to make out with a small pair of binoculars.
- Palais du Tau closed
In Reims, the former archbishops’ palace is closed for works; it is due to reopen as the Musée des Sacres (Coronation Museum) in 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Which cathedral should I visit in the Grand Est?
Strasbourg for its pink sandstone spire and astronomical clock, Reims for the history of the coronations and Metz for its immense stained-glass windows are the three great classics. If you prefer quieter, free visits, Troyes, Toul and Châlons-en-Champagne are well worth the detour.
Is it free to visit the cathedrals?
The nave is free to enter at Strasbourg, Reims, Metz, Troyes, Toul and Châlons, as is the Basilica of Saint-Remi for self-guided visits. Extras charge admission: the platform and clock in Strasbourg, the towers in Reims (free for under-18s), the crypt and treasury in Metz, and guided tours. Check the official websites for prices.
Can you climb to the top of Strasbourg and Reims cathedrals?
Yes. In Strasbourg, the platform is reached on foot and closes on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. In Reims, the towers can be visited from mid-February to mid-November on a guided tour, with 249 steps: they are not recommended if you struggle with stairs.
Where can I see Chagall stained glass in the Grand Est?
At Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz, where Marc Chagall worked on the ambulatory, transept and triforium, and at Reims Cathedral, where three windows in the axial chapel date from 1974. The two cities are linked by the A4 motorway.
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: check the official website before you travel.