Smiling Angel, Reims

Name: Smiling Angel
Address: Reims, France

#9 among attractions in Reims

Monuments and statues, Gothic architecture

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Facts and practical information

The Smiling Angel, known as "L'Ange au Sourire" in French, is a captivating statue located in the city of Reims, France. This renowned sculpture is not just a piece of art but a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Reims. Standing within the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Smiling Angel graces the western façade of this Gothic architectural masterpiece.

Carved in the 13th century, the statue is celebrated for its serene and benevolent smile, a rare expression during a period when most religious sculptures portrayed solemnity. The Smiling Angel has witnessed the coronation of French kings and the ravages of time, including significant damage during World War I. However, the statue was meticulously restored to its original grace, further cementing its status as a beloved emblem of the city.

Visitors to Reims often make a point to see the Smiling Angel, drawn by its unique charm and historical significance. The statue continues to inspire and uplift those who gaze upon it, making it an essential stop for anyone touring the grand Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral. Its gentle smile serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of Reims through centuries of history.

Local name: L'Ange au Sourire Coordinates: 49°15'13"N, 4°1'59"E

Address

CathédraleReims France

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Day trips

Smiling Angel – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Reims Cathedral, Palace of Tau, Porte de Mars, Opera House.

~180 ftS
Towering 13th-century Gothic church
Reims Cathedral, Reims
1 min walk • Reims Cathedral, officially known as Notre-Dame de Reims, is a towering masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and a monument of historical and religious significance located in the city of Reims, France. This grand church, which has been standing since its...
~320 ftSE
17th-century royal and episcopal palace
Palace of Tau, Reims
2 min walk • The Palace of Tau, a historical gem nestled in the city of Reims, France, is a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. Originally the residence of the archbishop and a site of immense significance, this architectural marvel is now a museum that beckons...
0.5 miN
Remains of a Roman triumphal arch
Porte de Mars, Reims
13 min walk • The Porte de Mars is an ancient Roman triumphal arch that stands as a testament to the historical grandeur of Reims, a city in northeastern France. This majestic arch, which dates back to the 3rd century AD, is the largest known arch of the Roman world and is named...
~470 ftW
Concerts and shows, Opera, Theater
Opera House, Reims
3 min walk • The Opera House in Reims, France, stands as a beacon of cultural sophistication and architectural elegance. Nestled in the heart of the city, this theatre has been a hub for the performing arts since its inauguration. The Reims Opera House is renowned for its opulent...
~630 ftW
Fine art museum in old abbey buildings
Museum of Fine Arts, Reims
4 min walk • The Museum of Fine Arts in Reims, France, stands as a beacon of culture and history in this storied city, known for its rich heritage and exquisite champagne. Nestled in the heart of Reims, the museum boasts an impressive collection of European art, ranging from the...
0.7 miNW
Museum, Historical place, History museum
Musée de la Reddition, Reims
18 min walk • The Museum of the Surrender is a history museum founded by the city of Reims in 1985 on the 40th anniversary of the signing, on May 7, 1945 at 2:41 a.m. of the first part of the surrender acts of Nazi Germany that put an end to the Second World...
~250 ftNE
Church, Gothic architecture
Labyrinth of the Reims Cathedral, Reims
2 min walk • The Labyrinth of the Reims Cathedral, a once intricate and symbolic element of the Notre-Dame de Reims, stands as a testament to the grandeur of medieval spirituality and artistry in the city of Reims, France. This complex maze was embedded in the nave's floor of the...
~1340 ftN
Museum, Specialty museum
Musée-hôtel Le Vergeur, Reims
7 min walk • The hotel-museum le Vergeur is a museum located in Reims. The mansion in which it is installed is classified on March 1, 1990 as a historical monument.
~1710 ftN
City hall
City Hall, Reims
9 min walk • The Hôtel de ville is the town hall in the French city of Reims. Previously housing a museum, the city archives, a savings bank, a library, the city police, a tribunal and the chamber of commerce, it now only houses municipal services.
~630 ftE
Library
Carnegie Library of Reims, Reims
4 min walk • The Carnegie Library of Reims is a public library built with money donated by businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie to the city of Reims after World War I.
0.5 miN
Market, Shopping
Halles centrales, Reims
13 min walk • The central halls, called halles du Boulingrin, house a covered market, located on the northern edge of downtown Reims.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which popular attractions are close to Smiling Angel?

Nearby attractions include Reims Cathedral, Reims (1 min walk), Labyrinth of the Reims Cathedral, Reims (2 min walk), Palace of Tau, Reims (2 min walk), Opera House, Reims (3 min walk).

How to get to Smiling Angel by public transport?

The nearest stations to Smiling Angel:

Bus

Carnot • Lines: 1, 3, 8 (3 min walk)
Théâtre • Lines: H (3 min walk)

Tram

Opéra-Cathédrale • Lines: A, B (3 min walk)
Langlet • Lines: A, B (6 min walk)

Train

Reims (14 min walk)
Franchet d'Esperey (30 min walk)