The 'Tau' name is derived from the Greek letter 'T', which described the original layout of the building.
The palace served as the official lodging for kings of France during the nights preceding their coronations.
It contains the 9th-century Talisman of Charlemagne, an ornate gold pendant containing a fragment of the True Cross.
The museum displays 15th-century tapestries that narrate the conversion of Clovis to Christianity.
The palace suffered significant damage during World War I due to artillery fire aimed at the adjacent cathedral.
It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991 along with the Reims Cathedral and Saint-Remi Abbey.
The Palais du Tau serves as the primary museum for the history of Reims Cathedral and the French monarchy. It occupies the former residence of the Archbishop of Reims, located immediately adjacent to the cathedral. The structure earned its name from its T-shaped floor plan, which resembles the Greek letter Tau. It played a critical role in royal coronations, as kings stayed here before walking to the cathedral for their anointing. The museum houses the Treasury of the Cathedral, including medieval reliquaries, liturgical items, and the 9th-century Talisman of Charlemagne. Visitors can view the original tapestries depicting the life of Clovis, which were commissioned in the 15th century. A significant portion of the palace was reconstructed in the late 17th century by Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Robert de Cotte. The palace currently functions as a national monument managed by the Centre des monuments nationaux.
The internal courtyard offers a clear view of the palace architecture and the cathedral's southern facade.
Combine your visit with the Reims Cathedral located directly next door.
Check the official website for rotating temporary exhibitions that may affect room availability.
Audio guides provide essential historical context for the liturgical objects in the treasury.
Do not mistake the palace entrance for the cathedral entrance; they are separate buildings with distinct access points.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year and on specific public holidays.
Maintain a quiet tone; photography is permitted but without flash to protect delicate textiles.
