Reims has a new comprehensive history covering its origins from a Gallic and Roman metropolis to a modern champagne center, published on October 1, 2026. Edited by Bruno Restif, a maître de conférences HDR en Histoire moderne at the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA), the book titled “Histoire de Reims” is released through the Presses Universitaires de Rennes as part of their “histoire de ville” collection.
A New Comprehensive Synthesis of Reims History
The newly published volume serves as the first synthesis of Reims history from its origins to the modern era since 1983. Prefaced by URCA President Christophe Clément, the book updates previous reference works published in 1933 and 1983 by incorporating recent historical, archaeological, and geographical research. The 22 by 28 centimeter volume contains 12 chapters, 20 color maps, and 280 historical and iconographical documents with detailed captions.
A collective team of researchers contributed to the project, including Robert Neiss, Charles Meriaux, Emmanuel Melin, Patrick Demouy, Jérôme Buridant, Bruno Restif, Claire Pichard, Fabrice Perron, Bertrand Goujon, Jean-François Boulanger, Frédéric Gugelot, and Marcel Bazin. Financial backers for the publication include the Union des Maisons de Champagne, Forbo Sarlino (Forbo Flooring Systems), URCA, the Center for Study and Research in Cultural History (CERHiC), and the Brittany Region.
Urban Evolution from Antiquity to the Industrial Era
The city’s narrative spans its transformation from the Gallic and Roman hub of Durocortorum into a medieval royal coronation site. During the Middle Ages, Reims held a unique status in the French kingdom and extended its regional influence north into present-day Belgium. In the 16th century, Cardinal of Lorraine established the Renaissance-era university and advanced a European-scale Catholic reform within the city.
The city’s physical and economic landscape shifted dramatically following the French Revolution, when ecclesiastical properties were acquired by entrepreneurs who modernized the textile sector alongside the expanding champagne trade. Following extensive destruction during World War I, architects rebuilt Reims in an Art Deco style. After serving as the site of the German surrender in 1945, the city managed textile deindustrialization by shifting toward champagne production and the service economy.
Institutional Partnerships and Availability
The publication project was developed alongside municipal and scientific organizations, including the Museums of Reims, the Municipal and Community Archives, the Municipal Library, the Grand Reims Archaeology Service, and the departmental archives of the Marne. The book carries the International Standard Book Number ISBN 979-10-413-0984-9 and is cataloged on the publisher’s official website.