Rheims and the Battles for Its Possession

Excerpt: ... had the appearance of scrolls. After visiting the Hotel Le Vergeur, turn to the right into the Rue Pluche, which leads to the Place des Marches. Skirt the Square on the left, then take the first street on the left: Rue Courmeaux. 86 HOTEL ROGIER DE MONCLIN, 18 RUE COURMEAUX At No. 18 are the ruins of the Hotel Rogier de Monclin, destroyed after April, 1918. This house dated back to the Louis XV. period, but had been disfigured by modern alterations. The facade overlooking the courtyard, the entrance-hall, and the staircase with ornamental balustrade, were interesting. At the time of the consecration of Louis XVI., one of the saloons was furnished for the King's brother, the Comte (or Monsieur) d'Artois, whence the name Rue de Monsieur, formerly borne by the Rue Courmeaux. At No. 30 is a Renaissance door, almost intact (photo below). At No. 34, at the corner of the Rue Legendre, is a late 16th century house, whose interior arrangement and facade are intact, except for the woodwork of the windows, which was modernised in the 18th century. It was built on the site of the old wool-market, after Marshal de Saint-Paul, at the time of the League, had compelled the inhabitants of the Faubourg Ceres to destroy their houses. RENAISSANCE DOOR, 30, Rue Courmeaux. 87 CERES ESPLANADE Return to the Rue Courmeaux and take the Rue Bonhomme on the left, which leads to the Rue Ceres. The Rue Ceres was totally destroyed by fire, from the Place Royale to the Post Office, which had to be given up in the autumn of 1914. At No. 30 is the Chamber of Commerce, one of the finest late 18th century buildings in Rheims. The magnificent Louis XVI. rooms escaped practically uninjured. The staircase leading to the first storey, with its delicate balustrade, is very remarkable. CHURCH OF ST. ANDRE, Rue du Faubourg Ceres. 88 INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. ANDRE RELIQUARY OF ST. ANDRE The Rue Ceres ends at the Esplanade Ceres (photo, p. 87 ), which was made...