{"id":11221,"date":"2020-07-01T18:34:15","date_gmt":"2020-07-01T16:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/?p=11221"},"modified":"2022-01-02T14:48:25","modified_gmt":"2022-01-02T13:48:25","slug":"chateau-de-sacy-hotel-montagne-de-reims","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/francevisiting.com\/index.php\/2020\/07\/01\/chateau-de-sacy-hotel-montagne-de-reims\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ch\u00e2teau de Sacy, an Art-Deco Hotel overhanging the Montagne de Reims and its treasures…"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following our previous stay in Reims, precisely in the Hotel Continental and taking a deep advantage from its central location, to visit the cultural and artistic part of this majestic Coronation City. This time, we offset ourselves through the wide vine Champagne hillsides, enjoying the breathtaking views on this invaluable natural heritage. <\/strong><\/p>\n

That was one of the reasons why we focused our choice on this incredible Ch\u00e2teau de Sacy<\/a>, a rare charming Boutique Hotel, nested in this so much acclaimed Montagne de Reims, especially by the Champagne producers. From this impressing mirador<\/em>, directly born in the 19th century, our direction went then back in the Reims downtown, to discover its history treasures which built the royal notoriety of this bubbled locality. Among them, we interested ourselves upon the Cathedral where many of the French kings were crowned, plus some other surprises for you to explore, as well in our video at the bottom of this article… <\/strong>By Alex Plato<\/em><\/p>\n

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\"\"Have you ever tried to overstep your limits? The Ch\u00e2teau de Sacy<\/strong><\/a>, located upon the illustrious Montagne de Reims<\/strong>, and surrounded by many vineyards would help you to extend your personal panorama. Indeed, once you reach the stoop of this unexpected Boutique Hotel<\/strong>, what a view on these endless Champagne<\/strong> slopes!<\/p>\n

Located just at 20mn by car from Reims<\/strong>, aka the “Coronation City”, this monumental but bucolic vintage mansion<\/strong> was built by the architect Pierre-Louis Gosset<\/strong> in 1850, initially under the name of Villa Maria<\/strong>, the Ch\u00e2teau de Sacy<\/strong> offers all the charm of the past, revisited with a modern glance… Thus, since the edifice was acquired in 2015 by the Mill\u00e9sime Group<\/strong>, straight from Bordeaux<\/strong>, this real potential castle <\/strong>was resurrected thanks to a full year of deep reconstruction.<\/p>\n

These works were made possible notably thanks to the expertise of the decorator<\/strong> and antique dealer Marie-Christine Mecoen<\/strong>, in order to reach the ambitious challenge to rehabilitate this tired building<\/strong>, rich of its 54 windows open on the Champagne<\/strong> vineyards. Strong of a long architectural<\/strong> experience of 30 years and visible esthetic<\/strong> skills, her decisive renovation<\/strong> choices made the difference, within her intense reflexion (photo credits: Michael Tran).<\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_0_placeholder\"\"Muchly inspired by the decorator Madeleine Castaing<\/strong> style which left a durable mark on the arty<\/strong> and antique<\/strong> history, especially from the 1930s<\/strong>, through a massive use of multicolored stripes<\/strong>, exotic foliages<\/strong>, opaline<\/strong> lamps, among many others. In fact, we may consider the personality of this decoration diva<\/strong>, as a “code breaker”<\/strong>, particularly of decorative arts<\/strong>, since her work can be characterized by a balanced wedding of distinct genres<\/strong>. A true melting-pot between the Directory<\/strong>, Napoleon III<\/strong> and English Regency<\/strong>‘s periods, that would undoubtedly amaze you once inside this pleasant facility<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Therefore, you are concretely invited to admire this huge mission<\/strong> accomplished, with this original restored identity<\/strong> of a cherished place<\/strong>, by combining its rich history<\/strong> and a glamorous<\/em> transversal scenery<\/strong>. From the sheepskins<\/strong> on the bar <\/strong>stools, reminding us that before these animals were at home all around these grapes<\/strong> fields, along the lily flowers<\/strong>, paying homage to another famous castle in Versailles<\/strong>, and more precisely to the Sun King<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Once upon the time this Ch\u00e2teau de Sacy<\/strong><\/a> was the residence of textile merchants<\/strong>, a good reason for the decoration team to wear from the floor to the walls, with the premium fabrics<\/strong>, undoubtedly to offer back the original spirit<\/strong>, thanks to warm and silky<\/strong> materials, woolen<\/strong> curtains, also lined with silk<\/strong>. With always a reference to the golden graphics universe of Champagne <\/strong>codes.<\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_1_placeholder\"\"\"\"Furthermore, you would also find these animal skins<\/strong>, along other pastel colors<\/strong>, from several shades of powder blue<\/strong>, satin canopy<\/strong>, this vintage atmosphere although remains contemporary<\/strong> and cosy<\/strong>, in an other part, through the 12 suites of this charming Hotel<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the direction could afford the luxury to offer a unique ambiance for each of their rooms<\/strong>, offering a real birds-eye view on these vineyards<\/strong>, whose colors luckily evolve from a season to another. Adding to this, local products (surprisingly connected to Champagne<\/strong>) may be delicately served in your Directory<\/strong> furniture. Another way to transport you through different periods, with the help of the sweetness and the speed of this sparkling<\/strong> treasure.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Directly connected, ask for these bright  and spacious bathrooms<\/strong>, able to extend your unique moments of well-being, thanks to this marble<\/strong> composition, adjoining still pretty antique armchairs<\/strong> and sofas<\/strong>, along additional details producing standing out,  such as scented candles<\/strong>, herbal teas<\/strong> or just the freshness of the Spa<\/strong> qualified beauty products<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Maybe an extension from the Hotel Spa<\/strong><\/a>, where you could enjoy its Sauna<\/strong> and its two elegant wooden treatment rooms<\/strong>. Ask the care program<\/strong>, whether you come alone or with your friend, live an authentic relaxing<\/strong> experience, through their Effervescence Signature<\/strong> facial or \"\"personalized massages<\/strong>, operated with natural oils<\/strong>, eventually completed with the strength of the GEMOLOGY<\/strong><\/a> products, a French<\/strong> brand proposing mineral and natural cosmetics<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Cherry on the cake, enjoy their two outdoor Norwegian baths<\/strong> and their Yoga & Fitness<\/strong> area, both located on the edge of these dizzy vineyards<\/strong>, offering a dominant and panoramic view above Reims<\/strong> and its surroundings. <\/p>\n

This is for sure the right place for a halt after a long day of visit and before settling in the salon<\/strong>, where you could sip a cup of your favorite Champagne<\/strong>, under these crystal<\/strong> candelabras, adorning these warm ocher<\/strong> walls, topped by immaculate highlighted alcoves<\/strong>, as vestiges of this ancient architecture<\/strong>, along the open fireplace<\/strong>, setting in front of glass tables<\/strong>, framed by clear<\/strong> and comfortable<\/strong> sofas. A certain Gatsby<\/strong> atmosphere in a sense?<\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_2_placeholder\"\"If you wish to pursue your evening with a gastronomic<\/strong> diner, you’re definitely at the right place. Sit in one of these rattan<\/strong> armchairs, nod in a way to certain essential Champagne <\/strong>elements, more precisely to the baskets used to harvest the grapes<\/strong>, still a subtle eye-wink to the past and allowing in the mean-time a real instants of comfort<\/strong> and conviviality<\/strong> for you and your guests.    <\/p>\n

Located on the first floor of the Hotel<\/strong>, we invite you to discover the menu of this welcoming restaurant<\/strong><\/a>, again spoiled with a 360\u00b0 panoramic<\/strong> view of the surrounding vineyards<\/strong>, displaying one of the most romantic frameworks you ever had\u2026<\/p>\n

You would get offered a huge choice between local specialities, such as: p\u00e2t\u00e9 en croute<\/strong><\/em>, river fishes<\/strong>, roast beef<\/strong> among many other regional main courses with seasons vegetables<\/strong>, before of course desserts<\/strong> inspired by grapes<\/strong> and Champagne<\/strong>! The Chef<\/strong> shall be glad to introduce his best dishes<\/strong>, prepared with the best care and quality products, selected locally and magnified with talent!<\/p>\n

The restaurant<\/strong> is open every day, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"The morning after, why not starting the day with a brunch<\/strong> in the same decorum<\/em>, but blessed by a sunny spectacle<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

Take your more suitable seat and simply take your time to enjoy these delicate morning rejoicings<\/strong>…  Unless you prefer to get delivered it in your personal room, for more intimacy? The Champagne<\/strong> world is assuredly yours!<\/p>\n

Last tip, don’t miss to take back home a souvenir<\/em><\/strong> of your stay, the Hotel<\/strong> boutique<\/strong> would doubtlessly satisfy all your sudden desires.<\/p>\n

The Ch\u00e2teau de Sacy<\/strong><\/a>, Rue des Croisettes, 51500 Sacy (France) \/ Phone : 00 33 (0)3 26 07 60 38<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"Reims, a martyr city, reborn from ashes…<\/strong><\/p>\n

Marked by centuries of unique royal History<\/strong>, the city of Reims<\/strong><\/a> gained nearly a new face after being unfortunately almost completely destroyed during the First World War<\/strong>. Indeed, nearly 1,000 German<\/strong> explosive shells landed through the most beautiful millenary<\/strong> remains, among them 300 bombs which plunged above the mythical Cathedral<\/strong>‘s classified roof.<\/p>\n

An entire symbolic damage for this religious edifice<\/strong>, famous for having housed the coronation<\/strong> of many kings of France<\/strong>. That’s why many relics are enclosed in its walls, whose peak reaches 81 meters<\/strong> high, making it one of the highest Doms<\/strong> in France, after Amiens.<\/p>\n

Thanks to the generosity of the Rockefeller family<\/strong><\/a>, an enormous reconstruction<\/strong> work was done to this building, so much marked by the War<\/strong>‘s massive injury. In addition, some facets of this site were remained at the same position, in order to show the magnitude of the important conflagrations<\/strong> that occurred in and around, caused by the countless bombings<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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For your information, the first stone of this Cathedral<\/strong><\/a>, which housed the coronation of 31 kings<\/strong> of France<\/strong>, was laid in 1211 but the work lasted 300 years until 1519, Notre-Dame de Reims<\/strong><\/a> is both the center of an important Cathedral<\/strong> complex and the ideal representation of the heavenly Jerusalem<\/strong> for the Middle Ages<\/strong> humanity.<\/p>\n

Erected between 1211 and 1516, according to a program of great artistic richness, the cathedral of Reims<\/strong> is undoubtedly among one of the most beautiful testimonies, left by the Gothic<\/strong> art.<\/p>\n

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Thus inside, we find contemporary stained glass<\/strong> windows from different periods. Indeed, the first destruction<\/strong> damages, dating from the Religion<\/strong> and the Revolution<\/strong> wars, rather spared this magnificent Reims<\/strong> Cathedral<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

However, as early as the 17th century<\/strong> started, the rain and consequently the water infiltrations obviously resulted to necessary restoration<\/strong> works, as well on several sculptures<\/strong> of the facade.<\/p>\n

The 19th century<\/strong> ushered in a series of important reinforcing acts<\/strong> and notably, its classification in the Historic Monuments<\/strong> register (1862). Although, the countless destructions resulting from the First World War<\/strong>, produced a series of almost uninterrupted restoration<\/strong> campaigns, even until the present days.<\/p>\n

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In order to keep this heritage as much as possible preserved, the French<\/strong> government lead a double policy of stained glasses<\/strong> restoration, along an avant-garde<\/em> support for stained glass<\/strong> artistic creation.<\/p>\n

That’s why some of these medieval<\/strong> windows have regained their former splendor, while, at the same time, internationally renowned artists<\/strong> exercised their talents, inside among  the Cathedral<\/strong>‘s windows.<\/p>\n

Thus, many notable contemporary<\/strong> creations were born, thanks to a couple of patronage<\/strong> operations.<\/p>\n

For instance, since June 24th, 2011, the stained glass<\/strong> windows of Imi Knoebel<\/strong>, a German<\/strong> artist of international reputation, are visible in the cathedral, on both sides, among the earlier artworks<\/strong>, from the famous genius of the French-Russian<\/strong> artist Marc Chagall <\/strong>(photo credits: Alex Plato).<\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_3_placeholder\"\"\"\"<\/strong>Did you know that it’s also possible to visit the towers<\/strong> of the Cathedral?<\/strong> Thanks to a dual ticket delivered by the Palais du Tau Museum<\/strong><\/a>, you would be able to climb during 10 minutes and get closer to Paradise<\/strong>! This ascension may have been possible since the early 2000s. A guided tour lead in a limited group of 18 privileged guests. Be reactive, this visit is very successful, especially on weekends. Despite its 80 meters high and its 248 steps to walk, to reach the towers at 42 meters height, the Reims Cathedral<\/strong><\/a> is not the highest in France but the longest, 150 meters. Since the Parisian Cathedral Notre-Dame<\/strong><\/a> has recently burned and thus closed, the Cathedral Notre-Dame of Reims<\/strong><\/a> remains now the closest and more important religious edifice, for the tourists from Paris<\/strong>, willing to keep a contact with such altitude old stones.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Furthermore, the edifice proposes the largest Gallery of Kings<\/strong>, there are 59 of which 56 turn out to remain anonymous<\/strong>. By the way, anyone may find some surprises throughout the sculptures<\/strong>, visible from the facade. In particular, the scene of the Clovis <\/strong>baptism, although some may notice there an anachronism, in the way which Clovis<\/strong> was baptized.<\/p>\n

On September 19, 1914, the Cathedral<\/strong> unfortunately burned. Twenty years were needed to Henri Deneux<\/strong>, architect of the Historical Monuments<\/strong>, and his team to restore the building. In 1938, the inauguration took place in the presence of personalities from all over the world. It should be noted that, during this World War I<\/strong>, that destroyed 85% of the City of Reims<\/strong><\/a>, of which only 20 buildings remained intact<\/strong>, after those violent events. <\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_4_placeholder\"\"\"\"While many traditional elements were conserved like the Gargoyles<\/strong> and the ubiquitous golden lily flowers<\/strong>, an eternal royal<\/strong> sign, screened in tribute of the past of the Kings’<\/strong> consecration. Some changes have been operated to the installation of a reinforced concrete<\/strong> framework, operated within 20 years. Although it was a new material at the time, it turned out to be stronger, lighter, cheaper, insect resistant<\/strong> and most of all flame retardant. Maybe a suggestion for the future fixing works for the woodwork<\/strong> arch of Notre-Dame of Paris<\/strong>?<\/p>\n

The visit continues on the northern and southern transepts<\/strong> which are linked and thus tell religious<\/strong> stories. Indeed, the southern<\/strong> one illustrates the Annunciation<\/strong>, whereas the northern<\/strong> part represents the Assumption<\/strong>, the end of the Virgin<\/strong>‘s life, this one needs some renovation as you could see on the picture nearby.<\/p>\n

Moreover, those illustrated representations were indispensable in the Middle Ages<\/strong>, when only 10% of the French population could read. This is was a good reason for the Cathedral<\/strong> to be miraculously reconstructed, thanks to the generosity of certain donors<\/strong> like the American<\/strong> billionaire Rockefeller<\/strong>, around 1919. <\/p>\n

Cath\u00e9drale de Reims<\/strong><\/a> \/ 2, place du Cardinal Lu\u00e7on BP 2062 \/ T\u00e9l. : 33 \/ (0)3 26 47 81 79 Fax : 33 \/ (0)3 26 47 99 60. The Cathedral<\/strong> is open everyday from 7:30 to 19:30. Unless the towers are closed from November 1st to March 14th and May 1st.<\/p>\n

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\"\"\"\"Close to this religious<\/strong> masterpiece stands the ancestral residence of the archbishops<\/strong> of Reims<\/strong>, adjoining these towers<\/strong>, since the twelfth century. By the way, this is where you can buy the visit ticket<\/strong> to climb them. This building switched into this classic<\/strong> appearance, when it underwent many architectural transformations, operated in the late seventeenth century, mainly by the famous Jules Hardouin-Mansart<\/strong> and Robert de Cotte<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The Palais du Tau<\/strong> now houses the Museum de l’Oeuvre de Notre-Dame<\/strong>, where are exposed plenty of royal<\/strong> and spiritual<\/strong> treasures, coming from the Cathedral<\/strong>, counting on its original statuary<\/strong>  delicately displayed, among other numerous sacred<\/strong> objects, witnessing the rich history of Reims<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

ngg_shortcode_5_placeholder\"\"\"\"It wouldn’t reasonable to draw a ranking but we should tell you that the most remarkable pieces of the royal<\/strong> treasury would certainly either be the talisman of Charlemagne<\/strong> (from the ninth century) and the chalice of St. Remi<\/strong> (from the twelfth century).<\/p>\n

Adding to this, consider that the reliquary<\/strong> of the Holy Bulb<\/strong> also holds a presence there, while containing the oil<\/strong> from a celestial origin, which anointed each new King<\/strong>, during the ceremony of his coronation.<\/p>\n

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Palais du Tau<\/strong><\/a> \/2 Place du Cardinal Lu\u00e7on, 51100 Reims \/ 00 33 (0)3 26 47 81 79<\/p>\n

From January 2 to May 5: Open everyday, unless Monday, from 9.30 to 12.30 & from 14.00 to 17.30
\nFrom May 6 to September 8: Open everyday, unless Monday, from 9.30 to 18.30
\nFrom September 9 to December 31: Open everyday, unless Monday, from 9.30 to 12.30 \/ from 14.00 to 17.30
\nClosed on January 1st, May 1st, November 1st, November 11th and December 25th.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Then, you would be ravished to appreciate the huge role, played by some large American<\/strong> families, financially and spiritually supporting the Reims<\/strong> revival. Our list below is not exhaustive, but we are pleased to mention the Municipal Library<\/strong>, formerly located in the also burned City Hall<\/strong> and whose foundation of the new antenna was supported by the Scottish-American Carnegie<\/strong> family<\/strong>. In fact, his main representative was as well his main donor, William<\/strong> unfortunately died before attending its inauguration in 1921.<\/p>\n

As a matter of fact, this edifice would take part of a global literary<\/strong> network, including a total of 2,509 Carnegie<\/strong> libraries, built between 1883 and 1929, across the United States<\/strong>, and since 1899, spreading through the United Kingdom<\/strong>, Ireland<\/strong>, in Canada<\/strong>, and many other ones in Australia<\/strong>, South Africa<\/strong>, New Zealand<\/strong>, Serbia<\/strong>, Belgium<\/strong>, France<\/strong>, the Caribbean Archipelago<\/strong>, Mauritius<\/strong>, Malaysia<\/strong>, and Fiji Islands<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

At first, Carnegie<\/strong> libraries were almost exclusively in places with which the ancestor<\/strong> businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie<\/strong> had a particular personal connection, for example his birthplace in Scotland<\/strong> and his adopted American<\/strong> town, Pittsburgh<\/strong> in Pennsylvania<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

\"\"It’s not anymore a secret that this really Neo-Classic<\/strong> inspired Carnegie Library<\/strong><\/a> was rebuilt on a hurt ground, after the thousands of bombings that destroyed Reims<\/strong>, as we had seen earlier during this World War I<\/strong>. Along the nearby Cathedral<\/strong> which was also wiped but in the meantime benefited from another powerful American<\/strong> tribe, since the funds of Rockefeller Junior<\/strong> were determinant for carrying out this insuperable reconstruction task, and letting this emblematic local monument<\/strong> rising again from its 1914 ashes, notably thanks to some modern elements to support the renovated facade<\/strong>, with concrete<\/strong> parts for instance.<\/p>\n

If you opt to have a walk in Reims by night<\/em><\/strong>, why don’t you observe the multiple Art-D\u00e9co<\/strong><\/em> facets, visible at every part of this renovated city center? A major architectural<\/strong> style that was inevitably trendy at the time, when the construction<\/strong> decisions happened just after the post-War<\/strong> period.<\/p>\n

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A few steps away, you would easily realize that Reims<\/strong> was more populated than Paris<\/strong>, during the Gallo-Roman<\/strong> era and even more extensive, with its 650 hectares. Thus, it was the capital of the former Gaul-Belgium<\/strong> region, locally bounded by four gates<\/strong> connected to each other, with the help of ramparts.<\/p>\n

In an other hand, this locality was also the symbolic<\/strong> and spiritual<\/strong> center of the authority, expressly exercised by the metropolitan Archbishop<\/strong>, over the bishops<\/strong> of several dioceses<\/strong>, throughout the north of France. A region<\/strong> which was constantly in movement, due to political alliances and population transfers, among other random vagaries<\/strong>…<\/p>\n

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\"\"Once inside these incredible<\/strong> walls, take the time to admire the beauty of the details, staying alive despite numerous historic<\/strong> milestones. Don’t miss the St. Remi<\/strong>‘s tomb, throning the center of the choir, adorned with an improbable encounter between a sober Romanesque<\/strong> nave and the Gothic<\/strong> choir (dating from the late twelfth century), unless the facade<\/strong> was built at the same time as the choir<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

This ensemble is completed by four floors, constituting an impressive set of lightness<\/strong> and harmony<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Saint Remi Basilica<\/strong> \/ Place Chanoine Ladame, 51100 Reims (France) \/ Open every day from 9am to 7pm, free entrance.<\/p>\n

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That was eventually a good reason to build the Saint-R\u00e9mi Basilica<\/strong><\/a>, a typical Romano-Gothic<\/strong> basilica and one of the most remarkable achievements of Romanesque<\/strong> art, by this time. Built in the eleventh century to host the holy Light Bulb<\/strong> and the relics of St. Remi<\/strong>, the bishop<\/strong> who baptized the first French<\/strong> king Clovis<\/strong>, in 498. This massive facade is noticeable from distant positions, since its size of about 126 meters long, this religious<\/strong> edifice really impresses anyone passing by, with its depth and the feeling of intimacy<\/strong> it provides inside, and unduly outside.<\/p>\n