The Church of St. Jacques, whose fine tower contributed to the charm of the general appearance of the city, was destroyed by the bombardments of 1918. Begun in the 12th century, it was finished in the 16th. Before the war, it was the only parish church in Rheims which had been preserved intact.
THE INTERIOR OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JACQUES (Cliché LL.)
THE PLACE DROUET D'ERLON, BEFORE THE WAR
On the right: Belfry of the Church of St. Jacques.
The Rue St. Jacques leads to the long Place Drouet d'Erlon, which was much damaged by the bombardments of 1918 (photo opposite).
Formerly known as Place de la Couture, this square, like the old streets with picturesque names: Rue des Telliers, Rue du Clou-dans-le-Fer, Rue de la Belle Image, Rue de la Grosse-Ecritoire, Rue du Cadran St. Pierre, formed part of the Quartier des Loges, built in the 12th century by Cardinal Guillaume-aux-blanches-mains for the wood and iron workers. The house-fronts above the first storey rested mostly on wooden pillars, leaving recesses or covered galleries on the ground floor.
In the centre of the square stood a statue of Marshal Drouet d'Erlon, afterwards removed to the crossing of the Boulevards Gerbert and Victor Hugo, and replaced by a monumental fountain, the gift of M. Subé.
Follow the Place Drouet d'Erlon to the Boulevard de la République, which skirts The Promenades.