Chartres Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Chartres is arguably France’s most beautiful Gothic cathedral for its sculptures, the graceful proportions of its soaring nave and the quality of its stained-glass windows.

Arriving by train from Paris (only a one-hour trip) the cathedral is visible from the station, and after a short walk, you’ll find yourself staring up at its animated gargoyles.

Completed in 1260, Chartres Cathedral represents the best of Gothic – an architecture meant to inspire, rising towards heaven as the “light of God” streamed through its colored glass windows. The stone skeleton supported by double arcs of flying buttresses is pierced with tall windows. A magnificent, round “rose” window is found over each entrance, the oldest dating to 1210. There are 170 windows in all, and while some have been replaced with more modern glass, Chartres still contains the most complete collection of original medieval glass in all of France – some of the purest pieces colored with the famed “Chartres blue.”

People from around the world come to admire this marvel of stone construction, today a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Audio guides are available in English at the entrance or sign up with expert guide Malcom Miller for a fascinating look at the stories within the windows. You can also visit the towers and the crypt with its Romanesque frescoes.

For more information on the cathedral

For more information on the crypt

Follow the guide...

To truly appreciate the amazing detail contained in the windows and sculptures of Chartres Cathedral, spend an hour or more with Malcolm Miller. Mr. Miller has been giving two tours a day, six days a week for several decades and is a highly regarded expert on Chartres Cathedral. He has the gift of sharing his knowledge with an enthusiasm that’s catching, and people often come back for more.

Be sure to reserve ahead. Tel: 02.37.28.15.58, or e-mail: millerchartres@aol.com. Tours are 10 euros per person and take place daily except Sundays. Check with Mr. Miller for July and August dates. www.cathedrale-chartres.com