Thursday, June 27, 2013

Les toits de Chartres



from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres
On the ascent to the top of the Bell Tower


A variety of architecture, rooftops, and layout of the city
can be seen from our ascent at the half-way point to the top of the Bell Tower.
The steps were worn smooth and a tight spiral shared by those going up and those going down.  We only encountered a few in either direction.  It is a bit dizzying.


If I had shown this photo in black and white you would have missed the fields of rape seed (canola) in the far horizon.  As we made the quick trip on the train, the bright yellow provided blocks of color as we zipped along.



Chartres, France
96 km southwest of Paris
an easy day-trip by train

18 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Wonderful capture of an awesome view, Genie!! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Have a great weekend!
Hugs
Sylvia

martinealison said...

Une vue panoramique extraordinaire... De là partent les rêves les plus fous !...
Gros bisous

Rob-bear said...

Suck a delightful picture, Genie, showing us so many things in one shot. C'est mervilleux!

Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

Joe said...

My goodness. What a kaleidoscope of rooftops, window, arches and columns. You do live in such a grand city Genie.

Tamera said...

There is so much going on in this view. It would make a good jigsaw puzzle :^)

M said...

Oh, if we could have just bought that lovely building that was for sale :). Exquisite capture!

Alexa said...

Worth the climb for this view—especially since you did the climbing for us! :~} (Loved yesterday's post too)

Malyss said...

Fantastic view of a beautiful town! i wish I could erase the modern buildings.. :o)

LOLfromPasa said...

Beautiful view and so glad it is in color.

JoeinVegas said...

OK, who put up that red roof in the middle?

Jeanie said...

I loved the rape seed fields. What a fabulous view and wonderful photo, Genie!

Pat said...

It looks like a little toy town! Chartres is lovely.

Starman said...

Nice shot. You know how I feel about B&W!

Paulita said...

Stunning. What a view.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Joe, I would gladly live there and be consumed by the beauty, the history, the architecture, the people.... but, I do not.

Malyss, I agree but am grateful that there are many more "originals"

JoeinVegas... and who put that row of pink buildings there?

Starman, yes, and I did think about you, my faithful reader as I was making my choice. (souriant)

To all, there are 300 steps in a tight spiral to the top of the North Tower. Here is a link to a YouTube video of a panoramic view near the top with the ringing of the Cathedral bells. It is just like being there... enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc4FPppqH2o

Bises,
Genie

Randy said...

Wonderful view.

Daryl said...

what an incredible view