Sunday, March 29, 2015

L'horloge






Built between 1194 and 1250, Chartres Cathedral is one of the finest examples of
French Gothic architecture.  The 12th century structure is at least the fifth to occupy the
site since the fourth century.


Having read much about World War II in recent years,
 it is interesting to know that the magnificent windows seen still today 
were removed in 1939 before the Germans advanced.  
The glass was cleaned and releaded before 
being returned to their original placement.


Chartres is only fifty miles outside of Paris 
and worth a day trip to see this cathedral and two other churches.  
The old town is charming and a step back in time.

bon dimanche


Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
16 cloitre Notre-Dame
28000 Chartres
Chartres, France

10 comments:

Halcyon said...

Seeing Chartres is definitely worth the short drive. I remember always seeing the cathedral from the road when driving from Brittany to Paris. It's really grand!

Aimeecakes said...

Thats so interesting! Good to see they kept the original glasswork safe

PJ said...

I know a lot about labyrinths, specifically Chartres labyrinths, but the story about the windows is fascinating. It must have been quite an undertaking, coming and going.

M said...

Lovely shot ... And what a wonderful memory this elicits!

William Kendall said...

A beautiful detail!

Paris Rendez-vous and Beyond said...

Bonjour Genie.

Yes I loved my day trip to Chartres....definitely worth the trip from Paris. What an incredible example of Gothic architecture this is. I stood and sat in that cathedral....an experience I will never forget. A wonderful memory to have....and merci beaucoup for reminding me of it!

Ciao

R

Randy said...

I love all of the details.

Deb said...

Something I hope to see someday :)

Jeanie said...

This is stunning. We didn't have time to go to Chartres when we visited but it is definitely on the next-time list!

Alexa said...

It is on the list for next time.