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

Chartres Cathedral

Seen through a window as Marie and I climbed the many steps 

to the top of the bell tower, 

the interior of Chartres Cathedral 

appears to be a blended neutral color.

The major renovations and makeover 

of this eight hundred year old cathedral have created a stir.  

I look forward to checking them out myself 

before passing judgment, but you can read about it here.*

bon dimanche

Notre Dame de Chartres

Chartres, France

*Thanks to traveling friend, Mary G, for the link

Cathédral Notre-Dame de Chartres - un détail

Chartres Cathedral

12th Century Gothic

The 300 narrow, winding steps to the bell tower 

reward the adventurous climber with a quiet and lofty view of Chartres 

as well as intricate details.  

The cathedral artisans carved images of beasts and flowers 

in places where they would not be easily seen by anyone but God.

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Cathédral Notre-Dame de Chartres

Chartres, France
(an easy day-trip from Paris by train)

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

Cathédral Notre-Dame de Chartres

Chartres Cathedral

12th Century Gothic

looking down as we ascended the many ancient,

spiraling steps to the bell tower

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Cathédral Notre-Dame de Chartres
Chartres, France
(an easy day-trip from Paris by train)

Notre Dame de Chartres - la tour nord

Notre Dame de Chartres, commonly known as Chartres Cathedral, is an architectural treasure as well as a destination for pilgrims for over a thousand years.  I have posted previously here, here and here.

This photo was taken as friend Marie and I ascended the narrow, worn steps in the Jehan de Beauce tower.  We walked round and round seeing few others in the tight spiral leading to the very top, a rather small perch from which to view all of Chartres.  This shot is a portion of the buttresses and the 19th century iron roof.  Each rotation on our way to the top provided a vignette beyond the stone windows including gargoyles and other carvings.

If you are in Paris this easy day trip is worth the visit.  Currently the interior is undergoing a major restoration and there may be portions inaccessible to visitors.  The labyrinth has been restored and is open.

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Notre Dame de Chartres
Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres
Chartres, France

Malcolm Miller, Chartres Cathedral expert

On Sundays, I usually feature a church.

Today, I am presenting a portrait of Malcolm Miller, who is likely the foremost authority on Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres.  He has been giving lecture tours of this world famous cathedral for over 50 years and says that he continues to learn new details.

According to Mr. Miller, the 13th century Chartres Cathedral can be compared to a library. And like a library, we may visit and read many books, maybe even re-read some books, but we will never read all the books. Chartres is much the same. Its contents: architectural design, statues, and stained glass are each like books and their respective images their text. What is remarkable in this new millennium, said Miller, is that much of Chartres can still be "read."  (from Kathleen Lang's "Malcolm Miller: Reading Chartres Cathedral, info@artagogo.com)

If you have an opportunity to see Chartres Cathedral, be sure to search out Mr. Miller for better understanding of the details, stories and mysteries of the cathedral.  He will demand your attention much like a professor of his students and delight you with his humor and intimate knowledge.

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Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres

Chartres, France 

Cathedral of our Lady of Chartres - astrological clock

The chancel screen of Chartres Cathedral displays an impressive astrological clock dating from the 16th century. It told not only the time but the day of the week, the month of the year, the time of sunrise and sunset, the phase of the moon and the current sign of the zodiac. Its inner works were partially destroyed in 1793.

With the thousands of stained glass windows one could almost miss this treasure

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