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.

bon dimanche

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.

bon dimanche

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