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 Jeff Steiner's Americans in France.Resource for people that would like to live or travel in France. |
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AttractionsChartres Cathedral
The Cathedral at Chartres is one of those places you visit that you never forget. That's a cliché I know but in this case it's true! Its stature is on a par with that of Notre Dame in Paris, if not more so given the fact that less tourist visit Chartres than visit Notre Dame. Being that Chartres is somewhat off the beaten path. This all means that Chartres can be visited in a clam almost tranquil atmosphere as it should.
Why is Chartres such a treasured jewel of medieval cathedrals? Because it is the best-preserved. Nowhere else will you find such a complete work of art than in Chartres. Chartres has remained unchanged for centuries, untouched by all the wars and upheaval that have taken place around it.
The Cathedral dominates the landscape around it, much as Mont-Saint-Michel. It can be seen from miles around. Once inside the Cathedral you are overtaken with the beauty of its over 170 stain glassed windows. It is amazing to think that some were created up to 900 years ago.
The stain glassed windows along with the Cathedral's statues can be though of as a library that can be read. If possible try to hear a lecture (in English) by Malcolm Miller, who is the definitive expert on Chartres Cathedral and all that can be learned from it.
There is also a 'train' that can take you around the town of Chartres away from the Cathedral. For a little over half an hour you will be introduced to Chartres other churches, attractions and trivia.
Chartres can be easily visited in a day and there are a number of trains daily from Paris.
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