Chartres
From LoveToKnow Travel
The Cathedral at Chartres
The massive cathedral at Chartres (properly named Notre-Dame de Chartres or "Our Lady of Chartres) dominates the view throughout the town. Completed in 1220 in just under 100 years -- a relatively short span for such a grand cathedral, it is the sixth church to stand at the site, the earlier churches having all been destroyed by fire. The cathedral's two spires, the largest of which is 349 feet tall, tower over the pale green roof. The limestone church measures 427 feet long and 112 feet tall (without the spires).
Highlights of the cathedral include the intricate "flying buttresses", the exterior carved stone supports also found on Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris; the vivid and intricate stained glass windows -- some donated by French Kings and Queens and bearing the royal fleur-de-lys insignia; and the detailed Medieval carved wooden doors.
Upon entering the cathedral, one is struck by the massive stone nave and the huge vaulted ceiling. Typical of Gothic churches, Chartres Cathedral is designed in the shape of a cross, with a long main sanctuary and two small chapels, one on each side. One the most interesting features of the cathedral is the circular labyrinth, added in the 13th century. The maze-like pattern is set in stone in the floor of the narthex. Labyrinths were popular in the Middle Ages and designed to be walked as penitence for one's sins. The maze at Chartres contains four quadrants, surrounding a rose, said to symbolize God's love.
The History
The Cathedral at Chartres has played an important role throughout French history. Legend maintains that the church housed a tunic that once belonged to Mary, the mother of Jesus. It is said that this relic was given to Charlemagne before he departed for the holy land during the crusades. It makes a nice story, but the truth is impossible to verify. It is, however, well documented that the church was an important gathering place for knights in the Middle Ages bound for the crusades.
Later, in the early Renaissance times, the cathedral was used as a kind of central market, with vendors selling textiles, food, ironware, and even animals -- everything except wine, which was banned.
The cathedral, unlike much of France's art treasures, was not damaged or destroyed during the French Revolution. Nor did subsequent restorations over the years damage its Gothic glory.
The Town
The town of Chartres, although best known for the cathedral, offers several other attractions for visitors. The Beaux Arts Museum, near the cathedral, hosts a regular schedule of temporary exhibits and is housed in a magnificent former episcopal palace. Chartres' old town is also enchanting, with its narrow cobblestone lanes and picturesque storefronts. Chartres is home to a fascinating stained-glass workshop and museum as well as a prehistoric science museum. The town is reknowned for its perfumeries and makes a great base for exploring the nearby Loire wine and Chateaux country.
Visiting Chartres
Chartres is easily reached from Paris by suburban commuter trains, called banlieue trains. Trains depart from Montparnasse station and take between 45 and 50 minutes.
The town makes a great day-trip from Paris, but those wishing to explore the cathedral -- and the town -- in more detail can spend the night at one of the several excellent hotels and inns. Good choices for accommodations include the Best Western Grand Monarque and the Hotel Chartres Chatelet, conveniently located between the train station and the cathedral. The city is also particularly noted for its fine cuisine. Don't leave the city without trying some of the excellent crepes.
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