In 1194, after a fire which destroyed the cathedral formerly occupying this site, building of the current structure began, and was completed in 1260.

The amazing thing is that it has survived intact and today, standing before this magnificent Gothic masterpiece , one can admire the artistry of the Middle Ages, including original stained glass with its “Chartres blue”, a color developed here and used in these windows for the first time.

An astounding 152 original glass panels have survived the centuries. During World War II the windows were painstakingly removed and stored in a safe place, to protect them from German bombs. The windows tell stories and historian Malcolm Miller will happily “read them” for you. He leads a tour (not on Sundays) twice daily, starting at noon, and then again around 2:30 pm, in English. Check the website for precise information. The winter schedule changes.

There is so much to take in. As one approaches the town by train, the cathedral spires come into view, the older, Romanesque tower dating from 1140, and the newer spire, built in the 1500s. Flying buttresses , carved portals and statues greet the visitor as the short walk uphill from the train station ends at the impressive Gothic cathedral.

Once inside, there is much to study. The light shining through the reds, blues and yellows of the windows is riveting. Looking down at the floor, one notices a pattern of stone, well-worn, called the labyrinth, dating from 1205, which was used by the monks for walking meditation.

The chancel screen dating from the 1500s contains an astrological clock, designed to tell the time of day, the day of the week, the month, the phases of the moon, the time of sunrise and sunset and the current sign of the zodiac.
Of course the most valuable object in the cathedral, is its holy relic, a piece of veil belonging to the Virgin Mary, which came from Constantinople, as a gift to Charlemagne.

When visiting the Chartres Cathedral, one must explore the lovely town which surrounds it. Take a walk through ancient streets, pretty shops and drop into a café for a bite to eat. This day trip from Paris promises a fascinating history lesson and a sojourn in a village with great charm.

Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
16 Cloitre Notre-Dame
From Paris: Trains depart regularly from Gare Montparnasse
Open Daily
www.diocese-chartres.com/cathedrale