Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres, stands as one of the greatest achievements of medieval Christianity and Gothic architecture. The site has been sacred since at least the 4th century, when an early Christian church was built there, likely replacing a pre-Christian religious site. Over the centuries, a series of churches rose and fell due to fires, with each reconstruction expanding the scale and ambition of the building. Chartres became a major pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages, especially after it acquired the Sancta Camisia, believed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary at the birth of Christ. The present cathedral was constructed primarily between 1194 and 1220, after a devastating fire destroyed much of the earlier Romanesque church. Remarkably, the rebuilding was swift and unified in style, resulting in an unusually harmonious High Gothic structure. Its soaring verticality, flying buttresses, and monumental west façade—known as the Royal Portal—reflect the theological vision of the era: to draw the human mind upward toward God. The cathedral’s sculptural program is especially important, portraying Christ as cosmic ruler and emphasizing Mary’s role in salvation history, a focus that gave Chartres its enduring Marian identity. Chartres is perhaps best known for its stained glass windows, most of which survive from the early 13th century—an extraordinary rarity. These deep blue windows (often called Chartres blue) depict biblical narratives, saints, tradespeople, and donors, presenting a visual catechism for medieval worshippers. Inside the nave lies the famous labyrinth, set into the floor around 1200, symbolizing a spiritual journey toward God, often associated with pilgrimage and penitential prayer. In 1979, Chartres became one of the first sites designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized not only for its architectural brilliance but for its profound influence on Western art, theology, and devotion.

Beautiful cathedral of Chartres. They made beautiful renovations, everything is really clear and neat. Even with clouds and no sunshine, the inside is bright enough to see through the painted glasses of the windows. They are marvelous piece of art. If you have the chance to be in the area, you should take the time to walk there and look for yourself how gigantic and stunning it is. What actually surprised me the most is how modern they are inside. They have contactless payment card machine for donation at each corner of the cathedral. So if you don't have coins like me, you can still use your card to pay to lit a candle or novena. The hours of the priest are written on a card board inside. The confessional is brightly litten and has a priest waiting inside for anyone who wants to confess theirs sins. This is unseen for me before today in France. There is also a treasury room which you have to pay to access it. Overall a great place to visit. I advise to park your car at the parking lot of Cathedral. There almost non existant place to park there.

An excellent holy place in the heart of Chartres, our lady of Chartres Cathedral is a must visit. You can visit during the day for prayer and tourism and during the night for an exquisite laser show. Enjoy...

A Stunning Journey Through Time: My Review of Chartres Cathedral Nestled in the charming town of Chartres, just southwest of Paris, France, the Chartres Cathedral (officially known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres) stands as an awe-inspiring testament to medieval ingenuity and faith. This Gothic masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, draws visitors from around the world with its soaring spires, intricate sculptures, and unparalleled stained-glass windows that seem to glow with divine light. If you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a profound cultural experience, this cathedral should top your list. Construction began in the 12th century after a fire destroyed much of the previous Romanesque structure in 1194, with the current form largely completed by 1220—a remarkably swift timeline for such an ambitious project. Measuring about 130 meters long and with towers reaching up to 115 meters, it’s one of the best-preserved examples of High Gothic architecture. The facade alone is a storyteller’s dream, adorned with over 2,000 sculpted figures depicting biblical scenes, saints, and everyday medieval life. As you approach, the asymmetrical towers—one flamboyant and ornate, the other more restrained—create a sense of dynamic balance that pulls you in. Stepping inside is like entering a kaleidoscope of color and light. The cathedral boasts 176 stained-glass windows, covering nearly 2,600 square meters, most dating back to the 13th century and miraculously surviving wars and revolutions. The famous “Blue Virgin” window, with its vibrant cobalt hues, is a highlight, symbolizing the cathedral’s deep Marian devotion. On a sunny day, the interior transforms into a symphony of reds, blues, and golds filtering through the glass, casting ethereal patterns on the stone floor. Don’t miss the labyrinth etched into the nave’s pavement—a 13th-century pilgrimage path that visitors can still walk today, especially on Fridays when the chairs are cleared. From a visitor’s perspective, Chartres offers an immersive experience that’s both educational and spiritual. I recommend joining a guided tour, such as those led by experts like Malcolm Miller (or using his book as a companion), to decode the symbolism in the windows and portals—it’s like unlocking a medieval code. Many travelers rave about spending hours here, mesmerized by the details; one recent account described it as “breathtakingly beautiful” with “magnificent Gothic architecture” that leaves you in awe. Entry is free, though donations are appreciated, and climbing the north tower (for a small fee) rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It’s easily accessible by train from Paris (about an hour), making it a perfect day trip. Just note that restoration work, ongoing since the 2010s, might occasionally obscure parts, but it ensures this gem shines for future generations. In a world of modern wonders, Chartres Cathedral reminds us of humanity’s capacity for beauty and endurance. Whether you’re there for the art, history, or quiet reflection, it delivers an unforgettable punch. I give it a solid 5 out of 5—absolutely worth the pilgrimage!

A beautiful cathedral that easily rivals the Paris equivalent. We were lucky to visit at a time where it was illuminated at night. Very impressive. However if you're visiting the crypt, make sure you are told correctly where the tour starts, as we were given wrong instructions and therefore missed it. Staff could have been more helpful here.

If you are only in Chartres for a few hours spend them visiting the incredible and Architecturally astounding Cathedral. Being the first UNESCO awarded and supported further by the volume of original stain glass. If able to stay for the evening the light show on and around this Cathedral and the surrounding Chartres centre is highly recommended.

Magnificent, historic, surrounded by lots of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops and not flooded with tourists when we visited. Chartres is an utterly beautiful city well worth a couple of days of your time. BEWARE, the cathedral is atop a hell of a climb up through steeply sloped streets.

Absolutely beautiful inside and out and definitely worth a visit. You can spend half a day just exploring the cathedral itself but if you get tired, the restaurants just outside are also excellent and reasonably priced too. I can also highly recommend staying until after dark for the free Chartres Illuninaire show which projects a light and sounds show on various buildings throughout the town, including the cathedral itself. Better yet, have a stay for a few days as it's a beautiful place itself.

Europe is known for Gothic style cathedrals as when in doubt one must flock for a spiritual renewal and pilgrimage. La Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres) resides in the town of Chartres, the heart of the Beauce region, which enlists in UNESCO World Heritage List. Here a shroud veil said to be worn by the Virgin Mary. The famous labyrinth is visibly seen in the main hall. The monumental screen around the choir is plastered with statutes, which I found rather frightening for its dark Gothic architecture. High cathedral arch ceilings, and abbey stone arch doorways. Victor Hugo would be cultivate the gothic architecture experience. Upon departure from Chartres, in a past life, my former love and I leave not with only memories of what physically seen but the feeling of being in a place of great spirituality and healing. Visitors flock to La Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres for a pilgrimage at free admission. It was here where my frustration from life's daily deal of bedlam are released and highly recommend a visit.

Traveled here with a children's choir on a little tour of France in summer 2013. They gave a brief impromptu performance inside the cathedral - sounded great! Beautiful place to walk around

This past weekend on a Saturday, we were lucky enough to have a car at our disposal so we decided to take a road trip outside of Paris. We decided to go see Vaux Le Vicomte at night lit by candles and see Chartres by day. What a fabulous idea! Driving up to Chartre, the site of the church in the distance is breath taking and exciting. We actually stopped at a panoramic view across from the church in order to take pictures (keep an eye out for the signs and see my pic). We arrived in Chartre at around 3 pm and parked on Boulevard du Maréchal Foch which is below the old city (pay parking underneath trees and besides a b -there are pay stations every several meters). We walked over the bridge (Pont Bouju) into one of the most beautiful villages I have seen in Europe. And of course we arrived very hungry. So as we went uphill towards the church, we kept an eye out for a restaurant. There was nothing open or if they were open the kitchen was closed. That is until we reached the church square and found that all the restaurants there were open and serving. Check out my review for Café Serpente. They were setting up for a music festival and finishing a stage. The church itself is an amazing work of art. From the flying buttresses, gargoyles, and stone work on the exterior to the labyrinth, the stained glass windows, and Catholic iconography you can spend hours taking it all in and still only see a fraction of its beauty. You might consider getting a tour guide from next to the church to explain more of important points. Also, take some time to walk around the grounds of the church where you will find the Fine Arts museum and a spectacular view of the surrounding area including the panoramic view of the church where I took the picture. When looking up more info about Charte, I came across this event in September: http://www.chartresenlumieres.com/en/chartres-en-lumieres.html I will definitely be going back for that!

If you're visiting Chartres, then you're bound to see the cathedral in this town! It's huge, and almost as grand as that of Notre Dame in Paris. I read about this church in the Rick Steve's guide book, and went for a walk around the church. Go towards the back of the church to see the buttress and also visit the green gardens! It's really nice.

Chartres is a lovely and magical small medieval town, that reminded me of the 'quiet little village' that Belle in Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' described in her song: 'Little town It's a quiet village Ev'ry day Like the one before.....' La Cathédrale Notre Dame de Chartres stands over the town with its sweeping mismatched Gothic towers; flying buttresses; and carved solemn figures of saints, devils, and angels. It rises like a lovely misty vision of old world romance and sacred devotion to touch the clouds. People come from all over the world to see this amazing example of original Gothic architecture with some of the most unique stained glass windows in Europe. There is also the world famous labyrinth on the floor of the cathedral as you enter the front entrance and approach the alter! It is a coiling circular path that guides one to the center of the labyrinth. It was meant to be a journey to the spiritual Jerusalem and it was funny since I had just traveled from the uniquely spiritual and beautiful Jerusalem. The labyrinth has a long history and is a wonderful tool for walking meditations but is only accessible on Fridays. Also, don't miss the ancient crypt underneath the cathedral. There's a serene garden like area by the building near the museum that you can enjoy. Malcolm Miller, a cranky opinionated English scholar has been giving tours there for the past 50 years, like a house elf except in a cathedral. At first, I was appalled when my friends drove me to Chartres at night, because it looked desolate, industrial, and rural in the outer areas. Then, one of my friends in the car started humming the tune from 'Beauty and the Beast' as we drove into the dark, shuttered, empty and deserted small city center of Chartres. I was secretly shaking my fist at another friend, Cutie Pie, a tre chic hottie, who grew up there and who reassured me that it is 'very very nice' I thought ''Damn you, Cutie Pie for misleading me!!! Damn you!!!' I hadn't rented a car and I was desperately hoping as I smiled and chatted with my companions, that it wouldn't be a one bus service dull little village. I could tell my Parisian friends were appalled, but only casually mentioned that they could bring me anything I needed from Paris. They didn't know much about Chartres which is a little over an hour train ride from Paris. Whew, it turns out to be so very different than what we all imagined! Mais non!!! But Chartres is full of shopping, eating, movies, a museum, and everything else. It has old medieval buildings with grey roofs, wooden shutters with flower pots, winding stone streets, and town squares where you can people watch. There are many shops, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatier, and all types of specialty stores lining the cute little streets. I had wi-fi, reliable all day and night trains to and from Paris, tasty coffee, and places where I could relax and eat yummy snacks without getting bored. Belle: 'Little town Full of little people Waking up to say: (Lady): Bon jour! (Man carrying grain sack): Bon jour! (Egg man): Bon jour! (Washer woman): Bon jour! (Baker): Bon jour!' Everybody says Bon jour!! all the time in Chartres..very friendly and small village-y. DO NOT piss the towns folks off by omitting this greeting...they might come after you with pitchforks..seriously.. The May air was cool, breezy, and sunny and much cleaner than Paris, Nice, or Marseilles. It was very relaxing and invigorating to walk 30 mins to the city center with my netbook to use McDo's (McDonald's in Frenchspeak) wi-fi and enjoy few of the Frenchi-fied offerings. I never eat in McDonald's here in the US but I was very grateful for the clean and nice sitting area and the free wi-fi. I would work and then just wander around the twisty and lumpy stone paved streets to take pictures, look into the store windows, and taste chocolates, creme cafe with Chantilly cream, baked goods, crepes.....they are usually much better than here in the States. The croissants were so fluffy, crispy, crunchy, heavenly, and not bready at all! So amazing!!! However, I am not a huge fan of French food so I generally ate out in ethnic restaurants and saved my appetite for my trips to Chinatown in Paris. The Vietnames food there is unparalleled....the pho there was incredibly flavorful, delicate, and satisfying. Boulangerie Patisserie C. Avert on Avenue Maurice Maunoury has everything - chocolates, sandwiches, baked goods....so delicious. I used to buy baguettes on my walk back to the house to eat with foie gras, ham, fresh churned butter, cheese, and boudin from my favorite charcouterie. Chartres is a lovely fairy tale French town with a serene world famous Gothic Castle..oops...cathedral with a timeless labyrinth, underground crypt, and beautiful glowing Rose windows for spiritual contemplation and renewal. And sometimes I heard echoes of Belle singing about longing to leave 'the little town' with 'little people'..Bon jour, bon jour..

Wonderful, amazing cathedrale ! You can go there thousand times and still be amaze ! Watch out for the blue "vitrail" it is only in chartres !