 |
France |
|
 |
Language(s) | French |
 |
Currency | Euro (€) |
 |
Phone Code | +33 |
 |
Population | 64,473,140 |
 |
Area | 674,843 sq km |
 |
Capital | Paris |
 |
GDP | $2.23 trillion |
|
France |
|
|
Language(s) | French |
|
Currency | Euro (€) |
|
Phone Code | +33 |
|
Population | 64,473,140 |
|
Area | 674,843 sq km |
|
Capital | Paris |
|
GDP | $2.23 trillion |
Paris, Ile-de-France Travel Guide
Chartres
The medieval town of Chartres is one of the most rewarding day trips (by rail about one hour from Montparnasse station). The entire old town district is classified as a historic monument and the attractive pedestrian zone is a wonderful place to stroll or window-shop.
The high spires of the Gothic Cathedral of Notre Dame tower over the small town and for centuries were a guidepost for pilgrims. The exquisite stained glass windows are among the most important art treasures of theworld. A museum documents this art of glass-making, in particular the production and preservation of the famous Chartres blue. One of the many admirable details in the cathedral is the maze which is laid out in the stone pavement. Some sections of the crypt date from the 9th century. The main façade, the Portail Royal (royal portal) was created with great skill – a storybook of Christianity carved in stone. This west façade is the only part of the original church which has endured, the rest was destoroyed in a fire. Between 1164 and 1260 the present-day cathedral was rebuilt on the remains of the older church.
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