Chartres Cathedral

travel wonder in France

Why Chartres

Cathedral is special

This magnificent medieval Gothic cathedral in France has nearly 200 bright-hued stained glass windows dating back to the 12th and 13th Centuries. The huge roseate windows (see photo) above the cathedral's main entrances are particularly spectacular and justifiably world famous.

The flying buttresses

of Chartres Cathedral

The extensive windowing would have been impossible were it not for the newfound flying buttress construction method. It lowered the load-bearing responsibilities of the Chartres Cathedral walls, allowing them to be taller and full of sizeable holes for the windows.

Sculptures

The outdoor sculptures of Chartres are almost as renowned as the stained glass windows. They adorn the cathedral's exterior around the doorways.

Popular with

day tripping tourists

Most visitors come from Paris on day tours. This wonder is located in its namesake city, Chartres, just about 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Paris.

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©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications