A miracle to see the amazing art and architecture from almost a thousand years ago. It is like the incredible treasures of ancient history. But this Cathédrale is very much alive. All of the works of a museum. Just a walk through will be worth it, but try to do more. Tours are offered. Added bonus, nightly illuminations of the exterior. Beautiful!

My favorite cathedral. The perfect size, retaining a sense of the sacred without having been converted into a museum. The stained glass windows are, in my opinion, the most spectacularly beautiful component of the church. The interior choir screen is marvelous. And the exterior is a masterpiece of the Gothic. Each of the three portals is better than the others! So much more interesting, and approachable, than other portals that may be larger, or more ornate, but just not as beautiful. Chartres combines everything one might want to experience in a cathedral: the sense of centuries-long purpose, the majesty of the art, the awe for the craftsmanship, and the feeling that one really is in a church.

Beautiful and awe inspiring. I got the audio-guide in English. It is very informative, but there are currently some renovations that cut off certain parts of the tour. Also, the “crypt” tour, only available in French this time of year, was very well done, if you understand French. They give you a less entertaining paper description in English also. But the crypt is really just the basement of the cathedral, has its own history and features, but no skeletons or such.

It is hard to believe that in the 11th century people has the materials and the engineering skills to construct this stunning edifice. Even a non-believer like me can feel the presence of the sacred in this ancient space. The train ride from Paris to Chartres is nice too.

I wasn't really expecting to be as moved as I was by the cathedral. It is quite the experience to see the stain glass and the intricate detail which abounds throughout the structure. If you are in Paris this is a very easy day trip and it was not crowded at all for us. The stain glass museum across the street which details each panel is also worth a visit. Light a candle.

Loved our walking tour of Chartres. Start at the Cathedral (since our hotel was next door), then navigate to St. Aignan Church with beautiful patterned paintwork, then to St. Pierre church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. End with a walk along the canal back to the medieval town center.