Chartres |
| Monday, 23 February 2009 00:00 |
 The medieval city of Chartres lies on a plateau surrounded by wheat fields on the banks of the river Eure, just 62 miles south of Paris. It is the capital of the Department of Eure-et-Loire, and is always recognized by the towers of its famous cathedral. The origin of Chartres is somewhat in the dark. The city was already mentioned in the Roman Autricum by Caesar in the "Gaulic War". However, the Sanctuary on the road to Santiago de Compostella is considerably older. Probably the granite hills that tower from the limestone levels of Beauce where the cathedral is now located was already serving as a druid sanctuary in pre-Christian times. In the 4th century Chartres was then appointed to the bishopric, which then brought prosperity and prestige city and surrounding area. Today is Chartes is especially a popular destination among those with an interest for cultural and historical aspects. The primary reason for this is the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres which dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries. It is the most complete and best preserved Gothic cathedral ever. The colorful stained-glass windows, the impressive façade and its famous relic, the "tunic of the Virgin Mary" can all be seen here. These are also the reasons it was already added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites back in 1979. Also worth seeing is the old town of Chartres, which surrounds the cathedral. Winding streets and alleyways with melodious names are full of old, gabled houses. There are stairs leading down to the lower city which is also where you will find the shores of the river. Here is a great spot to just spend a few quiet moments thinking. An absolute highlight, however, is a visit to the "Maison Picassiette" which is decorated with shards of porcelain and glass. It is eye-catching to all those that walk past it. Even a trip to one or more of the famous museums of Chartres, the Musée des Beaux Arts, the Musée des Sciences naturelles et de la Préhistoire "(Museum of Natural History) or the Center for International du Vitrail" (Stained Glass Museum) is worthwhile. The most famous house in the city is located on the square of the "Poissonnerie" (fish market). This would be the house of the salmon, also referred to as the "Truie-qui-file". In the beginning of the 16th century it was furnished with wooden sculptures and among others things there was a salmon decorating wooden posts of the house. Below the square you will find the road of "Ecuyers", (squires) which invites you to stroll and daydream between the half-timbered houses and bustling markets with an atmosphere of times long gone. After you have extensively explored the life and bustling of Chartres, you can then venture beyond the city gates. In the surrounding areas there is much to see. You can visit, for example, the area around Auneau and enjoy the picturesque landscape of river valleys, green forests and vast wheat fields. The city itself is already worthwhile just because of the castle from the 16th century. In Maintenon expect an aqueduct built by Vauban, the medieval garden of the farm "Bois-Richeux" as well as numerous Megaliths which can all be admired in the countryside around Changé. An impressive fortress from the 14th century is located in Villabon and the Gardens of la Feuilleraie invite you to come see the sea of flowers. All of this is only miles from Chartres and easily reached with a rental car. Just in case you feel like going to a big city you can also drive you rental from Chartres to France’s number one metropolis Paris. The trip takes just a little more than an hour. |
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