The Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (or the Cathedral Notre Dame de Chartres), located in Chartres, about 80 km from Paris, is considered one of the finest examples in all France of the Gothic style of architecture. Its two contrasting spires — one, a 105 meter (349 ft) plain pyramid dating from the 1140s, and the other a 113 meter (377 ft) tall early 16th century Flamboyant spire on top of an older tower — soar upwards over the pale green roof, while all around the outside are complex flying buttresses.

Chartres Cathedral was the last stop before we returned to Paris. Our tour director said they saved the best for last, and he was so right. We arrived when it was very foggy, which didn’t lift until we were leaving the area, but the building was still breath-taking even in the fog. As we were leaving, we managed to take some clearer pictures of the outside of the building.

Chartres Cathedral is know for is rose window and its flying buttresses. The rose window is much more impressive than the Notre Dame in Paris and the glass is even the original panes from the 11th century. The blue in this glass was first made for this cathedral; this color has been used in other stain glass windows and is referred to as Chartres Blue because of it brilliance and unique color.

This inside of this cathedral was very impressive, but pretty dark. Drawn on the floor at the front of the nave was a labyrinth. This labyrinth (or maze) is supposed to represent your journey through life. It winds and turns and wraps around, but it never crosses another line. It is in the shape of a perfect circle and the path leads to the middle where you are supposed to reach your final destination (or heaven). Also, inside one of the chapels at the back of the building lies the veil of Mary. People make a pilgrimage to Chartres to see this veil.

Click on the link below to view a movie of some of the art and decorations inside Chartres Cathedral.