The Chartres Cathedral is probably the finest example of French Gothic architecture, and said by some to be the most beautiful
cathedral in France.
Its spiritual intensity is heightened by the fact that no direct light enters the building.
All the light is filtered through Chartres' blue stained glass.
And so that the whole experience of visiting Chartres Cathedral seems to be out of this world.
What is the easiest way to get to see this inspiring wonder? Before we tell you please like, subscribe, comment, and share.
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Chartres Cathedral is 56 miles southwest of Paris, an easy day trip from Paris.
The easiest way to get there is by train and the journey takes approximately one hour.
Paris has seven active rail stations. Gare Montparnasse, in the 14th and 15th arrondissements, is the station
you need to leave from to get to the city of Chartres.
You can purchase tickets from the ticket office or from the freestanding ticket kiosks in the station.
Trains run daily every hour, and the best part is you will not have to change trains.
Depending on which train you take the journey will last between 60 and 75 minutes.
Pro Tip: buy an open ticket to Chartres. That way you can take any train you want regardless of time. Miss a train?
Get the next one. No big deal
Once you have your ticket check the departure board to see when the next train to Chartres.
You will usually see several departures. The one on top will be the next one leaving
The platform the train will be leaving on will show on the boards right before the departure of the train.
Once it is shown head to the train.
Montparnasse has 24 platforms. Most of the platforms in the center are for local trains.
Before boarding the train, make sure to validate your ticket on the platform.
Board the train, find an open seat, and sit back and relax.
Be aware of your belongings. The train trip will take approximately one hour.
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When you arrive in Chartres gather all of your belongings and exit the train.
The walk to the Cathedral is about 10 to 15 minutes stroll.
The cathedral is open every day from 8:30 a.m. till 7:30 p.m.
Some days the cathedral is open later, but varies depending on the time of year.
You can self guide your way through the cathedral or take a guided tour.
Pro Tip: Take a tour with Malcolm Miller.
He has been guiding at Chartres Cathedral since 1958 and he is hands-down the best at what he does.
He brings to life this very special place.
Please check his schedule but note: if there are fewer than 8 participants,
Mr. Miller may not offer the tour. The best way to ensure a tour with him is to arrange a private tour.
See the description below for details.
A second Pro Tip: While you can enjoy the cathedral in the afternoon, if you are in France between mid April and mid October,
consider staying overnight to enjoy
"Chartres en Lumiere," or Chartres in Light. More than 20 monuments and buildings around the city center are
illuminated with a variety of scenes,
sometimes accompanied by music and historical commentary.
The show happens nightly and guided tours are available on many weekend nights. If you found this video helpful
please like, subscribe,
comment, and share, and please ring the notification bell. 'Til next time, happy and safe travels!
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