Paris Daytrips: Chartres or Reims

My Art History Professor said Chartres was the finest example of pure Gothic architecture.

We chose a 1/2 day bus trip to Chartres, but then I've never seen Reims.

It's been awhile since I've been to Reims, but the windows at Chartres are about the best there are. Besides, if you can get a Malcolm Miller tour, it will be an unforgettable experience.

And Chartres is a nice little town to wander around in - maybe not as big as Reims, but plenty to keep you occupied for the day.

Tough call.

I think Reims is closer to 2 hours from Paris as it sits about a 100 miles away. It also has the wine caves a couple of good museums and the WWII surrender site.

Chartres looks like a more signiifcant example of gothic architecture.

Hi,

Been to both. There is a very nice cathedral in Reims (of the same vintage as Chartres )that is worth a visit, but agree that the one in Chartres would be my first choice. But after the cathedral...a visit to a champagne cellar (I did Taitinger)is a very interesting add-on. Plus the train ride to Reims is nice: vineyards, rolling hills...

Mike

One more vote for Chartres.

I've never been to Reims. I took a full day trip from Paris by myself to Chartres almost 20 years ago, and I loved everything about it: the cathedral, the M. Miller tour, the town.

From my day trip file:

Reims. (www.ville-reims.com/anglais/Default.htm). Michelin *** sight. Reims' Cathédrale de Nôtre-Dame is one of the great cathedrals of France and historically the coronation site of French royalty. Other sights include the Palais du Tau, the former palace of the bishops, which houses the cathedral's museum with tapestries, statuary, and artifacts, etc., and the Basilique St-Rémi, the largest Romanesque pilgrimage church in northern France.
Many major champagne producers have tours and tastings in Reims. Three-star gastronomic temple and relais-et-château property Boyer's "Les Crayères" is world famous. Tourist office: 2, rue Guilliaume de Machault, near the cathedral. 03.26.77.45.25. SNCF rail access from Gare de L'Est (90 minutes).

Reims, without a doubt.

Perhaps Chartres cathedral is a finer specimen of gothic architecture, I don't recall and could probably argue that one, but that is the only thing of interest in that town, to me. It's just an ordinary small town. Reims cathedral is not a bad example, has wonderful windows and sculptures on the outside, and to me, is a more important site and has more historical ties of interest to me. Such as in Monet's works and Joan of Arc history.

Aside from that Reims has several outstanding art museums, the Recapitulation museum where Eisenhower stayed and the Germans surrendered -- this was of great interest to me, the map room is still as during WWII, it appeared to me. They also have a nice film clip. Also, there are the champagne caves if you want.

Reims is more than an hour, of course, I think it was between 90-120 minutes, but not bad.

Thanks to all for the feedback. You guys are making it tough for me. I was leaning towards Chartres and then Christina jumped in with a great input and pushed me back towards Reims!

Anybody else want to add to the discussion?

It does look like Reims is about an hour and a half and Chartres is an hour - neither is bad for a long daytrip if you start early.

Have considered Rouen? Has three great cathedrals plus just wandering the city is interesting. Makes a great full day trip. I have a trip report on that experience if you're interested - nbale02@earthlink.net
I have been to Chartres and the cathedral is wonderful especially if you take the Malcolm Miller tour (bring binoculars - makes the stained glass so much more interesting). I didn't find the town to be much of anything except some cute shops.

Rouen is approx. 45 minutes via train.

Christina has confused Rheims with Rouen. Monet is much better known for his series of Rouen Cathedral. Joan did attend the coronation of Charles VII at Rheims but her victories in the Loire, particularly Orleans, and her burning at the stake in Rouen are historically more significant.

You should take the Metro to the Basilique Saint-Denis, the burial place for the rulers of France. This is a magnificent structure and the tombs are interesting.

jsmith, just to confuse things a little further - Reims has a Joan of Arc festival in Jun each year with 2000 people in medieval dress escorting Joan of Arc and King Charles VII.

We just returned from Paris two days ago. We went on a daytrip to Reims, and visited the cathedral and Palais du Tau, which were both quite enjoyable. We have not (yet) visited Chartres, so I cannot tell you which is "best."

But after spending two weeks in Paris and Ile de France (and dining at several splurge restaurants), the culinary highlight was definitely our meal at Gerard Boyer - les Crayeres in Reims. The food was fantastic. I had the eight course tasting menu, matched with champagne and wine, which was to die for.

Woody

I visited both on a trip 2 years ago. The cathedral in Chartres is very slightly more spectacular but Rheims has more to see and do. Tour the champagne caves! I recommend driving to Rheims rather than the train. That way you could drive to Epernay and follow the Marne Valley. This way you could see vinyards also.

Thanks for the additional info.

Nancy - I emailed you. Rouen also looks interesting - viewed several websites last night.