Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Europe
Reload this Page >

Chartres Cathedral - Is Malcolm Miller Still Doing Tours?

Chartres Cathedral - Is Malcolm Miller Still Doing Tours?

Old Nov 4th, 2014, 12:18 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Chartres Cathedral - Is Malcolm Miller Still Doing Tours?

He was old years ago when I first took one of the spellbinding tours of Chartres Cathedral so I wonder if Malcolm is still there and does anyone know just how old he is?

Thanks.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 12:21 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,840
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
The Chartres website gives info and you can book tours with him, if you want http://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/f...ticle-254.html

hve no idea how old he is, why do you care
Christina is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 12:26 PM
  #3  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oh just curious as he seemed ancient 25 years ago and age has a tendency to make folks retire at some point.

Oh thanks for the answer - I saw that web site but could not tell if it was current or not on a quick glance.
PalenQ is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 12:54 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There are some clues to his age in this article:
http://americamagazine.org/issue/681...voice-chartres

In the article, Miller says that his "attachment" to Chartres began in 1956 when he was in France teaching English as part of his degree requirements from Durham University. The clergy authorized him as a guide in 1958.

He's certainly unique and his explications of windows and portals are more in depth than those of any guide I have experienced.
MaineGG is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 01:30 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We were there last month and were told he does not conduct tours daily anymore and was not expected to be there the day that we were hoping to tour with him. The person giving us the information sounded like it was a day by day decision on his part as to whether he would be able to tour or not.
Judy is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 01:34 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Chartres is our lunch stop on our return drive to Paris. Its really a lovely city, and Ive always thought it would be a great destination.

Anyways, I just wanted to chime in and say that sound carries very well in the Cathedral. Im not saying you can get a free tour by listening in, just saying that if you dont plan ahead its a nice bonus
FrankS is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 01:38 PM
  #7  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Say he was 20 in 1956 - 58 years ago would make him only 78, not as old as I thought. Hope he feels up to doing his life's work and joy - what a lucky person to have lived a life he seemed to revel in. I have been critical of him in the past due to things that happened on tours I have taken but all in all his is a Chartres Cathedral treasure as much as anything in the church.

Long live Malcolm and his tours. If you get a chance take one!
PalenQ is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 02:46 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I think they are going to make into a stained glass window.
IMDonehere is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 04:34 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From tripadvisor:

4. Re: Malcolm Miller Retired???
Jan 24, 2013, 4:13 PM
I am certainly NOT 150 ! Only 79 and still very active. My daily tours of Chartres Cathedral from Easter until late October are still at 12 noon and 2.45 p.m. Not on Sundays, and during the winter occaisonally or on request.

Please beware of silly comments on internet. My e-mail address is [email protected] for sensible replies.

Thank you,

Malcolm Miller

Edited: 4:18 pm, January 24, 2013
Marija is offline  
Old Nov 4th, 2014, 04:38 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We did his tour on January 2nd, 2014 and it was worth it. His voice doesn't carry because you use headsets. We were glad to hear about Chartres from him!
rosetravels is offline  
Old Nov 5th, 2014, 02:45 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 16,876
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
We did not use headsets about 10 years ago. AND if people were gathering on the edge of the tour to listen, they got an icy stare and "get on with you"!! Not recommended, in case the headsets are not present.
It was a wonderful tour of an exquisite place.
Gretchen is offline  
Old Nov 5th, 2014, 10:51 AM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwgZv8LEOl4

Malcolm in action!
PalenQ is offline  
Old Nov 5th, 2014, 02:58 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,842
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just returned from Chartres and had the opportunity to meet Malcolm. However, he did not do the tour as he insists on 12 people at 10 euro a piece for a total of 120 euro. there were only 4 of us that day and he would have done it if we each paid 40 euro. we declined. however, he did stay with us about 20 minutes answering questions and giving little tidbits of info. he shared that he will be 81 on Sunday, and he does not do the tours everyday anymore. it is basically when he feels like it.
LoriNY1 is offline  
Old Nov 6th, 2014, 10:45 AM
  #14  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
wow - same thing happened to me years ago - not enough folks showed up for his advertised at that time promised tour and he said we'd all have to pay twice as much or"i have better things to do" he said rather haughtily as we all did fork out twice as much the tour went on but left a bad taste in my mouth - like well is 20 people show up do you lower your price?

That said the tours are riveting as per the video clip I linked to in post just above LoriNY1's post.
PalenQ is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
happytrailstoyou
Europe
16
Jul 30th, 2017 07:57 AM
JeanneB
Europe
7
Aug 18th, 2014 04:11 PM
sharonf
Europe
8
Jul 23rd, 2012 04:40 AM
adifferentvista
Europe
4
Sep 29th, 2010 01:57 AM
646wyck
Europe
13
Jun 24th, 2008 07:45 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -