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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

I think they are going to make into a stained glass window.

From tripadvisor:

<I>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 </I>

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!

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwgZv8LEOl4

Malcolm in action!

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.

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.