We will only have time for one day trip out of Paris this month. Rouen or Chartres? Which would you choose and why?

Chartres. The comparison of Chartres cathedral to almost any other cathedral in the world is darn near a no-brainer.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I've never been to Chartres (plan to go there from Paris in May), but must say that I was a bit disappointed with Rouen. Perhaps it was the grey, cold day that early March day.

topping<BR>

Thanks, guys. Chartres seems to be the winner.

Chartres for me because I love stainted glasses and those in Chartres are breathtaking. Apart from that also because Chatres is quieter and has a provincial charm Rouen is lacking.

Search "Malcolm" here on this forum for info on the English gentleman who has spent decades giving guided tours in Chartres.<BR><BR>Adds such a terrific dimension to what you can hardly believe with your own eyes there.

Personally for a whole day trip I prefer Rouen. Has 3 great cathedrals, old section, river walk, museums. But if you choose only Chartres, which I also visited, please take binoculars to view the stained glass windows and do take Malcolm Miller's tour of the cathedral. With the binoculars I could really see the pictures and his narration makes it so much more interesting. I just thought that Rouen as a city was much more interesting overall.

There was recently a thread on combining Giverny and rouen into a single day outing. I think the consensus was: okay idea.<BR>

for Beth, as far as the Giverny/Rouen idea.<BR><BR>Where is that thread?<BR><BR>

If yoiu are there for the entire day, take Malcolm Millers tour twice. He gives different tours if there are repeat customers.

Chartres is a nice town itself, in addition to its well-known cathedral. I say it's worth it. I also second the suggestion to bring binoculars for the stained glass. I also thought the carved wood in the cathedral was as interesting as the world-class stained glass.