If you have read up on the Chartres Cathedral you will have seen the famous 13c labyrinth mentioned.
This inlaid work on the floor of the nave was one of the things I most wanted to see. The day we visited the labyrinth was covered in chairs so even trying to follow some of the pattern was impossible.
You can go to www.cathedral-chartres.com for lots of info.

Last time i was in Chartres the Office de Tourism, near the cathedral, had self-guided Walkman tours of town for a few euro. There's a really neat part of Chartres just off the beaten path - the riverfront down below the church and old town center - the languid river is lined by very ancient wooden structures - something very unique and a short walk from the cathedral.

I don't think you can make a reservation on a train to Chartres. At least, I've never seen one that took them, usually you can't reserve on short runs like that. Perhaps the hotel clerk simply ordered a ticket for pickup, rather than really making a reservation for a specific train/seat.

ttt

After visiting the cathedral, go to the bookshop/gift shop and buy tickets to see the crypt. Afterwards walk behind the cathedral's apse for a fine view.

You may not be able to see the labyrinth, as it's often covered by chairs.

Christina's right on about not being able to reserve seats on trains to Chartres i believe - if worried about seats buy a first class ticket and you'll have loads of room. The station in Chartres is within view of the cathedral so you'll have no problem finding it - as usual sits on the highest hill in town.

Hi luluredux, We went on a Saturday in the year 2000. We did not have reserved seats but, as I mentioned, the desk clerk did indeed reserve tickets for us. Perhaps as Christina says, it was just to pick up tickets. We had no idea how crowded the train would be and were not sure enough of our French skills to buy on our own. There was no line at the reservation counter btw. Enjoy your trip!

Wow! So many useful replies! I am going in May so hopefully there will be enough sunny days to catch Chartres in full glory. My itinerary right now is pretty flexible; I will probably go on a Thursday or Friday morning, depending on weather. Donco, is that when the market was held? I am now looking forward to exploring some of the other sites people mentioned near the Cathedral. Sounds really fun!

Interesting to come across this thread as I in contact with Malcom Miller by e-mail a couple of weeks ago and then by phone earlier this week (I am in Paris at the moment). He told me that he does not offer group tours at this time of year as there are simply not enough customers, so we were instead trying to find a mutually convenient time for a personal tour. Alas, it didn't work out. Next trip perhaps.

About the labyrinth: the chairs are moved away from it on Fridays.

Anselm

That should be Malcolm, of course. When will I ever learn to proof these things before posting.

Anselm

We were there on a Saturday in the year 2000. You might want to check that market day hasn't changed. That info was/is in DK Eyewitness book.
It is true we didn't have reserved seats. Hotel reserved a ticket and we picked it up and paid at the station. We were not secure enough in French language or knowledge of Saturday trains to do this ourselves. Enjoy!

To underscore TWK's response: You can not use an American credit card in the machine to buy tickets. European ones have a chip that allows them to use it. No sign I saw explains this.

A kind French lady tried for us that is how we found out. She then shepherded us to the right ticket window at the Gare Montparnasse, We have almost always found individual Frenchmen and women courteous. As far as directions, however, French institutions tend to be cryptic at best (exception The Metro).

Do not however miss this magnificent site.

I enjoyed the stain glass museum located near the cathedral. I highly recomend the tourist office walking route also. Chartres is an easy and very enjoyable day trip from Paris.

PalQ
We are planning a day trip on a Sunday. Will shops generally be closed?