Planning a trip to Paris in the fall. Recently read on this forum that Chartres was a "dump" and not worth the trip. Does anyone have a comment? I haven't been there in ten years and thought it was wonderful then. Have things changed that much? What has been your experience? Thanks

Are you SURE you read that here? <BR> <BR>I haven't been there in more than 10 years but can't imagine that it could possible be totally ruined.

I went to Chartres twice last year, and will return whenever I'm in the area. The town still has plenty of charm, and the cathedral will remain stunning for as long as it stands. Do a search here for "chartres" - I can't recall a single negative comment.

A dump? Why? <BR> <BR>It's an enjoyable day trip, the town is pleasant and the stainted glasses wonderful. The cathedral was still there, at least some months ago...

Well, yeah, the cathedral would be much nicer if they whitewashed it, took down some of those old statues and put up something more modern, and got rid of the stained glass windows to lighten up the place.

Yes, I read that it was "a dump" too, and replied that if you couldn't appreciate its phenomenal historical and artistic magnificence, then you were either a dunce or an ingrate, for which I was roundly castigated. How could it be a dump? It's the most renowned and majestic cathedral in the world? Its creators spent centuries building it for you....go and be appreciative. The town of Chartres is also a nice, lively place, by the way, with good cafés and restaurants, and the Hôtel de la Poste is always a good deal, about 2 blocks from the cathedral.

I have to disagree with the previous poster about the cathedral itself. I certainly don't consider it as the most majestic in the world, or even in France (To say the truth,it's amongst those I was the least interested in, at least from the outside). But I like stainted glasses and in Chartres they really deserve their reputation (probably the most beautiful I ever saw, and so much of them...from the inside of the cathedral, it absolutely amazing). And the town has a real charm. No doubt it's a rewarding (and easy) daytrip. <BR>

from an academic standpoint, chartres is notable for both its architectural and art historical significance. there is no arguing with that. from an emotional standpoint, the stained glass is absolutely breathtaking. is it worth a day trip? yes, by all means. go!

I have to post and express my awe and emotional high when I saw the INSIDE of Chartres. Of course, it is very much worth it! I thought Saint Chappelle was the most beautiful stained church I've seen until I saw Chartres. I never knew one can get emotional just by looking at those stained glass, but yeah, I did cry. The trip to Chartres from Paris was on a grey day but when we went inside, the sun shone so brightly that we were so awed by the magnificent play of colors (esp. the yellows and blues) and design of the church interior. GO FOR IT!

We pulled into Chartres and up to the cathedral right a sundown (have some gorgeous pictures) so naturally when we went in we could not appreciateive the stained glass - but we were so overwhelmed we decided to stay overnight and come back in the morning so we could apreciate it. We were thrilled that we did - we found a nice, reasonably prices hotel (Hotel Chatelet - 370ff for a double!!) and a great place for dinner. The next morning was bright and sunny and the cathedral was incredible - truly amazing. We then made the easy drive back to Paris - actually Versaille - talk about a perfect day!

I was there recently & thought it was magnificient, the town charming,had delicious pizza in the square, enjoyed the talk by the english guide, walked around & regretted the end of the day. <BR>easy trip from Paris by train. <BR>Make sure that you get there in time for the tour.

Have just decided to make the day trip to Chartres from Paris in a few weeks. Do we take the TGV, and if so from where (station)? Do I need to make reservations ahead of time or can it wait till we arrive? Also, when is the tour? Merci.

No TGV - - just regular train (a "TER", leaves Monptparnasse, roughly every hour; more often in the early, early morning hours) - - takes about 55-70 minutes - - see www.sncf.com for details. And for tour information, search "Malcolm" here (for Malcolm Miller) - - you will find tons of info - - including a recent NPR story which will allow you to hear him in his own voice briefly. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>