The historic town of Chartres is about 80 km south-west of Paris, and it is known for its Gothic cathedral, considered by some to be one of the most magnificent cathedrals in western Christendom.
The exterior of the cathedral is characterized by its pioneering flying buttresses, detailed portals, and mismatched towers.
The interior of the cathedral is characterized by the biggest nave in France, the famed brilliant blue stained glass, and the labyrinth inlaid in the nave floor.
This is a loosely structured, no-frills, proof-of-concept event to determine if day trips are feasible as future WICE activities. Attendees will pay their own fare to and from Chartres, as well as the cost of their meals and any other individual expenses.
Attendees should also take it upon themselves to read about the cathedral, as this is not a guided tour.
The exact timetable is to be confirmed, but this is an outline for the day (all times approximate):
- 11:30 - Meet in front of the Chartres train station
- 11:45 - Examine and discuss the exterior of the cathedral
- 12:45 - Lunch across from the cathedral
- 14:15 - Examine and discuss the interior of the cathedral
- 16:30 - Depart for Paris
For an extra treat, spend some time beforehand browsing Henry Adams's acclaimed "Mont Saint Michel and Chartres," which is available at The American Library.
Note 1: This activity is only open to WICE members.
Note 2: The group will be meeting in front of the Chartres train station at approximately 11:30 am. Registrants are responsible for getting to Chartres on their own. There is a train to Chartres from Gare Montparnasse at approximately 10:09 am.
Registration opens on 12 June.
About the organizer
Rick Jones has lived in Paris for almost six years. He is an avid walker and a Chartres enthusiast (having visited the cathedral many times since his first visit in 1984).
