Chartres

Probably best known for its spectacular Gothic cathedral - Cathedral Notre-Dame - as in Paris -Chartres is popular with tourists as a day trip from the capital (1hr) and as a stopping off point on the way down to the Loire Valley (Val de Loire).

It is also a place of pilgrimage for Catholics as it contains the 'Sainte Voile' a piece of cloth said to be from the tunic worn by Mary when she gave birth to Jesus -- ah the power of faith!

As you head towards the town, the cathedral looms on the horizon for many miles as if it standing solitude in its surroundings.

The town is the capital of the department of Eure & Loir - it is considered by some as relatively uninteresting but the community are working hard to offer a variety of attractions from music festivals to the clever night-time illumination of its streets and buildings - from 11th April to 20th September, twenty or so of the city's most beautiful buildings and sites are draped in light and music. The highlight is the colourful illumination of the cathedral. On the last evening the celebrations comes to a close with the 'Festival of Light' featuring illuminations of new sites, concerts and street shows. 

It has a very good mix of modern and ancient buildings which make walking its streets a delight. You can take a glass of wine in its modern centre before treading the cobbles of the old town with its  half-timbered houses. If you wander of the normal beaten track you can discover many delights to the eye, especially down by the river.

A good walk is to go down to the old gate entrance to the town then heading north for half a kilometre before turning left to the steps leading to the cathedral.

Official site:

http://www.chartres-tourisme.com

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