About this experience
One of the most picturesque cities in France, quiet Chartres seems to be tailor-made for sophisticated connoisseurs of beauty, delicate souls, and curious minds. Here, the spirit of history and the Middle Ages reign. I am the only guide-guardian of the key to the underground crypt of Chartres Cathedral, and on my tour you will not be passive listeners: you will learn to 'read' the church stained glass windows and interpret stories from the perspective of the inhabitants of another era, see the architecture of old quarters, and enjoy a walk that will transport you to the unexplored past for several hours.
What to Expect
Chartres Cathedral
Art historians call it the 'Gothic king': it is the only medieval cathedral in the world that miraculously survived in almost pristine condition, and it is here that one of the greatest Christian relics is kept—the Virgin Mary's Veil. With my help, you will learn to read rose windows and decipher messages from the 13th century that the cathedral canons hid in symbols on colored glass.
Underground Crypt
You will inhale the damp air within the walls of France's largest crypt, where we will approach the Veil of the Virgin Mary so closely that you can see the intertwining threads of ancient woven cloth. In the silence and semi-darkness of the underground, I will tell you stories of how a brave girl defended the first Christians here, and three canons survived under the smoldering ruins of the cathedral.
Bishops' Domain
In Chartres, there is its 'Vatican'—a small town built in the 12th century around the cathedral by a bishop who wanted to mark the boundaries of his domains. Behind the golden wrought-iron gate, you will see cascading garden terraces overlooking the city, a grassy labyrinth where ordinary children often play today, and a palace with a chapel and a prison. Enjoying the picturesque views of the ancient steep roofs from the heights of the Chartres hill, you will learn chilling stories of medieval justice.
Medieval Quarter
The narrow streets and half-timbered houses of the city preserve not only the stories of common people—laundrywomen, butchers, water carriers, but also encrypted messages. For the uninitiated, they may seem like just funny images, but they intertwine philosophy, humor, customs, and the daily life of medieval man. Why did the crocodile suddenly grow rabbit ears, why did the people of Chartres dislike turnips with carrots—these and many other discoveries await you on the stroll.
If we are on the same wavelength, then I am waiting for you in Chartres—with the keys to the Chartres Cathedral!
Organizational Details
- You need to get from Paris to Chartres on your own. There are two ways:
— Train from Gare Montparnasse station in Paris (travel time approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, adult ticket price—18€ one way)
— Taxi: from 120€ (depends on the driver and vehicle) - You can extend the tour and visit even more interesting places in Chartres. The cost of an additional hour of the tour will be 90€ per group.
