Saturday, September 14, 2013

Paris Day 8

Chartres - the very word conjurs up thoughts and pictures in our minds, those of us that are a bit older. Our visit far surpassed any expectations! Not so easy to capture all of that can be seen with a camera, so the mind has to work hard :-)

We took the train from Gare Montparnasse, a very easy and relaxing trip of about one hour. We saw countryside filled with cornfields, small villages and various sites. The train was easy to get to, figure out and use.




Arriving in Chartres we walked around a little, and then found a small cafe for caffe laite and relaxed as we waited for the time to meet Malcom - the tour guide that provides tours in English for the last 40+ years. Diana, Lisa and Sean took the tour and I wandered the property taking photos and often just sitting into the silence  - oh, and walking the Labrynthe, a key reason we came on Friday.

The first real view of the cathedral is also one of a Ferris Wheel and entertainment centre about two blocks away. This view can really twist your mind until you accept it :-)....




The inside is quite dark and not all of the windows have been cleaned, so the light coming in is variable. Taking photos in this situation is a bit challenging, but worthwhile. I would love to be able to spend the time here (and at Notre Dame) with off-camera lighting and tripod.





The altar at lower right. 

I found this view at the back of the Cathdral.

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Figures everywhere, each with a story and a meaning to them.






A few additional photos of interesting items seen as we enjoyed the town.






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