Chartres Cathedral was mostly constructed between 1193 and 1250.
The majority of the original stained glass windows survive intact, while the architecture has seen only minor changes since the early 13th century.
The building's exterior is dominated by heavy flying buttresses.
The west end holds two contrasting spires — one, a 105 metre plain pyramid dating from the 1140s, and the other a 113 metre tall early 16th century Flamboyant spire on top of an older tower.
All the glass from the cathedral was removed in 1939 just before the Germans invaded France, and it was cleaned after the War and releaded before replacing.
While the city suffered heavy damage by bombing in the course of World War II, the cathedral was spared by an American Army officer who challenged the order to destroy it.


We had the great pleasure of spending a day with BLANDINE MANGIN in Chartres.
Please stay tuned and see how we enjoyed the beautiful weather together!