Chartres, about 100 km southwest of Paris, is the capital of the Département Eure-et-Loir, the seat of a bishop as well as the focal point of the agriculturally rich province of Beauce. But most of all it is world famous for its cathedral Notre-Dame. Built on a site where the previous churches burnt down in 743, 858, and1020 a romanesque cathedral was begun in 1020 which was destroyed by fire in 1194. Only the south tower, west front and crypt remained. The present structure was largely built between 1195 and 1220. There were few alteration after 1250 and, unlike other cathedrals, Chartres was unscathed by the Wars of Religion and the French Revolution. The western façade (1140-60) built in the early gothic style is dominated by two great towers. On the right is the south tower (Clocher Vieux) completed in 1170, and on the left is the north tower (Clocher Neuf, 117 m) with a crown added in 1507-13 by Jehan Texier. Its flamboyant gothic style contrasts sharply with the solemnity of its older counterpart. Between the towers is a most richly decorated portal of kings (Portail Royal, 1145-55) which shows Christ in Majesty. Its elongated statues represent Old Testament figures whereas the statues of the south porch (1197-1209) reflect the New Testament. Donated by the guilds between 1210 and 1240 the glorious collection of stained glass windows is world famous.
images of Chartres, including floor plans
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