Notre-Dame de Chartres, Gothic cathedral in Chartres, France
Notre-Dame de Chartres is a Gothic cathedral in Chartres, France, rising 113 meters high and extending 130 meters in length. Its western facade displays two distinct spires that give it an asymmetrical appearance visible from far away.
Construction began in 1145 after a fire destroyed the previous building, with most of the current structure completed between 1194 and 1220. This phase followed another fire and produced the remarkable unity of Gothic style that survives today.
The cathedral houses 176 stained glass windows from the 12th and 13th centuries, showing biblical stories and scenes from medieval daily life. Visitors can attend liturgical celebrations held daily, which bring the sacred atmosphere of the space to life.
The building is open daily from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with guided tours offered year-round in several languages. Climbing the north tower requires navigating a narrow spiral staircase and is not suitable for people with limited mobility.
The nave floor displays a medieval labyrinth measuring 261 meters in length, traditionally walked by pilgrims on their knees. The relic of the Virgin Mary's tunic is kept in the treasury and has drawn believers for centuries.
Location: Chartres
Inception: 1145
Architects: Master of Chartres
Official opening: 1220
Architectural style: classic gothic
Height: 113 m
Length: 130 m
Width: 16.4 m
Accessibility: Rollstuhlgerecht
Address: 16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres, France
Opening Hours: Montag-Sonntag 08:30-19:30
Phone: +33237215908
Email: visitecathedrale@diocesechartres.com
Website: http://cathedrale-chartres.org
GPS coordinates: 48.44778,1.48778
Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:09
The Versailles region and its surroundings feature a notable collection of historic sites, museums, and landscaped areas that showcase centuries of French history. Beyond the famous chateau, visitors can explore sites like the Queen's Hameau in the Versailles park, a rustic retreat of Marie...
Stained glass windows of the cathedral of Chartres
10 m
Chartres Cathedral labyrinth
62 m
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres
109 m
Astronomical clock of Chartres
10 m
Maison du Saumon
158 m
Boucherie Pinson
151 m
Maisons canoniales, 2-4-6 rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame
68 m
Maison canoniale, 7 rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame
82 m
Séminaire Saint-Charles de Chartres
148 m
Maison canoniale, 24 rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame
84 mAmphithéatre de Chartres
189 m
Vendôme Chapel, Chartres cathedral
9 m
Maison du Perron
214 m
Cellier de Loëns
160 m
Marché aux Légumes
184 m
Tertre Saint-Nicolas
211 m
Ange au cadran
65 m
Little Chart'Train
97 m
Episcopal palace of Chartres
123 m
Chartres cathedral pipe organ
9 m
Chapelle de l'ancien évêché de Chartres
119 m
Chapelle Saint-Éman de Chartres
179 m
Scenic viewpoint
120 mRue au Lait
102 mMaison du saumon
154 mMemorial
134 mMemorial, commemorative plaque
158 mStatue, memorial
133 mReal people, real opinions — but not verified.
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Among the hidden secrets of this cathedral: the magnificent astronomical clock located inside and the maze on the ground!
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