As stated below, one of the most impressive aspects of the cathedral is that it dominates the rest of the town and it sits up from the rest of the landscape, so when driving to it you can easily see it from about 25km away.

There are many WHS around Paris but this is the first one I choose when wanting to go off exploring (partly because it also features in Dan Cruickshank’s 80 Treasures of the World), it is renowned for being one of the most untouched pieces of gothic architecture in Europe. When construction started this form was in its infancy, but many of the key aspects of this variety of architecture were pioneered in the rapid construction process of this cathedral. It also features perhaps the finest examples of medieval stained glass that can be found, as well as a whole menagerie of religious imagery which is not limited to the standard Christian fare. This attests to the fact that this site has been regarded as a spiritual centre for thousands of years with the cathedral being built over sacred grotto, there are also features to relate it to the Temple of Solomon, and sun worship.

This is an impressive and spiritually significant site, and one that I would have no problem going back to. However as a casual tourist, it was not perhaps as awe inspiring as many of the other Cathedrals I have visited, also I was a little disappointed that the famous labyrinth was partially cover in chairs. It is well worth a visit but next time I would probably try to get a guide to uncover many of the delightful details.

The town of Chatres is nice with some great little cafes and excellent chocolate shops, it is easy to get to from Paris (Gare Montpernasse these trains go through Versailles) if you are driving then parking couldn’t be easier as there is a very well signposted underground ‘double helix’ car park only a few hundred metres away.