Half day in Chartres

Bonjour!
Chartres is a magical city. Right next to the cathédrale is the Musée des Beaux-arts. It is lovely. And right down the street is the stained glass museum. There are plenty of quaint cafés near the cathédrale as well...and wandering arouns behind the cathédrale in the park and in the médiéval part is a great way to kill time.

I second the Stained Glass Museum. Or if you choose just to wander, head downhill toward the river and wander some of the streets.

Our friend really liked the Maison Picassiette. We've always regretted that we were too tired and took a nap in the car instead.

https://www.chartres.fr/maison-picassiette/

There are frequent trains between Chartres and nearby Maintenon and takes between 10 to 20 minutes. Château de Maintenon there, once the home of the second wife of Louis XIV, Madame de Maintenon, is very charming and worth considering to my opinion if you have a few free hours at your disposal. As it is about a mile walking from the railway station you can take a taxi to safe time and walking.

Hello from Wisconsin,

Tours of the cathedral by Malcolm Miller are famous. Well worth the small fee and the time.

I think everyone who has responded is selling short the cathedral. You will of course want to get into as soon as you arrive, and then you want to go in for a goodbye before you leave as the light will be different. A tour with Mr. Miller will give you insights into the aspects of the cathedral but won't allow you to enjoy the beauty.

Then some time will be consumed as you walk completely around the outside of the Cathedral. And you want to get a distant view of it too. That can be done while walking around the old section of town. Don't underestimate the other two substantial churches in the city.

You might want to walk the labyrinth. There is one outside. If you are really lucky the one inside on the cathedral floor will be uncovered and available.

Also if you are lucky, the farmer's market will be functioning. Usually a Wednesday/ Saturday morning event.

I am not sure, but four hours might not be enough time to so all this.

wayne inWI

The church mentioned in Rick's book is lovely. It's only a short walk into town from the cathedral. I"m excited for you going on your first trip to Europe.

Thanks to everyone for offering your help.