Can't Decide Chartres or Reims?

A "please" would be nice. Too often, posts asking for information come across as demanding... Since you demanded, Chartres is the better option. The cathedral is the more significant example of the Gothic style and has better stained glass. Nothing against Reims in that respect. The town itself has a more medieval character and, to my taste, is more relaxing as a day trip from Paris.

I like short and to the point! Chartres is the better cathedral as it is more historically authentic and intact (Reims was bombed out in WW1). Reims has champagne of course, so if you are looking for more than just a church it might provide more. I also think there is a WW1 museum there or nearby by I forget the details. And Chartres is the easier to pronounce, though that doesn't say much in this case...

I posted this same question months ago. You might be able to find the answers people gave in the archives. Most responses were in favor of Chartes. I researched the two cathedrals and decided that Chartres would be the better one to see. If you read RS' book, after the cathedral, you can walk about the old town. It's a small town. The whole trip should take about half a day, which is about what I want to do.
For Reims, you need to book a TGV train. If you are more interested in food and champagne than cathedral then Reims is for you. It's a larger city. See www.reims-tourism.com.

Thank you for the kind replies.

I would choose Chartres and take some time to wander around the village too.

Try a two-for-one: Beauvais and Reims. They are quite doable in a long day. Chartres is fascinating, as is Beauvais, but for a cathedral buff Beauvais has one of the most interesting architectural histories.

As others have mentioned, it depends on your interests. We enjoyed Reims more: we like Champagne!; the Notre Dame in Reims is very lovely and you won't have to visit with hundreds of others. If you have any interest in WWII, Reims has a museum in the building where Eisenhower had his headquarters with the maps and everything still in place.

Definitely Chartres. Iconic cathedral and lovely village. Reims is not a particularly charming town. If you do decide on Reims, I would strongly recommend renting a car for the day in Reims and, after a short walk around Reims, drive to Leon. Leon has an attractive cathedral and a nice village.

Definately Reims! While you are there be sure to tour the G. H. Mum Champagne house! It was the highlight of my Champagne Region tour! Sante!

In case you need to find it on a map, the town referred to above is Laon, not Leon.

Looks like both cities are very nice. Going to be a hard decision.
Thanks all.