Chartres

I am the traveler's helpline's pro-Chartres man. YES. It is absolutely worth it. The town is absolutely charming and the cathedral is my very favorite. The town is completely navigable by foot and a hot chocolate at the Cafe Serpente at the outdoor terrace next to the cathedral is an experience unlike any other. (also, on the same train line is the town of Maintenon with a charming little castle)

Just to give two more opinions. I've been to Paris five times and love it. I've never been to Chartres or Versailles, as I've never felt the need to leave Paris (and, obviously, have less interest in Chartres or Versailles than others do). My brother was in Paris about 25 years ago and was miserable (hard for me to understand, but there you are). But he went to Chartres and was enthralled. He not only loved the cathedral, but still talks about how nice the city itself was. You see the problem. Everyone's experience is different. I will say that you're talking about two VERY busy daytrips (many see these places over a two day period), so allow down time the next day to rest.

No! We went this past Monday. 50% of the Cathedral is under scaffolding. Basically, everything past mid way is unviewable. You get a view of the Rose Windows in each side. No choir, no windows, or chappels behind the choir etc... And unless you find banging peaceful it is hardly inspiring.

50% sounds a bit ridiculous. I hope you're exaggerating. I'm going back this June to visit some friends and plan on taking Miller's tour for the first time. It is not an "ugly city" as someone listed above. Once you get away from the train station it's full of charm. Especially behind and to the east of the cathedral.

Everything past midway is drastic. That means the monument screen for the choir and most of the important chapels are blocked from view. Lots of windows and sculpture. There's the outside and perhaps there is a crypt tour in English, but it's probably better to put this on a later trip and see it all.

Sorry, I am serious. It is probably close to 50% You come in front door. You can walk up to the Rose windows. No access beyond that. You can't see the high Altar, choir (there is a small 3 to 4 foot wilde viewing area of the stone detail in the back of the choir at the north rose window) etc... They put up one of those "scenes" overthe front of the scaffolding that I guess is suppose to show what you would see, but..... And then it is a construction site.....bang, bang, bang.

I think I'm going to be sick!

More a comment on your Bayeux plan than on Chartres - which I loved, both the cathedral and the town. (But sounds like this summer isn't a great time to see the cathedral.) One day to see D-Day beaches, Bayeux tapestry and anything else in Bayeux is an absolutely exhausting day. The beaches are spread over many miles and it takes a while to get to any of them from Bayeux. You'll definitely want to see Omaha Beach and the American cemetery above it - about the most moving place I've been anywhere. If you also go to Utah Beach, or Ste.-Mere-Eglise, or Arromanches where the Mulberry was - you've spent the day. I agree with the comment on the Bayeux cathedral - walk in, walk out. Sure, you should see it, but Chartres, or Notre-Dame, or Saint-Sulpice, or Reims, or any number of other places are more interesting.

There was also a mulberry at Omaha.

I've been recently and I was going to estimate 40-50% coverage. I absolutely, positively don't recommend spending the time and/or money to go during the renovations. The town is "quaint" in real estate terms, meaning there isn't much there. I took my parents for what was supposed to be a day trip and they were so incredibly disappointed that we were done with the Cathedral and town in an hour.

I still plan on going. I'm going more for personal reasons, plus I love the Chartres en Lumières displays during the evenings. Plus I love their Musée des Beaux-Arts. I will, however, be disappointed with the cathedral.I wonder it's not worth the Miller tour this time around. I stupidly didn't do it the year I was living there.

Thanks to Bets and Dina for your timely inputs. I've been wondering for days whether to take my folks tomorrow . . . Think we'll wait for their next visit based on your information. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.