I will have a partial free day in Paris before beginning RS tour on May 1. I'm thinking of a day trip to Chartres, mostly to see the cathedral. Has anyone visited Chartres and do you recommend it? How about other day trips from Paris. Should I consider spending first night in Chartres rather than Paris? I have been to Versailles (4 years ago) so I'm looking for something else.
Posted by
Pensacola
9110 posts
Spend the night in Paris, it's more fun. Chartres is great, but only for the cathedral, lunch, and a stroll -- unless you wanted to spend a week there, then it's still great. No sense just spending one night.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2778 posts
Chartres is fabulous. If you can, take one of the cathedral tours given by Malcolm Miller (in Rick's book). He's very interesting.
I agree with Ed; spend the night in Paris.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
We're weighing spending our first night in Chartres on our next trip, not that we know when that will be. So I am especially interested in this conversation.
I guess I was thinking it would be a kind of low-key way to spend the first day and get our sea legs in a charming place.
Ed, I know there is no place like Paris, but could you say more about why this is such a bad idea? If it's worth a day, and it's worth week, why isn't it worth a day and a night?
Not arguing at all, just want to hear more.
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
2778 posts
Adam, I will give you my point of view, even though you are more interested in Ed's. :)
I think Chartres would be a lovely town to spend a night in. The reason I suggested Eric stay in Paris instead is that: 1) I was assuming he was staying in Paris on subsequent days and thought it would be easier not to have to change hotels, and 2) I just love Paris at night. I say that as someone who is not a night owl and not interested in night life. I just love walking around in the evening, maybe getting an ice cream cone, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
Chartres is absolutely charming and lovely. I have adored both visits there. The cathedral is divine (hah! bad joke!), and the town is cute in a touristy way. If you go, I'd recommend seeing if you can pick up an English-speaking guide to take you on a private tour of the cathedral. Every time I have done that I have learned a BUNCH of cool stuff about the stained glass, the architecture, the history...
Another good day trip is of course Giverny, if that floats your boat.
I myself would be tempted to use the half dy to simply unwind in Paris, though. I'd go to eithe St. Germain des Pres or the Marais and hang out at a cafe, get a sandwich rillettes and a cafe creme, and then take a bit of a wander. Or I'd take the bus out to Pere Lachaise and commune with the dead. It's lovely there.