To The Loire via Chartres

We decided on a trip to the Loire Valley as a bit of a break from the city. We hired a car and drove south west of Paris to the Loire Valley, stopping in Chartres en route.

Chartres is a UNESCO world heritage site famous for its 12th century cathedral, the largest in France. The town has a lovely old town as well. The cathedral dominates the flat landscape and is visible for many kilometres away. We parked by the river and approached over the Pont Bouju.

The views down the river Eure, with its historic houses and old water ills was quite lovely.

At the bottom of the steps leading up to the cathedral we were surprised to come across and old friend, the scallop shells of the Camino de Santiago.

We approached the cathedral from the back, the mass of it being very imposing..

..plus the sun behind being rather photogenic.

Inside was quite magnificent.

...and the front very grand...

..as was the southern entry.

The town itself had lots of character as well.

Including its old timber buildings

We left after crossing another lovely bridge over the river.

We had decided to stay in Blois in the Loire Valley and visit some of the chateaus from there. Blois itself is right on the Loire and quite historic. We arrived late in day with lovely evening light.

We settled into our Airbnb rental...

...and had a quick sortie across the bridge to get supples.

It looks like there will be lots to explore tomorrow.