On our way to Mont St Michel we stopped off in Chartres to have lunch and a quick look at the famous cathedral. It is deservedly famous. Apart from anything else, its 13th century stained glass windows are extraordinary, all 172 of them.
The interior is undergoing restoration, rendering the soaring Gothic arches and vaults even more impressive. Unfortunately, “rendering” is the operative word, as the stonework is not being restored as such, but rendered over and painted to represent the pristine original. I suspect that I am one of the few painful nitpickers who is alarmed by this. I would have to admit that the overall effect is still quite stunning.
There was an intriguing pattern in the flagstones of the floor of the nave. It formed a spiral labyrinth whose actual function is a mystery and is much debated. One suggestion is that it could be walked as the culmination of a pilgrimage to the cathedral or otherwise, penitents could shuffle along the 260 m path on their knees.
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