The AFC ChartresGuide has been designed for a wide range of audiences interested in visiting or learning about the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres. Those who have little time or have young children, will enjoy the Quick Take which will give them some basic information about the history of the cathedral and its importance as a UNESCO monument. They will be inspired to discover its extraordinary gothic architecture, mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries, and its unique collection of stained-glass windows and sculptures. Once they ‘step into’ this unique monument, they will want to know more…
For those who want to learn more about the cathedral and have more time before or during their visit, the ChartresGuide brings together up-to-date scholarship about its history and medieval times, as well as its architecture, internal decorations, its sculpture, and stained glass, from the crypts to the bell towers, from the nave to the choir and transepts. Special emphasis has been given to the stained-glass windows. Visitors may also consult the companion AFC-supported App, Lire les Vitraux de Chartres, developed by the Centre International du Vitrail, which provides comprehensive identification of the subject of each window.
We would love to receive your feedback at friendsofchartres@yahoo.com. The ChartresGuide is a living document. While we will be correcting the inevitable typos and a few other glitches, your feedback will enable us to perfect the ChartresGuide, the first guide of its kind in English or any other language.
Additional information on the architecture of the cathedral is still in development.
