Support of Ukraine waved down the street toward Orleans Cathedral of Ste. Croix when we arrived in March, 2022. Below, a picture from hotel website (Hotel Empreinte) and my photo of the view of the River Loire right outside our window. I had come down with quite a cold by now and spent most of our visit sleeping, I am sorry to say. Please click on the images for larger versions.
Sniffles or not, it did not take us very long to enjoy that delightful French custom (at least we hope it is) of nice glass of wine with some escargot. Yum. Below, Kristine's photo of a central plaza honoring the Maid of l'Orleans, St. Joan d'Arc. Right, a familiar sight, the carousel in front of our hotel in Chartres (Grand Monarque).
Above left, the bakery windows were incredibly tempting. Right, the famous Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres), on which my art history professor spent many lectures...visiting was as amazing as she predicted so long ago. Below left, the Royal Portal; right, the west façade showing the Rose window and the two spires, the right one built in the 12th century, the left steeple in flamboyant gothic style, built at the beginning of the 16th century.
Above left, the nave and altar. Right, in the floor, the labyrinth which a guide sheet describes as a "symbol of the path leading us from the earth towards God." We were fortunate enough to be there on a Friday when the church clears the area so that the faithful can negotiate the labyrinth, which was laid out in the 12th century. Though I refrained from photographing any of them, quite a few people were participating when we visited.
Below, two views of the many windows in the Cathedral, some of which also date from the 12th century. But please don't tattle to my former professor and tell her I forgot to keep track of which ones I was photographing. Mea culpa.
Below, two views of the many windows in the Cathedral, some of which also date from the 12th century. But please don't tattle to my former professor and tell her I forgot to keep track of which ones I was photographing. Mea culpa.
We polished off our day in Chartres with a tour of the city, passing many old and carefully restored buildings. The cathedral spires were evident from all over. Next, Malmaison.
RSS Feed