Paris-Charles De Gaulle to Chartres and Le Mans: Day trip

Enter Chartres Cathedral to witness the world's most complete collection of medieval stained glass windows casting ethereal blue light throughout the interior and telling biblical stories in luminous detail that has remained virtually unchanged for 800 years, creating a mystical atmosphere that has inspired pilgrims, artists, and spiritual seekers. Walk the famous labyrinth set into the nave floor (available Fridays when chairs are moved aside) following the meditative 11-circuit path used by pilgrims for centuries as a symbolic journey to Jerusalem and a form of walking prayer that connects body, mind, and spirit in medieval tradition. Climb the north tower's 300 steps for panoramic views over the endless wheat fields of the Beauce plain that have fed Paris for centuries and examine the flying buttresses, gargoyles, and Gothic stonework up close, marveling at the engineering genius that allows these stone walls to soar toward heaven. Explore the crypt, one of France's largest, dating back to the 9th century and containing the sacred well where Druids worshipped before Christianity arrived, connecting you to over two millennia of continuous sacred use on this holy site. Visit the International Stained Glass Centre to understand these artistic masterpieces and watch contemporary artisans practicing techniques unchanged since medieval times, creating new windows using traditional methods passed down through generations. Wander the medieval town's cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and discover the Maison du Saumon with its remarkable carved facade depicting zodiac signs and mythological creatures that showcase medieval craftsmanship and symbolism. Be sure to verify the cathedral's opening hours and ticket prices online: https://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/en/visite/practical-information/ticket-prices/

Explore Le Mans' beautifully preserved Cité Plantagenêt, one of Europe's best-maintained medieval quarters surrounded by impressive Gallo-Roman ramparts that have protected the city for over 1,700 years through invasions, wars, and the passage of time, creating a living museum of French urban evolution. Visit the magnificent Saint-Julien Cathedral with its unique blend of Romanesque nave and Gothic choir, featuring stunning stained glass windows and remarkable flying buttresses that tell the story of architectural evolution over centuries of construction and changing artistic styles. Walk the ancient city walls for spectacular views over the Sarthe River valley and the modern city beyond, then explore the medieval streets with their Renaissance mansions and half-timbered houses that transport visitors back to medieval times. For motorsport enthusiasts, visit the comprehensive Musée des 24 Heures showcasing the legendary endurance race's history with vintage race cars, memorabilia, interactive displays, and the inspiring stories of drivers who've competed in this ultimate test of automotive endurance and human determination. Take a guided tour of the Circuit de la Sarthe where the famous 24-hour race has been held since 1923, experiencing the Hunaudières straight where cars reach over 300 km/h and learning about this ultimate test of automotive endurance that attracts teams and spectators from around the world each June for motorsport's most prestigious and grueling endurance event that pushes both machines and drivers to their absolute limits. Explore opening hours and ticket options for Circuit de la Sarthe in advance: https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/info/ticketing