Private Chartres & Versailles

This is the most impressive gothic cathedral of France, 130 meters long and 115 meters high for the towers. An exceptional monument. A high place of worship and Christian pilgrim. Chartres is situated in the heart of the Beauce valley, corn attic of the Ile de France region. The cathedral built in the early 12th century is devoted to Mary which explains why this cathedral is called “our Lady of Chartres”. Inside you will discover 4000 statues and in the middle of the nave, the largest of France with about 40 feet in diameter, a mysterious circle labyrinth inserted in the pavement. This is a witness of the medieval time. It is a symbolic path which leads man from Earth to God. The Cathedral is a symbol of the gothic architecture recognised as a Unesco World Heritage but the city of Chartres is a charming small city with its old narrow paths and museums.

Your guide will invite you to follow a walking guided signposted itinerary around the cathedral which will make you appreciate the charm of this magnificent site with its churches of which the most famous : St Pierre formerly an abbey from the 11th & 13th centuries. You will stroll along the Eure river’s banks and the medieval houses decorated with wooden sculptures. There are also some nice craft shops, shops and markets maintaining the lively and picturesque charm of the medieval past.

With its three chateaux, gardens and parks, Versailles is an immense estate. Louis XIV the Sun King is the creative force of Versailles. He turned Versailles into a sumptuous estate and the symbol of absolute monarchy in the 17th century. Louis Le Vau and then Jules Hardouin-Mansart and Charles Lebrun are the main architects both Versailles and the Grand Trianon and André Le Notre for the gardens. You will visit the State Apartments with its 8 rooms, the Hall of Mirrors, the King and Queens’ apartments and some rooms recently renovated, the Royal Chapel and the Royal Opera Opera. Your visit in the castle is with an audio-guide in your language. Beyond the chateau, stretch the gardens and the park. You will see the Grand Perspective which draws the eye to the horizon with its Latona and Apollo fountains. You will stroll to the north and south parterres full of flowers. You will see the various groves in the gardens.