Up Next
Back to Show
Rick Steves' Europe
Chartres, France: Pure Gothic Cathedral
A great side trip from Paris is the city of Chartres — and its famous cathedral, arguably Europe’s best example of pure Gothic architecture. It was built quickly, so the cathedral has a unity of architecture, statuary, and stained glass that captures the spirit of the Age of Faith like no other church.
Support Provided By
25:33
Warsaw's heavy history and lively bustle; red-brick Toruń; Malbork Castle; maritime Gdańsk.
24:56
Kraków's grand square, Wawel Castle, communist-era Nowa Huta; sobering Auschwitz-Birkenau.
25:34
The ultimate road trip; Lake Mývatn; Eastfjords; lagoons and waterfalls; Westman Islands.
25:38
The vibrant capital; Blue Lagoon; Golden Circle's majestic nature; Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:16
The turbulent century and its rule-breaking art—Picasso, Surrealism and edgy architecture.
28:26
Shimmering Impressionist canvases by Monet and Renoir, plus Van Gogh, Gauguin and more.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:18
Roaming Europe, we admire stately Neoclassical buildings and dramatic Romantic paintings.
28:22
We marvel at Baroque’s over-the-top churches, palaces, bubbly fountains, and theatric art.
28:42
From Portugal to Germany, booming economies and new technologies produce exquisite art.
28:03
Florence’s bold “rebirth” is powered by the genius of Leonardo, Rafael, and Michelangelo.
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:36
Soaring Gothic cathedrals of radiant stained glass, plus art celebrating worldly pleasure.
25:18
Early Europeans produce diverse art: from Christians to Muslims and Byzantines to Vikings.