Skip to main content
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.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
Paris: Embracing Life and Art
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
The second of two episodes on Europe's "City of Light".
Paris: Regal and Intimate
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:05
In Paris, we cruise the Seine River, visit Napoleon’s tomb, and take in the Louvre.
Florence: Heart of the Renaissance
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
Fifteenth-century Florence was the birthplace of our modern world
Rome: Back-Street Riches
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
In this third episode on the Eternal City, we explore Rome on a more intimate scale.
Rome: Baroque Brilliance
Unlock with PBS Passport
24:59
This second of three episodes on Rome reveals a city busy bursting with Baroque.
European Travel Skills Part 1
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
30 minutes of practical advice on how to have a culturally broadening trip to Europe
Florentine Delights and Tuscan Side Trips
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
More of the artistic treasures of the city that propelled Europe out of the Middle Ages.
Rome: Ancient Glory
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:05
Part one of three on the Eternal City, focusing on the grandeur of classical Rome.
Basque Country
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
The homeland of the proud and resilient Basque people is split between France and Spain.
Northern Spain and the Camino De Santiago
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:05
We follow the trail pilgrims have trod from the French border to Santiago de Compostela.
Helsinki and Tallinn: Baltic Sisters
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
The capitals of Finland and Estonia offer a chance to sample each country's history.
Stockholm
Unlock with PBS Passport
25:04
Sweden's capital, glitters with souvenirs from the day when it ruled as a superpower.
Active loading indicator