Only 88km south of Paris and with a regular train service, Chartres could be a suburb, if it weren’t surrounded by the flat farmland of the Beauce. Why come here? Principally for the cathedral, quite simply one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, but also for a whiff of provincial life, a smattering of good local restaurants and a relaxed pace. The cathedral has remained largely unaltered in structure since it was built in the late 12th and 13th centuries, and the sculptures at the Royal doorways are outstanding. Inside, the original labyrinth is a rarity as is the carved stone screen, but the stained glass in ‘Chartres blue’ is the star turn. The glass-working tradition lives on in a number of studios around the city. Stunning examples of the art are often on show at the Centre International du Vitrail, a (strictly metaphorical) stone’s throw from the cathedral. The old town has some fine old medieval buildings linked by steep lanes known as tertres. Hire an audioguide from the tourist office to accompany you as you wander.