France & London 2017, Day 3

Chartres Cathedral

Alan, Maggie, Isabel, and Natalie touring Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley

Leaving the wonderful city of Paris on Sunday was a very difficult endeavor, but lead us on to new and greater places. After waking up bright and early (actually so early that it wasn’t even bright), we ate once again the wonderful breakfast from our hotel…fresh fruit, baguettes, croissants, Paris ham, emmental cheese, and pain au chocolat). We hopped in our hot pink EF bus and ventured out into the countryside of France. We finally made it to the adorable, small city called Chartres (I can’t pronounce it either), and we visited the Chartres Cathedral. We learned about the interesting architecture which was unique because of the different styles, Romanesque and Gothic, created because of the many fires that destroyed different parts. The Cathedral was ornate with stained glass and contained a piece of clothing that is said to have belonged to the Virgin Mary. We were set loose to shop, eat, and wander around the petite ville, finding many wonderful places. Everyone had a delicious meal of croque-monsieur sandwiches, French onion soup, and other French cuisine. After a leisurely morning everyone piled back in the bus and we were off to Chambord in the Loire Valley to explore the castle for a short time. Although not furnished like many other chateaux, the castle was interesting to walk around in, and got everyone more excited for the other chateaux that we will visit tomorrow. We drove into the city we are staying in, Tours, ate dinner and checked into our hotel. We will update with more adventures tomorrow!

-Caroline Finch, ’20