Comfort Inn Chartres

... a ltr bottloe of Vin rouge and a bottle of water. Not only excellent value but terrific quality and service. The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed and it was difficult to tell we were foreigners abroad.<br><br>Well fed and watered we got tucked for the night ready for an early morning START!!....

... playing a nighttime game of darts (Steve and Sylvie won) and sharing some American whiskey and the chocolates we brought. Finally, they led us through their beautiful home to our beds and we fell asleep quickly after what Rachel called the best meal and the most wonderful day ever.<br><br>Sylvie, Jean Mi and Helene were fun to be with. They provided us with<br>Champagne, an amazing meal of a Crete salad, pork ...

... suggestions).<br><br>Getting used to our GPS we discovered that at first we weren't that smart, and ended up turning off at the wrong exits several times. This required a bit of extra driving but eventually we arrived in Chartres, with its grand gothic Cathedral. We found a park by the river, locked up our luggage and then strolled through the quiet village streets. The locals were out strolling, walking their dogs or just standing and talking with their neighbours. Life seemed ...

... sign. Jack was driving behind a people carrier so he didn't see the signs but the car in front had gone down a road other cars aren't allowed down so the security bollard was down for him &amp; when we went over it it came back up onto our engine. After a whole lot of fuss &amp; commotion (passers by called the police!) the car was towed to a nearby garage. We've since ...

... incredulously at the human wasp pushing up what must be a 20 percent slope (with me trying desperately to look cool - dressed as a wasp? - and equally desperately trying not to fall over). But the view was worth the effort (Oh really?!) and I sat in the cathedral gardens checking that my heart and lungs were still in my chest and not back on that dreadful hill! After a quick snack and singing happy birthday to me, I set off for my next big stop: Orléans on the superb River Loire.

... day the wind was kindly behind me. As the scenery constantly unfolded, my eyes feasted on chateau after chateau and petit village after petit village; all picture postcard perfect. With almost no traffic I made good progress, snacking along the way. But it was a long haul and so with aching back, knees and shoulders I was pleased to pass the sign announcing my arrival in Dreux. An unremarkable town, in spite of its long history; it has worked ...

Drove 2 hours South To the Loire valley to visit a small town of Chartres. Which has the greatest Gothic cathedral in Europe. It was built in 1020 The cathedral was the most important building in the town of Chartres. It was the centre of the economy, the most famous landmark and the focal point of almost every activity that is provided by civic ...

... Audemer, stopping for fuel on the way. The diesel is still a bit cheaper here, even with the current exchange rate. Our next goal was fuel for us. We love food shopping in France - it's the best. There are markets in every town, and loads of butchers, greengrocers and delicatessens in every high street. We don't usually shop in a supermarket, even though French ones are so much better than ours. We stocked up on meat, cheese and salad stuff. When I asked for 2 ...

... It's known for the unique cobalt blue color used. Old stained glass is a BIG deal--just think of what it's survived, from sackings to fires to bombs in WWII... Most of the stained glass in English cathedrals is Victorian, so you can imagine how special this glass at Chartres is to date from the 12th century. Randy took lots of pictures of Chartres, so if you are interested in seeing them ...

... three other couples were following our French speaking guide down under the cathedral. It was a dark and spooky area and I loved it! ? We even saw were the Norman's once through bodies down a whole, though I didn't exactly catch why. And we saw many tiny chapels for the clergy and one that was way down under with old murals on the wall that were fading away, but you could tell that they were once truly magnificent. After the crypt we were famished so we found a little Chinese restaurant ...