France: Chartres Cathedral

Notre Dame de Chartres Cathedral is one of the most magnificent gothic cathedrals in the world and it was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage nomination. Located in the town of Chartres (about 100km west of Paris) it occupies the highest point overlooking the valleys below from a terrace. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and its gothic architecture and sculptures became the model for many other cathedrals in Europe. The cathedral has two towers – South and North – and an elaborated sculpture-adorned doorway in between. Inside is just plain insane – there are over 2000 sq meters of stained-glass windows, all dating to the 13th century! If that wasn’t enough, the choir is screened by sculptures depicting Virgin and the Psalms. The entire building is massive inside and out. And you can sit outside, enjoy some Loire Valley wine and gaze up at the towers until your neck hurts.