the troubadour

A very pleasant day out from Paris. Has anyone been there over recent times? I lived there for three and a half years during the nineties. I had the most wonderful apartment, overlooking the river, with a 16 century bridge just across from the window. Many a tourist could be heard taking a photo from the bridge, all so quaint. How we take things for granted.

The city is famous of course for its cathedral. Glass blowing was something of a cottage industry there as well. Has anyone visited or even stayed or live in the area? I sadly haven't returned since I left in mid nineties. Only an hour by train from Paris. A great alternative from Paris to live as well, although, I guess rather expensive these days.

Novocastrian

I was there last year. The Cathedral is still not funny.*

*Channeling John Cleese in debate with Malcolm Muggerige after the "controversial" release of The Life of Brian.

the troubadour

Never the less. One of the finest examples of gothic architecture I can think of. Hope you walked down the hill, to the old quarter. (or the toy train) Monet thought it okay I guess.

Novocastrian

It is great Gothic architecture indeed, even if I prefer the Bayeux example or even the Koelner Dom, but since you appear to have less sense of humour than Muggeridge here's the clip from 1979.

Scots in Treignac

A good place to stop . There's an underground car park beside the cathedral and local cafes aren't charging exorbitant prices. For free parking look on the other side of the railway line (to the west I think) and walk through a park.
There are a number of cheap hotels (F ! etc) on the ring road Towards Oleans and Blois

Tweedpipe

Sounds like Old Nick has a nice steady number going, making a bit of a killing in his subterranean lair, and local cathedral cafes not charging exorbitant prices sounds like a miracle in it's own right.

the troubadour

Well as Muggeridge often 'cracks' me up,, if not exactly rolling on the floor with laughter, perhaps it is you sans the humour gene.

the troubadour

While Chartres is an extremely decent place to live, nightlife wouldn't probably be a reason to do so. The weather in winter can prove to be a bit 'flat'. Not a lot of snow, but rather foggy and heavy. The surrounding countryside is very flat. I suppose akin to parts of Eastern England like The Fens.

One activity did enjoy was to rent a row boat or canoe and row/paddle up river with a lunch hamper and . pique nique beside the river on a warm day. It could be a whole day activity getting back before dark.

The big sell of course was the closeness to Paris. An hour on the train and back late at night. Not a lot further than going from Perth to Fremantle (the port) in Western Australia, when come to think of it. Anyway done it close on five days a week with moderate ease to and from Paris.
The advantages were of course was better living standards away from Paris but with easy accessibility.