If I were to share one travel tip with you,
this would be it:
When you travel to France and visit Chartres, yes, go to the Cathedral - it is truly magnificent.
But DO (and this is the advice part)...
...visit St. Aignan Church. It is tucked away in a small street and is easy to miss. In fact, I am sure most people do not even know it exists.
This most ancient parish of Chartres is a true architectural gem, and a tactile connection to the past. It is a visual artist's true point of inspiration. Once you arrive, you will most likely be alone in the light-filled structure, standing in this magnificent space by yourself; free to wander and inspect and marvel with an uninterrupted view of the space, light, and the exquisite details all around.
I tend not to offer travel advice because I feel new places are best discovered on one's own for a memorable adventure, but this experience so inspired me I just knew I had to share the beauty of the space.
