Road to Sarlat

We left central Paris by car, being our little Mini Cooper Clubman. We first dropped off to visit Chartres Cathedral, before arriving in Les Mans for the night. We met a lady Marian knows through French language studies and we had a great visit. First, we went to the motor museum at the Les Mans circuit which was great. We then visited the old town, which was quite large and very intact - impressive. This included a visit to Les Mans Cathedral, which was very impressive indeed - and very old indeed. Then we had an awesome meal (best I've had in France) followed by another walk through the old town at night (very atmospheric). A great little jaunt. Here's some pics:

Chartres Cathedral - you can see it for miles around as it sticks up above the town on a hill. It's massive....

Inside, there are two amazing sights. Firstly, the stained glass which is as old as the building (1100's - 1200's). Second, the marble rood screen around the Baptistry carved from 1400's to 1700's....

The motor museum had a lot of cars, plus a display of miniatures for every car that's ever raced (since 1924)....

A rocket car - now that's cool....

The displays were great....

Les Mans Cathedral is as old as Chartres, in fact older. William the Conquerors grand daughter Matilda got married in it whilst it was incomplete. That's old. The stained glass is mostly intact. It was extended in 1300's, so there is romanesque (round arches with less glass) next to gothic (pointed arches with more glass). It's an impressive ensemble....

These are the oldest windows apparently - 1100's...

Les Mans old town has lots of golden stone and half timbered coloured houses....

Entry feature carved over a pair of townhouses in the old town....

Side door to Les Mans Cathedral at night...