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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, located in the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region, is an emblematic monument to Gothic architecture. Its history dates back to the 11th century, with a first Romanesque cathedral built by Bishop Fulbert after the fire of 1020. This building, consecrated in 1037, had a horse iron crypt and a higher church, but was partially destroyed by successive fires, notably that of 1134, which, however, spared the western facade and its famous Royal Gate, erected between 1145 and 1150.

In 1194, a fire ravaged the cathedral almost entirely, leaving only the crypt, the two towers and the western facade intact. The reconstruction began immediately under the impetus of Bishop Renaud de Bar, according to an ambitious Gothic plan. In just thirty years, the nave, the choir and the transepts were built, with architectural innovations such as the bow-buttons and the quadripartite vaults. The solemn consecration took place on 24 October 1260, marking the completion of the building as it is known today.

In the 16th century, significant additions were made, such as the chapel of Vendôme (1417) and the northern arrow, known as "beller Neuf", designed by Jehan de Beauce between 1506 and 1513 to replace a wooden belfry destroyed by fire. This arrow, flamboyant Gothic style, contrasts with the southern arrow, older and Romanesque style. The cathedral also underwent modifications during the Renaissance, such as the closing of the choir, carved between 1513 and 1529, mixing Gothic styles and Louis XII.

The cathedral was listed as a Historic Monument in 1862 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its architectural unity and influence on Gothic art. It houses treasures such as the veil of the Virgin, a major relic since the 9th century, and an exceptional set of 13th century stained glass windows, covering 2,600 m2. These stained glass windows, together with the 3,500 statues and the paved labyrinth of the nave, make it a place of pilgrimage and artistic admiration.

Modern restorations, such as that of the metal frame after the fire of 1836 or the current work of polychromy, aim to preserve this heritage. The cathedral remains a spiritual and cultural symbol, inspired by figures like Charles Péguy or Joris-Karl Huysmans, and continues to attract millions of visitors each year.

Finally, Chartres is also a place of historical memory, as evidenced by Henry IV's creek in 1594, celebrated in its walls because of the occupation of Reims by the Catholic League. Its role in religious and social life, from the Middle Ages to today, makes it a living monument, both Marian sanctuary and jewel of humanity.

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