One of our best experiences so far was our time in Chartres hosted by Ayo, our new couch-surfing
friend. I had wanted to visit Chartres Cathedral ever since studying it in Art History class. It’s a beautiful Gothic style Cathedral that has some of the most impressive and oldest spires, carvings, and stained glass, which the cathedral is particularly famous for. The blue found in the glass is actually called “Chartes blue” because as far as I know it’s not found anywhere else.

Ayo met us in the afternoon and set us up in his home. From there we wandered around the town on the lazy Sunday that it was and took a look at life in Chartres. We ate some Kebabs at a local shop and had chocolat viennois (hot choco with whipped cream on top) and macaroons while watching people walk by.

Then came the tour of the Cathedral I was amazed at how beautiful Chartres Cathedral really is; it’s so cool to see and totally worth the trip! The cathedral was apparently built starting in the 12th century and finished in the 16th century. The two spires reflect this since they’re in really different styles.

After the Cathedral we went out with Ayo and his friends to watch the Euro cup final - Spain vs. Germany. It was fun, but I really liked talking with the ex-pats we met more.