Chartres

The labyrinth painted on the floor of the cathedral in Chartres was, for me, the most memorable part of our visit to this gothic masterpiece. The spiritual meaning has been lost over the centuries; in fact, the labyrinths that were once common in Gothic cathedrals have mostly been destroyed.  It was striking to see all of the people walking the maze in intense concentration. I watched for awhile trying to discern their motivation – tourists quickly pacing through the legendary 11 circuits, two young women walking meditatively in bare feet while pausing at each bend, the man standing still in a shaft of light, his eyes closed and his palms raised up. Everyone was experiencing something different yet powerful by following the painted lines. Leaving the cathedral to finish our drive to Versailles, I was warmed and touched by this simple display of people finding meaning in the Chartres labyrinth.