25 Beautiful Religious Towns Around the World To Add To Your Bucket List

18. Chartres, France: The Labyrinth of Light

Southwest of Paris, Chartres is dominated by its magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pinnacle of Gothic architecture. Its "secret" is its less-crowded atmosphere compared to Parisian cathedrals, allowing for deeper appreciation. Pilgrims are drawn to its sacred relics (said to be the tunic of the Virgin Mary) and its famous labyrinth, a path for walking meditation. The cathedral's unparalleled stained glass windows, renowned for their "Chartres blue," create an ethereal, spiritual light that transforms the space, inviting profound contemplation.