Chartres

Chartres, the Roman Autricum, capital of the Eure-et-Loire department in France, 55 miles S.W. of Paris, is on sloping ground overlooking the Eure, which divides into two channels, one inside, the other outside of the boulevards, which mark the former ramparts, and consists of an upper and a lower town united by steep streets. At the summit of the upper town is the eleventh century cathedral of Notre Dame, considered one of the finest in France, with its two lofty spires, its three rose windows, and its many windows of thirteenth century glass. In the Marche aux Herbes an obelisk commemorates General Marceau. It produces wool and leather, and is noted for its corn market, which is managed by women. The town gives the title of duke to the eldest son of the Orleans branch of the Bourbons.