Chartres Cathedral and its magnificent stained glass represent perhaps the greatest achievement of the High Gothic. Its story is linked to that of Blanche of Castile, one of France's most powerful queens, and her son Louis IX, later Saint Louis.

In this episode, we talk architecture, stained glass, and the use of color with listener and medieval studies scholar Chris Shanley. You'll also hear about how Blanche set Louis up for success, which he kinda sorta achieved.

And because we all need some comfort food, let's cook up a croque madame.

Sources:

Ball, Philip. Universe of Stone: Chartres Cathedral and the Invention of the Gothic Branner, Robert ed. Chartres Cathedral Horne, Alistair. Seven Ages of Paris Scott, Robert A. The Gothic Enterprise: A Guide to Understanding the Medieval Cathedral Rick Steves France Williams, Nicola. Lonely Planet France Wilson, Christopher. The Gothic Cathedral: The Architecture of the Great Church, 1130-1530

Photograph by Wikipedia user PtrQs