The Chartres labyrinth was designed by the Chapter of Our Lady of Chartres, with construction commencing around 1200.

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At Chartres, the challenge of the labyrinth is to gradually open oneself to Christ before proceeding to the altar, the love that Christ gave and a desire to overcome all personal difficulties. To progress, you must reconsider your sins, abandon them, and seek forgiveness.​  The goal is to contemplate death and eternal life with Christ.
 

The most recent discoveries indicate that the labyrinth was originally designed for the liturgy of Easter Vespers, a church celebration commemorating Christ's victory over death.

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The Chartres labyrinth is reminiscent of Greek mythology. The Greek labyrinth was built by the architect Daedalus to destroy the Minotaur, a monster that ate the children of Athens. Theseus defeated the monster, and he was successful thanks to Ariadne's thread.  

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The labyrinth is a path, inviting you to go on a "pilgrimage." The people who walk this path, praying and experiencing the grace of the moment, are what give it its energy. The end result?   Walking mindfully with authentic meditation allows your body, mind and soul to merge.

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This revelation can only be discovered while walking this path step by step, not walking across or around it. People can be confident in their reconciliation because the path evokes meditation on human existence—long, fluctuating, and challenging. 
 
For more information on the Chartres labyrinth, visit: 
https://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/en/cathedrale/monument/the-labyrinth/