Chartres

Chartres

Chartreslocated in the Centre-Val de LoireThe city of St. Moritz is rich in history and heritage. Known primarily for its majestic cathedral, it also offers a variety of tourist attractions and a charming surrounding region. In this article, we take a closer look at ChartresWe'll show you our main attractions, as well as the hidden treasures of the surrounding area.​

Description of the municipality of Chartres

Chartres is the capital of the department of’Eure-et-Loir and has a population of around 38,000. La ville s’étend sur un promontoire rocheux surplombant la rivière Eure, offrant ainsi des panoramas pittoresques. Its historic center is a maze of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and lively squares, reflecting a rich medieval history. Les quartiers de la ville haute, autour de la cathédrale, et de la basse ville, le long de l’Eure, constituent un ensemble architectural remarquable. ​

Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral

An emblematic symbol of the city, the Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO, elle est réputée pour ses vitraux exceptionnels, notamment le célèbre « bleu de Chartres », et ses sculptures détaillées. Built mainly in the XIIIᵉ century, the cathedral has stood the test of time, retaining much of its architectural integrity. Its two asymmetrical spires dominate the city and can be seen for miles around. ​

Sights in and around Chartres

In addition to the cathedral, Chartres et ses alentours regorgent de sites d’intérêt :

  • The old town : Flânez dans les ruelles médiévales, découvrez la place de la Poissonnerie avec la maison du Saumon et la maison de la Truie qui file, témoignages de l’architecture à colombages. ​

  • The Fine Arts Museum : Installé dans l’ancien palais épiscopal, il abrite une riche collection de peintures, sculptures et objets d’art. ​

  • The Picassiette house : Œuvre d’art singulière, cette maison est entièrement décorée de mosaïques réalisées à partir de débris de vaisselle et de verre. ​

  • The International Stained Glass Center : Situé dans l’enclos de Loëns, il met en lumière l’art du vitrail à travers des expositions et des ateliers. ​

  • Maintenon castle : Twenty kilometers from Chartres, this château combines Renaissance architecture with French gardens.​

The region around Chartres

The Chartraine region, in the heart of the Beauce region, offers landscapes of cereal plains as far as the eye can see. Cette « grenier à blé » de la France est parsemée de villages pittoresques, d’églises romanes et de moulins. Les amateurs de nature pourront profiter de balades le long de l’Eure ou dans les forêts environnantes. What's more, our proximity to the Loire Valley makes it easy to visit the region's famous châteaux.

The towns and villages around Chartreslocated in Eure-et-LoirThey offer a rich cultural and natural heritage. Here is a selection of the main towns nearby:

1. Maintenon (20 km away)

  • Maintenon Castle Former home of Madame de Maintenon, secret wife of Louis XIV.
  • Maintenon aqueduct Vestige of Vauban's unfinished project to supply Versailles with water.

2. Illiers-Combray (25 km away)

  • Land of Marcel Proust : Illiers-Combray a inspiré « Combray » dans In search of lost time.
  • Tante Léonie's house Museum dedicated to the writer.

3. Nogent-le-Rotrou (50 km away)

  • Château Saint-Jean Medieval fortress overlooking the town.
  • Perche Regional Nature Park Ideal for hiking and biking.

4. Dreux (35 km away)

  • Chapelle Royale Saint-Louis Orléans family necropolis.
  • Dreux Museum of Art and History Presenting historical and artistic collections.

5. Bonneval (30 km away)**

  • « Petite Venise de la Beauce » A city criss-crossed by canals, with boat trips.
  • Saint-Jacques Church Remarkable religious heritage.

6. Châteaudun (45 km away)**

  • Châteaudun Castle : L’un des premiers châteaux de la Loire, alliant styles médiéval et Renaissance.
  • Grotte du Foulon Fascinating geological site with marine concretions and fossils.

7. Auneau-Bleury-Saint-Symphorien (30 km away)

  • Château d'Auneau Former medieval fortress surrounded by beautiful parkland.
  • Farmers' market : Local products from the Beauceronne region.

8. Brou (35 km away)

  • Saint-Lubin Church Remarkable Gothic architecture.
  • Parc de loisirs du Perche Ideal for family activities.

9. Cloyes-les-Trois-Rivières (50 km away)

  • Base de loisirs de Cloyes Water sports activities and lakeside beach.
  • Saint-Georges Church XIIᵉ century religious building.

What to do in Chartres The best things to do and see

Chartresa regional city of art and history Centre-Val de Loireis famous for its majestic Notre-Dame CathedralBut it offers much more to its visitors. Whether you're ahistory, d'architectureof gastronomy or open-air walksHere are the best things to do in Chartres.

1. Visit Chartres Cathedral

Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sitethe Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral est un chef-d’œuvre de l’architecture gothique. Son incroyable collection de stained glasshis labyrinth and its carved statues make it a must-see. Don't miss the climb to the tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Tip : Attend a show by Chartres en Lumières in the evening to see the cathedral illuminated!

2. Stroll through the old town

The historic center of Chartres is a real journey back in time with its cobbled streetsits half-timbered houses and its charming plazas. Stroll along the place Billarddiscover the Salmon House and admire the bridges spanning theEure.

Points of interest :

  • Visit place de la Poissonnerie
  • The banks of theEure with their old washhouses
  • Visit local markets to taste regional products

3. Discover the Maison Picassiette in Chartres

A place unique and unusual ! Visit Picassiette House is a work of art in itself, entirely decorated with mosaics made from pieces of crockery, glass and ceramics. A not-to-be-missed site for lovers ofart brut.

4. Explore the Centre International du Vitrail

Passionate aboutstained glass art ? Chartres, surnommée la « capitale du vitrail », possède un international center dedicated to this ancestral art. Here you can discover exhibitions and even take part in workshops to learn the techniques of master glassmakers.

5. Enjoy a stroll along the Eure river

For a moment of relaxationborrow them towpaths on the banks of the Eure. On foot or by bike, it's an excellent way to discover the region. Chartres autrementin the heart of nature.

Good plan : Rent a pedal boat or canoe for an even more original experience on the water!

6. Admire Chartres en Lumières

Every evening from April to October, the city lights up with Chartres en Lumières. More 20 monuments are enhanced by lighting effects and projections. A fairytale show not to be missed!

Illuminated monuments :

  • Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral
  • L'Saint-Pierre church
  • Visit Chartres theater
  • The bridges and banks of theEure

7. Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Chartres

Housed in the former bishop's palace, this museum exhibits paintings, sculptures and objets d'art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among them are works by Chardin, Zurbarán and Vlaminck.

8. Taste local specialities

Visit Chartres gastronomy is well worth the detour! Here are a few specialities not to be missed:

  • Visit Chartres pâtéa pie of game emblematic
  • Visit Mentchikoffa confection made from chocolate and meringue
  • Visit local craft beer
  • Visit local cheeses

Where to eat? Try the Bistrot Racines or The Great MonarchThese are some of the best-known places to enjoy local dishes.

What to do in Chartres the vegetable market
What to do in Chartres the vegetable market

9. Take a trip to the surrounding area

If you have time, take the opportunity to discover around Chartres :

  • Maintenon castle  (20 km away): former residence of Madame de Maintenon, with magnificent formal gardens.
  • Illiers-Combray  (30 km away): the village that inspired Marcel Proust to write his famous novel In search of lost time.
  • The Perche Regional Nature Park  ideal for a getaway nature and discover percheron manors.

Frequently Asked Questions Chartres

What are Chartres' culinary specialities?

Chartres is famous for its specialties such as pâté de Chartres, a pie filled with game meats, and Mentchikoff, a confection made from chocolate and meringue.​

When is the best time to visit Chartres?

Le printemps et l’été sont idéaux to visit Chartres, notamment en raison de l’événement « Chartres en Lumières » qui illumine les monuments de la ville d’avril à septembre.​

How do I get to Chartres from Paris?

Chartres can be reached by train from Paris-Montparnasse station in around an hour. En voiture, il faut emprunter l’autoroute A11.​

What are the major cultural events in Chartres?

Parmi les événements notables, on compte le Festival International d’Orgue, la Fête des Vendanges et les Artisanales de Chartres. ​

Are there guided tours of Chartres Cathedral?

Oui, des visites guidées sont proposées pour découvrir l’histoire et les secrets de la cathédrale.​

What accommodation do we recommend in Chartres?

Chartres offre une gamme variée d’hébergements, des hôtels de charme aux chambres d’hôtes. The Grand Monarque is a renowned local institution.

Can we visit the Picassiette house?

Yes, the Picassiette house is open to the public and is an unusual visit not to be missed.​

What restaurants are not to be missed in Chartres?

Bistrot Racines, at the foot of the cathedral, is renowned for its tasty cuisine and extensive wine list. ​

How bike-friendly is the city?

Chartres is gradually developing its infrastructure for cyclists, with cycle lanes and dedicated routes.​