Best Time to Visit
April to October
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
French
Timezone
CET (UTC+1)
Discover Chartres
Chartres isn't just a cathedral—it's a medieval time capsule where history radiates from every cobblestone. The UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral, with its asymmetrical spires piercing the sky, is the undisputed heart of the city, home to the world's largest collection of preserved medieval stained glass. Its 176 windows, including the famous 'Blue Virgin' and intricate labyrinth, create a kaleidoscope of light that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
Beyond the cathedral's shadow, Chartres reveals a charming old town of half-timbered houses, winding lanes like Rue des Écuyers, and the gentle Eure River flowing beneath ancient bridges. The city transforms at night during the 'Chartres en Lumières' festival, when over twenty historic sites become canvases for breathtaking light projections. From the mosaic wonder of Maison Picassiette to the panoramic views from the Porte Guillaume, Chartres offers a profound and picturesque journey into France's spiritual and architectural heritage.
Why Visit Chartres?
The Unrivaled Chartres Cathedral: Witness the finest example of French Gothic architecture, featuring the world's largest collection of original 12th-13th century stained glass, the sacred labyrinth, and the revered Sancta Camisa (Virgin's tunic).
A Living Medieval Tapestry: Wander the impeccably preserved Old Town (Vieux Chartres) with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and the Romanesque Church of Saint-Pierre, offering an authentic journey back to the Middle Ages.
The Spectacle of Chartres en Lumières: Experience the magical night-time festival (April-October) where monumental light shows project animated stories onto the cathedral, mills, and bridges, transforming the entire city center.
The Whimsy of Maison Picassiette: Discover the extraordinary 'house of broken plates,' a unique folk-art masterpiece entirely covered in mosaics of shattered ceramics and glass, created by a single postman over 25 years.
The Serene Eure River Valley: Stroll along the picturesque canals and ancient washhouses, cross the stone Pont des Minimes, and enjoy peaceful green spaces like the Parc André Gagnon, offering beautiful views of the cathedral.
A Pilgrimage of History and Spirituality: Walk in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims, explore the International Stained Glass Centre, and feel the profound historical weight of a city that has been a major spiritual center since before the Roman era.
Chartres is Known For
Ready to explore Chartres?
Chartres Neighborhoods
La Cité (Cathedral Quarter)
The historic and spiritual epicenter of Chartres, dominated by the majestic cathedral. This elevated area is dense with history, religious sites, and museums, with a solemn yet awe-inspiring atmosphere.
Highlights:
Best for:
Vieux Chartres (Old Town)
A labyrinth of cobbled streets and leaning half-timbered houses spreading down the hill from the cathedral. This is the most picturesque area, buzzing with cafes, artisan shops, and medieval charm.
Highlights:
Best for:
Bords de l'Eure (Eure River Banks)
The tranquil, lower-level district following the gentle curves of the Eure River. Characterized by old mills, stone bridges, flower-filled washhouses (lavoirs), and peaceful walking paths with stunning cathedral vistas.
Highlights:
Best for:
Saint-Brice / Porte Guillaume
A more modern, commercial area centered around the surviving medieval city gate, Porte Guillaume. This is a hub for everyday life, with a wider variety of shops, restaurants, and a lively local market feel.
Highlights:
Best for:
Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •For the best interior light in the cathedral, visit between 10 AM and 3 PM on a sunny day when the sun illuminates the famous stained glass windows.
- •Wear comfortable, flat shoes with good grip. The streets of the old town are steep, cobbled, and can be slippery, especially when wet.
- •Climb the North Tower of the cathedral (book ahead in summer) for a breathtaking panoramic view and a close-up look at the Gothic architecture.
- •The tourist office offers an excellent 'Chartres Pass' for discounted entry to multiple museums and the cathedral crypt.
- •Visit the cathedral crypt on a guided tour (the only way to access it) to see 11th-century frescoes and the ancient Saint-Lubin well.
- •Parking is easiest and often free at the 'Parking Cathédrale' lot on the outskirts, then take the free 'Navette' shuttle bus to the city center.
- •For a unique souvenir, buy a local product like 'Pâté de Chartres' (game pâté) or a replica of the cathedral's 'Blue Virgin' stained glass from a shop on Rue des Changes.
- •If visiting for Chartres en Lumières, the light shows start at dusk. Begin your route at the cathedral and follow the map provided by the tourist office.
- •The best photo spot for the cathedral's full facade is from the Parvis (square) in front, but for a stunning side profile, go to the Terrain des Écuries park.
- •Many smaller shops and restaurants close between 2 PM and 4 PM. Plan your lunch and shopping accordingly.
Chartres Food Scene
Chartres' cuisine is classic French 'terroir' from the fertile Beauce region, known as the 'breadbasket of France.' Expect robust, hearty dishes featuring game, freshwater fish from the Eure, locally grown vegetables, and excellent pastries. Dining is a traditional affair, with cozy bistros tucked into medieval buildings.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Bistros
- • Le Serpente (Rue des Écuyers) for modern French
- • Le Bistrot de la Cathédrale (Place de la Cathédrale) for classic views
- • La Table de Gaspard (Rue de la Pie) for seasonal menus
Look for the 'Menu du Jour' (daily set menu) for the best value, typically a 2-3 course lunch.
Crêperies & Casual
- • Crêperie des Trois Lys (Rue de la Pie) for authentic Breton galettes
- • Le Moulin de Ponceau (by the river) for a scenic setting
- • Le Saint-Hilaire (Place Marceau) for salads and light meals
A 'galette' is a savory buckwheat crêpe, perfect for lunch. Follow it with a sweet 'crêpe' for dessert.
Patisseries & Boulangeries
- • Pâtisserie G. Lemoine (Rue des Changes) for macarons & tarts
- • Boulangerie du Cygne (Rue Noël-Ballay) for fresh bread
- • Chocolaterie des 3 Comtes (Rue des Changes) for handmade chocolates
Try the local 'Macarons de Chartres'—they are chewier and less sweet than the famous Parisian version.
Markets & Picnic Supplies
- • Saturday Market (Place Billard) for cheese, charcuterie, produce
- • Fromagerie Hardouin (Rue des Changes) for regional cheeses
- • Charcuterie du Centre (Rue des Changes) for pâtés and rillettes
Assemble a picnic from the market and enjoy it in the gardens of the Évêché (Bishop's Palace) with a cathedral view.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Chartres
Spring
Spring (April-June) brings mild weather, blooming flowers in the public gardens, and the start of the Chartres en Lumières festival. The countryside around Chartres is lush and green.
Pros:
- + Pleasant temperatures for walking
- + Festival season begins
- + Fewer crowds than peak summer
- + Longer daylight hours
Cons:
- - Unpredictable rain showers
- - Some attractions may have shorter hours early in the season
Summer
Summer (July-August) is warm and bustling, with long days perfect for exploring. This is peak tourist season, with all attractions open and the full Chartres en Lumières program running nightly.
Pros:
- + Warm, sunny weather ideal for evenings by the river
- + All festivals and events are in full swing
- + Vibrant atmosphere in the old town
Cons:
- - Largest crowds, especially on weekends
- - Can be hot for climbing the cathedral towers
- - Accommodation prices are at their highest
Autumn
Autumn (September-October) offers crisp air, beautiful fall foliage in the parks and along the Eure, and the tail end of the light festival. The summer crowds have dissipated.
Pros:
- + Comfortable sightseeing weather
- + Beautiful autumn colors
- + Harvest season means excellent local produce
- + Fewer tourists
Cons:
- - Chartres en Lumières ends in early October
- - Days get progressively shorter and cooler
- - Increased chance of rain
Winter
Winter (November-March) is cold and quiet, with a chance of frost or light snow. The cathedral takes on a stark, majestic beauty, and the city feels authentically local.
Pros:
- + No crowds, offering a peaceful visit
- + Magical atmosphere if it snows on the cathedral
- + Lower accommodation rates
- + Experience the city like a local
Cons:
- - Some attractions have reduced hours or close on certain days
- - Cold weather (averaging 5°C)
- - No Chartres en Lumières festival
- - Short daylight hours
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Day Trips from Chartres
Château de Maintenon
20 min by train or 25 min by car
Visit the elegant Renaissance water castle once owned by Louis XIV's secret wife, Madame de Maintenon. The stunning gardens are framed by the dramatic, unfinished aqueduct arches built to supply water to the Palace of Versailles.
Illiers-Combray (Marcel Proust's Countryside)
30 min by train
A pilgrimage site for literature lovers, this charming village was immortalized as 'Combray' in Marcel Proust's 'In Search of Lost Time.' Visit his aunt's house, now a museum, and taste the famous madeleine cake.
The Beauce Plains & Nogent-le-Rotrou
45 min by car
Explore the vast, iconic agricultural plains surrounding Chartres, known for their wheat fields and 'cathedrals of grain.' Visit Nogent-le-Rotrou to see its impressive medieval castle perched above the Huisne River.
Chartres Budget Guide
Chartres is moderately priced, significantly cheaper than Paris. Costs are centered around dining and entrance fees, while accommodation and local transport are reasonable.
Budget
€50-70 per person for budget travelers (hostel, picnics, free sights)
per day
Mid-Range
€100-150 per person for comfortable hotels, restaurant meals, and paid attractions
per day
Luxury
€200+ per person for boutique hotels, fine dining, and private guides
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •The Chartres City Pass saves money on multiple museum entries.
- •Many of the best sights (cathedral exterior, old town, light show) are free.
- •Eat the 'Menu du Jour' at lunchtime for a quality meal at half the dinner price.
- •Stay just outside the immediate cathedral area for better hotel rates.
- •Use the free 'Navette' shuttle bus from peripheral parking lots to avoid city center parking fees.
Chartres Hidden Gems
The Labyrinth of the Cathedral
A large circular labyrinth inlaid in the nave floor of Chartres Cathedral, dating from the early 13th century.
It's one of the few medieval labyrinths still in its original location and used for contemplative walking meditation. Most visitors overlook it on the floor.
The Cellars of the Loëns House
Medieval underground cellars (caves) beneath a 16th-century house, now a unique wine bar and cultural venue.
It offers an atmospheric journey into the city's subterranean history, where you can enjoy a glass of wine surrounded by ancient stone vaults.
The Garden of the Simple
A small, peaceful medicinal herb garden located in the shadow of the cathedral's apse, near the International Stained Glass Centre.
A tranquil spot inspired by medieval monastic gardens, it's rarely crowded and offers a unique sensory and historical experience.
The Panorama of the Beauce from Rue de la Tannerie
A specific viewpoint on a steep street in the old town, looking out over the rooftops towards the vast Beauce plain.
It provides a stunning, less-photographed perspective that perfectly frames the cathedral's spires against the endless agricultural landscape for which the region is famous.
The Ancient Washhouses (Lavoirs) on the Eure
A series of preserved, flower-bedecked public laundry basins from the 18th and 19th centuries along the banks of the Eure River.
These charming, functional relics of daily life past are incredibly picturesque and offer a glimpse into the social history of the city in a serene setting.
Chartres Culture & Customs
Chartres is a city of deep historical and spiritual resonance, where tradition is respected and life moves at a gentle pace. It's a working French town, not a museum, where modern life unfolds within a breathtaking medieval shell. The cathedral remains the cultural and community touchstone.
Cultural Etiquette
- •Always greet shopkeepers with 'Bonjour' upon entering and 'Au revoir' when leaving.
- •Dress modestly when entering the cathedral (covered shoulders and knees).
- •Speak in hushed tones inside the cathedral, as it is an active place of worship.
- •Wait for the host to indicate your seat in a traditional restaurant.
- •Tipping is not obligatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Chartres
Is Chartres Cathedral free to enter?
Yes, entry to the main nave of Chartres Cathedral is free. However, there are fees for guided tours, accessing the crypt, climbing the North Tower, and for the audio guide. Donations are welcomed to help with the immense conservation costs.
How do I get to Chartres from Paris?
The easiest way is by direct TER train from Paris Gare Montparnasse. Trains run frequently, take about 60-70 minutes, and cost between €16-25 for a one-way ticket. It's a straightforward journey perfect for a day trip.
Can I do Chartres as a day trip from Paris?
Absolutely. Chartres is one of the best day trips from Paris. A full day (8-10 hours) allows you to see the cathedral, explore the old town, visit a museum, have lunch, and even see the start of the light show if visiting in season.
What is Chartres en Lumières?
It's a spectacular free festival of light where, from April to October, over 20 monuments and sites in the city center are illuminated with artistic video projections every night after dusk. Each site tells a different story, creating a magical walking route.
Do I need to book tickets for the cathedral towers in advance?
It is highly recommended, especially from June to September. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed up the North Tower per day, and time slots can sell out. Book online via the Chartres Cathedral website or at the tourist office upon arrival.
Is Chartres wheelchair accessible?
The historic center's cobbled streets and steep slopes present challenges. The cathedral's main floor is accessible via a ramp, but the crypt and towers are not. The tourist office provides a detailed accessibility map. The free 'Navette' shuttle buses are accessible.
Where is the best place to park?
Use the large 'Parking Cathédrale' (indicated by blue 'P' signs) on the city's edge. It's affordable and secure, and from there you can take the free 'Navette' shuttle bus directly to the cathedral square in just a few minutes.
What is the 'Sancta Camisa' in the cathedral?
It is the 'Holy Tunic,' a silk veil believed to have been worn by the Virgin Mary at the birth of Christ. It has been venerated in Chartres since the 9th century and is kept in a reliquary in the cathedral's ambulatory, making Chartres a major Marian pilgrimage site.
Chartres Itineraries
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