Chartres Travel Guide

Discover all the best things to do, places to visit, and food to eat in Chartres, France with our comprehensive travel guide. From historical attractions to natural wonders, hiking trails to local culture, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Chartres

Chartres is a small city located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, just 90 kilometers southwest of Paris. It is best known for its stunning Gothic cathedral, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. However, Chartres has so much more to offer than just its iconic cathedral, including museums, historical sites, natural beauty, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will explore all the best things to do in Chartres, as well as practical tips for where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around.

List of Places to Visit in Chartres

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Chartres Cathedral: This towering cathedral is the most iconic landmark in Chartres and is renowned for its stunning stained-glass windows.
  • Maison Picassiette: A unique mosaic monument, which has over 15,000 pieces of broken glass. It’s named after Raymond Isidore, aka Picassiette, who created it following an obsession.
  • Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres: This art museum features an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from the 15th century onwards.
  • Musée de l’École de Chartres: This small museum showcases the history of education in Chartres from the Middle Ages to modern times.

Natural Attractions of Chartres: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Parc des Bords de l’Eure: A lovely park that follows the Eure River, featuring beautiful walking paths and a playground for kids.
  • Bois de Boulogne: A forested area with scenic trails, perfect for hiking or biking in nature.
  • Château de Maintenon: A stunning chateau located a short drive from Chartres, featuring beautiful gardens and a history of historical significance.
  • Jardin de l’Évêché: A peaceful garden located near the cathedral, perfect for a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Chartres

Chartres is surrounded by beautiful countryside, and there are many options for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Hiking Routes of Chartres

  • Le Chemin du Blé en Beauce: A 13-kilometer trail that passes through fields and rural landscapes, offering stunning views along the way.
  • La Voie Verte: A 13-kilometer bicycle path that follows an old railway track. Perfect for a leisurely ride through the French countryside.

Best Things to Do in Chartres: Activities and Tours

  • Chartres en Lumières: A light show that illuminates the city’s historical buildings and monuments in the evening. It runs from April to October and is a must-see attraction for visitors.
  • Chartres by bike: A guided bike tour that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s scenic countryside.
  • Discovery of the cathedral: A guided tour of the Chartres Cathedral, offering insights into its history and architecture.
  • Wine tasting: The Centre-Val de Loire is known for its delicious wines, and there are many options to taste them in Chartres and the surrounding areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Chartres

Here’s an itinerary for those who want to explore Chartres for a week:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Chartres Cathedral
Day 2 Walk around the Old Town of Chartres
Day 3 Explore the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres and the Musée de l’École de Chartres
Day 4 Go hiking or biking in the beautiful surrounding countryside
Day 5 Take a day trip to the Château de Chambord, located an hour’s drive from Chartres
Day 6 Relax in the Parc des Bords de l’Eure
Day 7 Explore the Maison Picassiette and attend the Chartres en Lumières light show in the evening

Food and Drink Scene of Chartres

Must-Try Dishes

  • Pâté de Chartres: A meat pie filled with pork, chicken, and foie gras, and seasoned with red wine, garlic, and herbs.
  • Escargots de Bourgogne: Delicious snails cooked in garlic butter, a French delicacy.
  • Tarte Tatin: A classic French dessert, an upside-down apple tart baked with caramelized sugar and butter.

Local Beverages

The Centre-Val de Loire region is renowned for its many delicious wines, including:

  • Sancerre
  • Touraine
  • Chinon
  • Bourgueil

Where to Stay in Chartres: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Chartres has plenty of accommodation options for visitors, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some recommendations:

  • Hotel Mercure Chartres Cathédrale
  • Best Western Hôtel Spa Grand Monarque
  • Le Parvis
  • Maison Ailleurs

What to Buy in Chartres: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Perfumes by Guerlain: These are some of the most renowned perfume makers in France and can be bought in Chartres.
  • Tapestry and linen fabrics: Home to the Manufacture Nationale des Gobelins, it is possible to buy some incredible fabric products in Chartres.
  • Local Wines: Discover some of the excellent local wines such as Sancerre, Chinon, Bourgueil, and Touraine, to name just a few.

Local Culture and Customs of Chartres

Chartres is quite a traditional city, and it’s advisable to dress in a semi-conservative way. If attending a religious service, it’s essential to be dressed appropriately.

Best Time to Visit Chartres

The best time to visit Chartres is during the spring and fall months, from April to June and September to November. The weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. However, if you want to see the lavender fields in bloom, the lavoirs in full use, and the vineyards of the region be sure not to miss the summer season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Chartres

Do:

  • Visit the cathedral.
  • Try the local food and drink scene.
  • Take a walk around the old town and discover its history.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate attire to religious services or sites.
  • Miss out on a chance to explore the beautiful countryside around Chartres.
  • Leave without trying a local delicacy or buying a unique souvenir to bring home.

Safety and Health

Safety in Chartres

Chartres is a very safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it is important to take normal precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Chartres

The city has a good health infrastructure with excellent hospitals and clinics in the area.

Getting to Chartres: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Chartres

The nearest airport to Chartres is Orly Airport located around 80 kilometers away, Paris.

Train Stations Near Chartres

There are several train services to Chartres from Paris. The journey takes just under one hour. Once in Chartres, the train station is within walking distance of the town center.

Bus Services in Chartres

Several bus lines connect Chartres to other cities such as Orleans, Tours, and Le Mans.

How to Get Around Chartres

The best way to get around Chartres is on foot. It is a small city that can be easily explored on foot, especially the old town. However, if you wish to explore the surrounding countryside, it would be best to hire a car or bike.

Where to Go Next from Chartres: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Loire Valley: Located just an hour’s drive from Chartres, visiting the Loire Valley would offer a chance for a fantastic day trip. You can see many historic chateaux, including France’s most iconic chateau, Chambord.
  • Paris: Being just an hour’s drive away or an hour train trip means that Paris is an easy day trip or even an overnight stay.
  • Orleans: Situated on the banks of the river Loire, Orleans is an excellent alternative location with plenty of history and culture available.

Conclusion

Chartres is undoubtedly an incredible destination for travelers of all tastes, whether you are interested in history, culture, or outdoor activities. From its striking cathedral to its beautiful surrounding countryside and charming towns, Chartres has something for everyone. With this comprehensive tour guide, you will be able to explore all the best things to do and practical tips you’ll need for a memorable stay in this beautiful French city.

Chartres Chartres "Basse ville" A view of the cathedral A view of the cathedral Statuary on the south portal of Notre Dame de Chartres Statuary on the south portal of Notre Dame de Chartres One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the Cathedral One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the Cathedral The town square in Chartres The town square in Chartres The memorial to Jean Moulin The memorial to Jean Moulin