THINGS TO DO IN Chartres: 1-DAY ITINERARY

Chartres is a charming town just 90 km southwest of Paris in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The highlights include the Gothic cathedral which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the beautiful mediaeval old town filled with half-timbered houses and cobblestoned streets. The town has many religious buildings, most with stunning stained glass windows and there is a centre you can visit to learn how they are created. There are interesting museums showcasing art and introducing you to agricultural practices, an important part of local life. Take a stroll by the Eure River or hire a kayak or pedal boat and enjoy the outdoors. The cuisine in the town is exciting with a wide variety of restaurants to suit all palates and there are many festivals throughout the year.

We have prepared a one-day itinerary for you which takes in the highlights of the centre of the town. If you have more time, we have given you ideas of where else to go, both on the outskirts of town or as day trips.

Day 1

Morning: Musée Des Beaux Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts is in the Chartres Episcopal Palace where Henry IV was crowned in 1594. However, not much remains of the original building as it was heavily renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries. The collections are diverse, ranging from works created in mediaeval times to contemporary art. Most of the paintings are by French artists such as Soutine, Chardin, and Rigaud. Look out for two harpsichords, one from the 17th century and the other from the 18th century. There is an interesting section dedicated to the works of Henri Navarre, a sculptor, medal engraver, glassmaker, and goldsmith.

Centre International du Vitrail

A two-minute walk takes you to the stained-glass centre where you will learn how the beautiful stained-glass windows in the cathedral and the churches in Chartres were created. It also displays a large collection of stained glass dating as far back as the Renaissance. Some follow a religious theme; others are more diverse. The most interesting part of the visit is seeing experts creating stained-glass in the workshop.

Saint Fulbert

Another two-minute walk takes you to the statue of Saint Fulbert. He was a bishop in Chartres from 1006 -1028 and who helped to develop the cathedral and the cathedral’s school. The statue was created in 1997 by the artist Bernard Damiano. It is made from bronze and depicts a bearded elderly man genuflecting. On the base of the statue is a plinth offering the saint a tribute.

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral is an amazing building right next to the statue of Saint Fulbert. It has two towers, one Romanesque and the other Gothic, and it has undergone reconstructions throughout the years. Its foundations date to the 4th century and the Romanesque cathedral was built in the 11th century. Finally, part of it was rebuilt in the Gothic style in the 13th century. It was then that the frescoes and the magnificent stained-glass windows were created. The stained-glass windows were a driving force in getting the cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site recognition. However, the nave, which is one of the largest in France at 250 metres long, was built in the 11th century and still stands today.

The cathedral can be visited on a guided tour during the day or in the evenings in the summer as part of the Festival of Lights, the Chartres et Luimieres..

Climb the North Tower on a guided tour for fantastic views. It is 112 metres high but is worth the climb. As you climb, you will see 200 sculpted figures in the choir telling the story of the life of Christ.

By this time, you will be ready for lunch and there are plenty of restaurants in the area for you to choose from.

Day 1, Morning - Chartres Tour Map

Afternoon: Galerie Magi

A few minutes walk from the cathedral takes you to Galerie Magi. Magi is an architect and painter who creates original and unusual paintings in both of his galleries, one of which is here in Chartres. The colours are bright and different techniques have been used, mainly ink and watercolours. He paints a variety of subjects including life, happiness, love, the city and nature.

Prieuré Saint-Vincent Art Museum

This art museum is just a minute’s walk from Galerie Magi. It is housed in what was once a priory. Well-respected artists showcase their works in a series of exhibitions. There are usually five exhibitions each year, each lasting two to three months. A bonus is that it’s free to get in.

Eglise Saint-Aignan

A three-minute-walk takes you to this Catholic church, one of the oldest churches in the town. It was originally built in the 12th century, but it was damaged during the Second War of Religion and parts were rebuilt during the 16th century. As a result, it is a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Go inside to see the beautiful stained-glass windows, 20 of which survived the war and are mediaeval, while the others were created in the 16th century. There are also some beautiful frescoes which date to the mid-19th-century. During the Revolution, it was turned into a warehouse and a jail before becoming a church again in the 19th century when Romanesque murals were painted in the nave.

Eglise Saint-Pierre

This church is four minutes away and was once a Benedictine abbey. The abbey was built in the seventh century, the square tower in the 9th century in the Carolingian era, and the nave and choir in the 13th century in the Gothic style. Go inside to see the beautiful stained-glass windows which go back to the 14th century and are registered as a Historical Monument.

Day 1, Afternoon - Chartres Tour Map

Other Things To Do In Chartres

• Maison Picassiette: Maison Picassiette must be seen to be believed. It is completely covered in mosaics of different colours, displaying both rural and exotic landscapes, rosettes, and frescoes. Its owner, Raymond Isidore, who lived between 1900 and 1964, was responsible for this work. Not only did he cover his house in mosaics, but also everything inside, including the furniture. It took him 30 years to complete and he also added a chapel, a summer house, and a courtyard, as well as putting sculptures in the gardens.

• Conservative de l’Agriculture: Chartres is in the area called ‘The Granary of France’ because it has many cereal farms, so it isn’t surprising that there is a museum dedicated to farming. The agricultural museum is unique and there is nothing like it in the rest of France. Here you will find a collection of agricultural equipment and machinery, with some interactive displays. They cover the period from the 19th century until the present day.

• Eglise Saint-Orien: This church is a few kilometres south of Chartres in a village called Meslay-le-Grenet. It may seem like an ordinary country church from the outside but inside is an unusual piece of 15th century art which shows death snatching people such as the pope, a king, a child, and a hermit. It is called The Danse Macabre, reflecting the dark period in France’s history. It was covered over in the early 18th century but cracks in the plaster in the late 19th century revealed the painting and it was then restored. It is haunting and reminds everyone that we are not immortal.

• Theatre of Chartres: The theatre has an excellent reputation, not least for its excellent acoustics. All types of performances are showcased here including opera and ballet. Check online to see what’s on during your visit.

• Eglise Saint Jean-Baptiste: The Eglise Saint Jean-Baptiste is a Roman Catholic church, built after the second world war. It is modern in design but still has beautiful stained-glass windows which are worth admiring.

• Eure Riverside: The banks of the River Eure are a lovely place to take a stroll, especially near the lower old town. It is mediaeval in style with half-timbered buildings close to the river, watermills, and humpbacked bridges. If you keep walking along the Rue de la Massacre, you will come to a collegiate church dedicated to Saint Andrew, built in the 12th century. It is now an exhibition centre. Take a walk around the mediaeval garden which is planted with aromatic and medicinal plants that were grown in the Middle Ages.

• Maison Du Saumon: The Maison du Saumon translates to Salmon House and is an unusual building worth taking a look at. It is in Place de la Poissonniere or Fisherman’s Square, hence the name. It towers at four storeys high with a timber frame and dormer windows. Take a look at the carvings on the corbels, which include fish and vines. It was built during the 15th and 16th centuries and now houses the Tourist Office.

• Bel Air Frescoes: Four buildings in the Bel Air district have been completely covered with frescoes depicting such things as mediaeval workshops, fields being harvested, and the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral. The city council wanted to brighten up the area so commissioned a group of renowned local artists to paint the frescoes. They were so successful that another set of frescoes were painted in the centre of the town to honour Francois Severin Marceau-Desgraviers, a general during the Revolutionary Wars.

Day Trips From Chartres

• Château De Rambouillet: Château De Rambouillet is 43 km northeast of Chartres. In the 14th century it was converted from a small manor house into a fortified chateau. It was used by royalty and then, after the Revolution, by presidents. It is now no longer used by presidents so the public can see more of the chateau either on a self-guided or guided tour. The tour includes the emperor’s apartment, the President’s dining room, the Assembly apartment, and the Marble room. The chateau is surrounded by a 150-hectare park which you can explore on foot, on a bicycle, or an electric cart. You can also take a trip on a boat on the lake.

• Parc Naturel Régional De La Haute Vallée De Chevreuse: This open-air park lies 60 km northeast of Chartres and offers long walks, cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, and pond swimming. It also houses historic sites such as the chateaux of Breteuil, Saint-Jean De Beauregard and Rambouillet as well as the abbeys of Vaux-De-Cerny and Port Royal des Champs.

• Château De Maintenon: This chateau is 20 km north of Chartres. It started off as a mediaeval fortress but was renovated in the 16th century and became a stunning renaissance chateau. It was restored after WWII and is one of the best-preserved chateaux in France. You can tour the chateau on your own or with a guide and see where Louis XIV slept when he visited his secret wife, Madame de Maintenon as well as her oratory. The king developed the gardens and since 2014, they are illuminated in the summer and look spectacular.

• Perche National Park: Perche National Park (Parc naturel régional du Perche) is 77 km west of Chartres and offers exciting trails through forests filled with oak and beech trees, through the countryside, and over gentle rolling hills. It also houses two golf courses, Golf de Belleme and Golf du Perche as well as interesting towns. Belleme is a mediaeval town with fantastic antique shops and La Perriere is a village housing interesting flea markets and the famous La Maison d’Horbe Tea Room. Try and spot some of the 432 plant species, 75 bird species, and 1,100 species of mushrooms throughout the park.

• Marcel Proust Museum: Marcel Proust was a famous writer and this house, 30 km south of Chartres in Illiers-Combray, was where he spent many summers during his childhood with his great aunt. His memories of the house inspired him to write the masterpiece, ‘In Search of Lost Time’. The house has now become a museum dedicated to his life. You can see the rooms mentioned in the book, including the oriental living room, his bedroom, and Aunt Leonie’s kitchen. The furniture and many of Proust’s belongings have been preserved and restored and part of the museum is devoted to the time of the Belle Epoque which was very much part of Proust’s adult life.

• Village Of Verigny: 17 km northwest of Chartres is the small and picturesque village of Verigny filled with 15th-century houses and a tiny church, Saint-Remy. Take a walk in the woods and spot roe deer, red squirrels, hares, rabbits, mallards, woodpeckers, and pheasants. You might be lucky enough to see stags and wild forest cats.

• Orleans: Orleans is a city 78 km south of Chartres and is famous for its associations with Joan of Arc. In 1429, she saved Orleans from an English siege and there are statues throughout the city honouring her and a festival in May celebrating her life. The city has a cathedral with beautiful stained-glass windows, an old town with mediaeval half-timbered houses, an arts museum, and Renaissance mansions.

Things To Do With Kids In Chartres

• Le Petit Chart ‘train: Children will love the little train which isn’t a real train but a road vehicle looking like a train. It is something to be enjoyed by the whole family. You will get to see the highlights of the city and learn about them through interesting commentary. During the summer Chartres et Lumières festival, the train runs in the evenings so that you can enjoy the illuminations. Book in advance for the illuminations tour.

• La Taniere: La Taniere is a zoo refuge 8 km east of Chartres which houses rescued animals that have been mistreated, kept illegally, or used in laboratories. Children will love seeing these animals, which include primates, camels, bears, big cats, sea lions, and much more, each with its own name. There is also a mini farm with rabbits, chickens, geese, pigs, goats, ponies, donkeys, and alpacas and children have the opportunity to stroke them.

• Musée De L’Ecole De Chartres Et D’Eure-Et-Loire: Children will be intrigued when visiting this museum as they will see a classroom from the early 1900s which is completely different to what they are used to. They will see abacuses, writing implements and games of the time. They can try writing with a pen which has to be dipped into purple ink. In the school holidays, there are workshops for children aged between eight and 12.

• Parc Des Bords De L’Eure: This park is close to the city centre and offers plenty of activities to keep children occupied for a few hours. There are pedal boat rentals on the river, a playground, a mini-golf course, and an animal park with chickens and goats. Enjoy a drink or a snack in the open-air cafe where you can take a break.

• Parc Andre Gagen: This park covers two acres and has a beautiful rose garden with 65 different varieties of roses. There is a playground for children and during the school holidays, there is an orienteering race.

• L’Odysee Water Park: L’Odysee Water Park is both an aquatic centre and an ice rink. It is one of the largest water parks in France and children can enjoy the wave pool and the outdoor pools. Activities are arranged for them during the school holidays.

• Escape Yourself Chartres: Escape Yourself Chartres has a choice of five different escape rooms. You are given an hour to solve the clues and puzzles to escape from the room.

• Château De Breteuil: This chateau is 58 km north of Chartres. It will appeal to children as it has dolls dressed in period costume and as fairytale characters from stories by Charles Perrault throughout the building. Puppet shows are also put on based on fairytales. It’s a must visit for younger children.

Golf Clubs Near Chartres

• Golf du Château de Maintenon: This golf club, 20 km north of Chartres, is in the grounds of the chateau. It has an 18-hole course with a length of 5,552 metres and par 70. The course is varied and full of challenges so you will have an exciting game. There is a restaurant open to all.

• Golf De Chartres-Fontenay: This golf course is 12 km southwest of Chartres and offers a nine-hole course of 2,400 metres par 35. There are training areas, a putting green with working slopes, two approach areas with a bunker, and a pitch and putt course. The restaurant is open to visitors.

Racecourse In Chartres

• Hippodrome De Chartres: The Hippodrome De Chartres holds 14 race meetings each year and offers a restaurant with 150 covers, a view of the track, and free entertainment. The late November race meeting has a festive Christmas market.

Where To Eat In Chartres

Chartres offers a wide variety of dining options, including cosy bistros and elegant establishments. Here are a few which we think will excite you.

• Les Feuillantines: If you want delicious yet reasonably priced food, this restaurant will suit you down to the ground. The service is welcoming, the decor elegant, and the food traditional. There is outdoor seating for the warmer summer nights. Try the foie gras or bouillabaisse of mussels to start. Mains include filet of beef with pureed potatoes and small fondant vegetables.

• Cafe Bleu: Cafe Bleu is in a lovely position on the steps of the cathedral. It has an outdoor terrace from where you have a lovely view of the cathedral. It offers traditional French cuisine but can adapt dishes to suit different needs such as gluten-free and vegetarian. Local and seasonal products are used as much as possible. The restaurant is open every day with continuous service.

• Terra Italian Restaurant: If you want a change from French cuisine, this restaurant offers delicious food and great service, with outdoor seating for warmer days. It is a good place for vegetarians and even vegans. Starters include yomato, mozzarella & basil and green lentils with hazelnut & balsamic vinegar. Mains include risotto with pumpkin, chanterelles, sausage, & gorgonzola, and a vegan dish of the day. Desserts include tiramisu and panna cotta.

• Le Moulin De Ponceau: This restaurant is in a 16th-century building and serves traditional French cuisine made with fresh local produce. It is family-run, and you are offered a warm welcome. Starters include preserved leek, pepper marinated duck, and oat & nut crumble. For the main course, try the preserved tenderloin of pork, polenta stick, and spinach & coffee flavoured gravy.

• Le Tripot: This restaurant is close to the cathedral and serves food cooked with fresh seasonal products. For a starter, why not try the duck foie gras, green bean, pumpkin oil, and crackers. Mains include tuna Albacore loin with linguine, coconut milk, and peppers. Desserts are delicious. Try the strawberry & Grand Marnier mille feuille with a red fruit coulis or simple but delicious profiteroles.

Where To Stay In Chartres

• Mercure Charles Cathedral: This four-star hotel is 350 metres from the centre of the town and overlooks the cathedral and market. The rooms all have air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi, a tea/coffee maker, and room service. A continental buffet breakfast is on offer with gluten-free options. Facilities in the hotel include a gym and a bar.

• Jehan De Beauce - Teritoria: This contemporary hotel is four-star and is in the centre of town, 500 metres from the cathedral. The rooms are elegant and decorated in neutral colours. They are soundproofed to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep, have a TV, and free Wi-Fi access, and are ensuite, with a walk-in shower. Breakfast can be served in your room and is continental. Facilities include a sauna, a fitness centre, a bar, and a restaurant, Le Lehan, which offers French dishes cooked with local products.

• Hotel & Spa Le Grand Monarque, BW Premier Collection: This four-star hotel is 400 metres from the centre of Chartres. The rooms are stylish and are equipped with antique furniture, a TV, tea/coffee making facilities, a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries, and free Wi-Fi. A continental breakfast is offered, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. There is a gourmet restaurant in the hotel, Le Georges, and a brasserie, Le Cour. Facilities also include a spa with a sauna and hammam.

• The Original Boutique Hotel Les Poèmes De Chartres: This hotel is in the centre of the town, 200 metres from the cathedral. It is three-star, and the rooms offer heating, a TV, a desk, and a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Room service is available. A continental breakfast is offered which can be enjoyed in either the lounge or in your room. Facilities include a spa & wellness centre and a bar.

• B & B HOTEL Chartres Centre Cathedral: This three-star hotel is a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. The rooms have air conditioning, a TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. There is a buffet breakfast which includes salads, yoghurts, eggs, fruit, and pastries. There is a bar with 24-hour service for non-alcoholic drinks and pizzas and service until midnight for alcohol.

• B & B Hotel Chartres Oceane: This two-star hotel offers great value. The rooms are air conditioned, have free Wi-Fi, a TV, and a private bathroom. A continental buffet breakfast is supplied with gluten-free options. It has free parking and is 3.8 km from the cathedral.

Best Time To Visit Chartres

The best months for warm weather are from May until October, with a good possibility of hot weather in July and August. It can, however, rain a lot in May and June. The coldest months are between December and February and some of the attractions may be closed at this time.

Festivals In Chartres

The people of Chartres enjoy celebrating and there are many festivals throughout the year. These are some of the best.

• Weekend Henry VI: Weekend Henry VI is held on the last weekend of February, celebrating his coronation at Chartres Cathedral. He was the only king to be crowned in Chartres. Restaurants throughout the town serve Henry VI’s favourite meal, ‘Poule au Pot’ and in the morning, free chicken broth is served at the Saturday market in Place Billiard.

• Fête De La Musique: This music festival is held in mid-June and is a festival that is held all over the country. There is free street music performed by both amateurs and professionals.

• Fête De L’Eau: This festival in June celebrates the Eure River. There are activities along the river for both children and adults from 8 pm - 12 am.

• ChartrEstivals: ChartrEstivals runs throughout July and August. There are many concerts and animations held at different venues throughout the town.

• July 14th, Bastille Day: This event is, of course, celebrated throughout France and is a national holiday. The celebrations in Chartres begin with a ball the night before. On the day, there are free music concerts and, in the evening, spectacular fireworks.

• Chartres Et Lumiere: Every evening from April until October, projectors light up 24 buildings with a light and music show. The cathedral stands out as one of the best and the longest as the show lasts for a quarter of an hour and illustrates how the cathedral was built. The banks of the River Eure are also part of the show with the bridges illuminated, making it a magical place to take a stroll. The mini train makes two trips every evening to admire the lights, The show is entirely free.

• Christmas Festivities: Chartres goes all out to celebrate Christmas with concerts, illuminations, shows, an ice rink, and a Christmas market. From the end of November until Christmas, Chartes et Lumières take part in the festivities.