European Archaeology Days 2026
Explore the history of Chartres from Antiquity to the Middle Ages during a special weekend.
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Chartres
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Chartres
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Bring binoculars to the cathedral; the details in the world-famous stained glass windows are incredible.
- From April to January, don't miss 'Chartres en Lumières', a spectacular light show on historic buildings.
- Walk down to the Eure river to explore the easy on the eye 'Basse-Ville' (lower town) with its old bridges.
- The train from Paris Gare Montparnasse takes just over an hour, making it an easy day trip.
🍽 Food
🍽
Mentchikoff
Try this local sweet specialty: a chocolate praline wrapped in Swiss meringue, found at artisanal confectioners.
🍽
Pâté de Chartres
Taste this traditional game pie often served in classic French restaurants in the town center.
🍽
Breton Galettes
Enjoy savory buckwheat crêpes at one of the cozy crêperies near the cathedral.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Place Billard Market
A covered market hall hosting local farmers selling fresh vegetables, cheeses, and regional products.
🛍
Boutiques around Place du Cygne
Stroll through the pedestrian streets for independent shops, artisanal crafts, and souvenirs.
🧘
Jardins de l'Évêché
The gardens behind the Bishop's Palace offer a peaceful retreat and memorable views over the lower town.
🧘
Parc des Bords de l'Eure
A beautiful park along the river, first-rate for walking, picnicking, or letting kids play.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
10
Apéro Time in Chartres
The popular Apéro event returns with an even more festive edition.
At the Dawn of the Middle Ages
Discover the early Christian times and the ancient history of Chartres.
Apéro Time in Chartres
The popular Apéro series returns with festive surprises.
Rony at the OFF - Comedy Show
Rony takes a sharp and funny look at our daily lives: relationship struggles, the workplace, travel, and even children.
“In the Garden” Workshop
As part of a partnership between the city and the Horticulture Society, monthly gardening workshops are held at the Île Hébert community garden.
Conservatory Open Day
All classes and disciplines at the Conservatory offer numerous performances, concerts, and presentations during a joyful day of discovery.
Library Book Sale
Librarians offer books, CDs, and magazines at very low prices to make room for new collections in the media libraries.
100th Anniversary of PEP 28
The PEP 28 association celebrates 100 years of commitment and solidarity in service of education, inclusion, and the well-being of all.
Chamber Music Exam Concert
Advanced students from the Conservatory present their year's work during a public concert.
Chartres is world-renowned for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The cathedral is famous for its 176 impressive stained-glass windows dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, which feature the unique and spirited 'Chartres Blue' pigment. Inside, the medieval labyrinth set into the nave's floor remains a significant site for pilgrimage and meditation, as it has been for centuries. The old town of Chartres, situated on the banks of the Eure River, is characterized by its steep cobblestone streets, ancient stone bridges, and historic watermills. Every year from April to January, the city transforms into a luminous spectacle during 'Chartres en Lumières,' where over 20 major monuments are artistically illuminated with light projections. Historically, Chartres served as a prosperous market town for the fertile Beauce plain, often referred to as the 'granary of France.' The International Stained-Glass Centre, located near the cathedral, continues to preserve and study the art of glassmaking and restoration. Combining spiritual significance, medieval charm, and modern light artistry, Chartres remains one of the most compelling cultural destinations within easy reach of Paris.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Chartres Cathedral · Maison Picassiette · International Stained Glass Centre
- Nearby: Auneau (21 km)
- Population: ~40.361
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 11 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 54 | 46 | 53 | 42 | 63 | 57 | 51 | 53 | 41 | 60 | 63 | 66 |
Live webcam – Chartres
See what it looks like near Chartres right now.
Chartres: Chartres – Champhol Aerodrome · 2.8 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Geography
Facts
- Chartres Cathedral was one of the first French sites added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1979.
- The cathedral contains 176 stained-glass windows, most of which are original 13th-century works.
- The medieval labyrinth on the cathedral floor has a total path length of 261 meters.
- Chartres is located approximately 90 kilometers southwest of Paris on the Eure River.
- The 'Chartres en Lumières' light festival illuminates more than 20 historic sites across the city.
- The north tower stands at 115 meters, while the south tower reaches 105 meters in height.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→18:552 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 29€ · Transport 0€
The morning starts at the majestic cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece, followed by the discovery of stained glass secrets at the Vitrail center. At midday, we dive into history at the fine arts museum. The afternoon leads to the banks of the Eure river, where medieval idyll and tranquility await. Finally, we enjoy the atmosphere at Place Billard.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 79'
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
Observe the floor labyrinth and the world-famous blue stained glass windows.
🚶 6'0.14 km
🎨
10:35 · 105'
Centre International du Vitrail
Located right next to the cathedral, it has deep insight into the art of stained glass.
🚶 7'0.19 km
🚶 19'0.82 km
🚶 8'0.25 km
🏞️
15:32 · 126'
Promenade des bords de l'Eure
Walk along the old canals and half-timbered houses of the lower town.
🚶 15'0.62 km
09:00→18:552 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 29€ · Transport 0€
Morning inside the cathedral provides shelter while rain taps against the historic glass. At noon, the museums offer a perfect dry cultural escape. The afternoon walk by the Eure is moody and beautiful under an umbrella. The evening ends cozily near the sheltered spots of Place Billard.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 79'
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
Use the North Portal for quick, dry access to the nave.
🚶 6'0.14 km
🎨
10:35 · 105'
Centre International du Vitrail
Excellent place to wait out the heaviest rain showers.
🚶 7'0.19 km
🚶 19'0.82 km
🚶 8'0.25 km
🏞️
15:32 · 126'
Promenade des bords de l'Eure
The paved paths remain easily walkable despite the rain.
🚶 15'0.62 km
09:00→18:552 km walk6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 25–33 €Entries 29€ · Transport 0€
The frosty morning begins with warming up inside the cathedral. At noon, museums offer cozy heat and culture. Early twilight transforms the Eure banks into a glittering winter landscape. The evening at Place Billard is made magical by the festive lighting of the old town.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 79'
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
Visit the crypt, it is often warmer there during winter.
🚶 6'0.14 km
🎨
10:35 · 105'
Centre International du Vitrail
Enjoy the tranquility in the well-heated exhibition space.
🚶 7'0.19 km
🚶 19'0.82 km
🚶 8'0.25 km
🏞️
15:32 · 126'
Promenade des bords de l'Eure
The winter sun reflects beautifully off the cold water.
🚶 15'0.62 km
09:00→17:095.4 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 11€ · Transport 12€
By bike, we explore the cathedral first before cycling to the fascinating Picassiette House. Then we enjoy the city's green lung along the Eure. The afternoon offers Romanesque architecture and ends relaxingly in the modern city center.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 14'1.87 km
🚲 8'0.88 km
🚲 14'1.84 km
🚲 8'0.83 km
09:00→17:095.4 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 11€ · Transport 12€
Starting at the cathedral is slippery when wet, exercise caution. The ride to Maison Picassiette is via wet streets, but the mosaics shine even in rain. At noon the park is quiet, paths are solid. The day ends safely in the illuminated squares of the upper town.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 14'1.87 km
🚲 8'0.88 km
🏞️
12:15 · 126'
Parc des Bords de l'Eure
Reduce speed on paths that may be covered with wet leaves.
🚲 14'1.84 km
🚲 8'0.83 km
09:00→17:095.4 km ride5 places0/5
Day budget: ≈ 20–26 €Entries 11€ · Transport 12€
A cool start at the cathedral with gloves. The ride through the winter suburbs to Maison Picassiette requires concentration due to potential ice. At noon the park feels solitary and peaceful. Returning to the lit city in the evening offers a warming reward in the cafes.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 14'1.87 km
🚲 8'0.88 km
🚲 14'1.84 km
🚲 8'0.83 km
09:00→17:2938.9 km drive4 places0/4
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 15€ · Transport 7€
In the morning we admire the cathedral before driving to the magnificent Château de Maintenon. After returning, we visit the whimsical Picassiette House and end the day with culinary experiences in the old town.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 79'
Cathédrale de Chartres
Use the 'Hôtel de Ville' parking garage right in the center.
🚗 66'18.86 km
🏛️
11:35 · 84'
Château de Maintenon
Impressive castle with the ruins of an aqueduct by Louis XIV.
🚗 64'18.39 km
🚗 8'1.62 km
09:00→17:2938.9 km drive4 places0/4
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 15€ · Transport 7€
The cathedral is easily reached from the nearby multi-story parking. The drive through rain to Maintenon Castle offers lovely views of the Eure plain. At noon at Maison Picassiette, you stay mobile and dry. The gastronomic finish in the old town benefits from short walks to the car.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 79'
Cathédrale de Chartres
Q-Park Cœur de Ville provides a direct elevator to the surface.
🚗 66'18.86 km
🚗 64'18.39 km
🚗 8'1.62 km
09:00→17:2938.9 km drive4 places0/4
Day budget: ≈ 19–25 €Entries 15€ · Transport 7€
The winter morning starts with a warm drive to the cathedral. The route to Maintenon reveals the stark, vast beauty of the French countryside. At noon, Maison Picassiette is a short, frosty stop. The day concludes with regional specialties in the warmly heated old town.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 79'
Cathédrale de Chartres
Parking in a garage saves you from scraping ice off windows.
🚗 66'18.86 km
🚗 64'18.39 km
🚗 8'1.62 km
🍽️
15:35 · 84'
Place Billard (Altstadt)
Parking garages are often warmer than outdoor lots in winter.
Sights in the town Chartres (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to get from Paris to Chartres?
The most convenient way is the TER train from Paris-Montparnasse station, with the journey taking about one hour.
What is special about the cathedral's stained glass windows?
They are world-famous for the 'Chartres Blue' and mostly date back to the 12th and 13th centuries.
When does the 'Chartres en Lumières' light show take place?
The nightly light projections take place annually from April to early January at over 20 locations.
Are there any local culinary specialties?
Try the Pâté de Chartres (meat pie) or Mentchikoffs (chocolates with a meringue-based filling).
How much time should be allocated for a visit?
A full day is enough to visit the cathedral, the old town, and the Perfume Museum.
Chartres: where is it located?
Chartres is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Chartres: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chartres Cathedral, Maison Picassiette, International Stained Glass Centre.
Chartres: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Chartres: why is it worth visiting?
Chartres is world-renowned for its Notre-Dame Cathedral, a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979.
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