This medieval town has many half-timbered houses to admire together with old stone bridges and churches. The town is best known for the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres (Cathedral of Chartres), widely considered to be the finest gothic cathedral in France. Its historical and cultural importance is recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

With the gift of the Sancta Camisia, the supposed blouse of the Virgin Mary, in the late Dark Ages Chartres became one of the greatest pilgrimage cities of Western Europe, which remains today.

Chartres calls itself "the Capital of Light and Perfume" because it is in the heart of Cosmetic Valley (There's a perfume festival in April).

Artistic sites:

  • Fine Art Museum with the Vlaminck Collection.
  • The Agriculture Conservatory which is France’s largest argriculture museum.
  • Picassiette House (Mosaic House) which is entirely decorated in pieces of broken coockery!

Events:

  • The Water Festival (June): Torch light procession on the Eure River, shows and concerts…
  • "Summer Evenings" in Chartres: Free summer festival in July and August.
  • Festival of light - September: Light display and shows in town.
  • "Artisanales de Chartres" (Craft fair): Renowned National event - October.
  • "Chartres en Plein Chant" (Music festival): A celebration of vocal music - December.

Chartres (Eure-et-Loir, Loire Valley) mini guide

Guide point Details
Location: Chartres is located in the Eure-et-Loir department, 96 km southwest of Paris in central France.
Public Transport:

Train: Chartres has good train links with Paris Montparnasse (50-75 minutes) and the odd train to Orleans.

Airports: The closest airport is ORE - Orleans Bricy, 54.9 km south of Chartres. More nearby airports include TNF - Toussous-le-noble Toussus Le Noble 55.9 km north east, ORY - Paris Orly 70.4 km north east, POX - Pontoise Cormeilles En Vexin 82.2 km north east, LBG - Paris Le Bourget 90.2 km north east.
Tourist information website: http://www.chartres-tourisme.com/
Tourist information contact email: info@otchartres.fr
Tourist information switch board number: +33 (0)2 37 18 26 26
Tourist information address: Chartres Convention & Visitors Bureau, Place de la Cathédrale, BP 50289 - 28000, Chartres