About
Chartres is a historic cathedral city in France, set in the Eure valley about an hour's journey southwest of Paris. Its skyline is dominated by Chartres Cathedral, one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. For visitors, the city is above all a place to see that building and the medieval town gathered around it.
The cathedral
The cathedral is the reason most people come. Its stained glass windows are its most celebrated feature, and they reward unhurried looking, particularly on a bright day when the colours are strongest. The building has drawn pilgrims for more than 800 years, and that long tradition is still part of its character. Even if you are not religious, the interior is a calm and striking space to spend time in.
The old town
Around the cathedral, the medieval old town offers narrow streets and half-timbered houses that give a sense of how the city once looked. Wandering without a fixed plan is a good way to explore it, stopping where something catches your eye.
The Eure river runs through the town, and its banks are lined with peaceful gardens. They make a pleasant place to pause between visits to the cathedral and the streets, and a gentle counterpoint to the scale of the church above.
Planning a visit
- Allow at least a half day for the cathedral and the nearby streets, and longer if you want to linger over the windows.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the old town is best seen on foot over cobbled and uneven paths.
- Combine the visit with a stroll by the river to see the gardens.
Chartres suits travellers interested in architecture, medieval history and quiet walking. It is an easy day trip from Paris for those who want a glimpse of French Gothic art and a slower pace of town life.