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Chartres

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Eure-et-Loir

Chartres - Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Eure-et-Loir
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Capital of Beauce, Chartres is renowned for its religious building, UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Notre-Dame cathedral. Placed on a promontory overlooking the River Eure, the cathedral of Chartres constitutes a real masterpiece of the Gothic art. This pilgrimage Mecca, admirably preserved and presenting a beautiful architectural homogeneity due to the speed of its construction, is among the biggest Gothic cathedrals in France. Its facades decorated with thousands of sculptures, and especially its Royal Portal, are outstanding. The cathedral interior is just as stunning. It features remarkable 12th- and 13th-century stained glass windows as well as a magnificent choir screen.

After visiting the cathedral and its crypt, walkers can admire numerous old residences in the old town, such as the 16th-century Saumon house, the Voûte house, and the houses in the rue des Écuyers for example. A stroll in the former tanners district along the River Eure lined with bridges should not be missed either. From there, beautiful view of the Saint-André church, a Romanesque building that today houses an exhibition centre. Having climbed the picturesque Saint-Nicolas hillock nearby, visitors can discover the beautiful terraced gardens of the former bishop's palace, which dominates the banks of the River Eure. In the ancient pope's palace, the Fine art museum houses collections of paintings, sculptures, art works and archaeological objects...

Not far from the cathedral too, the International Stained Glass Centre is housed in the attic and the cellar of Loëns. It is dedicated to the art of stained glass window-making (different production techniques and stages, stained glass window restoration, etc.). Besides a permanent exhibition of ancient stained glass windows, the centre shows work by contemporary artists.

Every evening from nightfall, from April to September, Chartres' heritage treasures are lit with stunning illuminations that give the city a magical feel, culminating in the Festival of Light in September.

Additional information
Chartres

Gastronomic specialties: the famous pie Chartres and delicious Mentchikoffs. One can also taste the beer Chartres.

Things to see and do

The famous and majestic cathedral Chartres, the Museum of Fine Arts and the garden of the Bishop, walking the banks of the Eure (the Place Saint-Pierre in Saint-Brice), plus a walk in Lower Town with its bridges, laundries, houses and typical streets, the church of Saint Andrew and Saint-Aignan. Not far from the cathedral is the pen Loëns (old cellar and now stained glass museum), archives and back down to the street Eure Chantault where the oldest houses Chartres. See also the media (old post office to Art Deco architecture), and next the church Sainte-Foy with its Romanesque doorway. Downtown, you can stroll and notice some "houses" up the Swan, the former hotel Montescot, instead Billiards (former site of the Count's castle), without forgetting the street Ecuyers leading from downtown to the Lower Town with its old houses, doors, Flat Foot mound and down the stairs of his Queen Bertha.

The Odyssey, the largest pool complex in France! Flowing river, Olympic pool, spa pool, wave pool, fitness center, ice rink ...

Places of interest

Information points
Leisure centres
Monuments
Performance halls
Transport

Events and festivities

From April to September: Chartres in the Enlightenment. At nightfall, the streets of downtown and city light up the bass. Different "tables" dynamic cover some sites and some walls of the city. In September, during a weekend, great visual and audio feast with great animations.

In June: Art in the Street. Event where painters, sculptors, designers, artists can showcase their work.

Late June: Water Festival. Event organized in Old Town Chartres the edge of the Eure.

The 3rd weekend of October: Antiques Fair. Event in a beautiful place which is the collegiate church of Saint-Andre, where craftsman show.

Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art

Photos

Former wash house on the bank of the Eure (© J.E)
Former wash house on the bank of the Eure (© J.E)
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Rives of the Eure to Chartres (© J.E)
Rives of the Eure to Chartres (© J.E)
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Chartres en Lights
Chartres en Lights
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The Tourist Office in these wonderful places
The Tourist Office in these wonderful places
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Chartres, the book cupboard
Chartres, the book cupboard
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Cathedral (© J.E)
Cathedral (© J.E)
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Fresco of the town center of Chartres
Fresco of the town center of Chartres
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The angel holding the solar calendar (© J.E)
The angel holding the solar calendar (© J.E)
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Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
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Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
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Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
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Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
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Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
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Stained glass window (© Jean Espirat)
Stained glass window (© Jean Espirat)
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Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
Stained glass window of the cathedral (© J.E)
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Stained Glass Museum
Stained Glass Museum
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Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Campsites

Hotels

Your holidays
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A bed & breakfast
A campsite
A leisure activity
A restaurant
A rental car
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