Chartres
Overview
Chartres was one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages and is still a popular destination for travelers from all over the world who come seeking inspiration. Home to the veil of the Virgin Mary, Chartres’ Notre Dame Cathedral also boasts some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in existence, a mysterious labyrinth and a jaw-dropping design that seems to soar to the heavens and take your soul with it.
One of the best preserved examples of Gothic architecture in France, Chartres Cathedral is exciting for students of design as well as anyone who appreciates art frozen in time. Only an hour-long train ride south from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse, Chartres is an easy day trip from the city and is best visited on a sunny afternoon when the stained-glass windows of the cathedral will be in their full glory. Built in only 66 years, a very short time for such a structure, Notre Dame is an excellent model of almost-pure High Gothic architecture.
However Chartres is much more than an amazing cathedral; this medieval town retains much of its character and charm and you can still walk down roads named after the merchandise once sold there, such as ‘rue de la Petite Cordonnerie,’ (Shoemaker’s Road) and rue de la Possonnerie (Fish Road). Along the ancient streets you will find modern shops too, with plenty of hotels and restaurants cater to traveling pilgrims, just as they have for centuries.
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Chartres
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Chartres
Chartres was one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Middle Ages and is still a popular destination for travelers from all over the world who come seeking inspiration. Home to the veil of the Virgin Mary, Chartres’ Notre Dame Cathedral also boasts some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in existence, a mysterious labyrinth and a jaw-dropping design that seems to soar to the heavens and take your soul with it.
One of the best preserved examples of Gothic architecture in France, Chartres Cathedral is exciting for students of design as well as anyone who appreciates art frozen in time. Only an hour-long train ride south from Paris’ Gare Montparnasse, Chartres is an easy day trip from the city and is best visited on a sunny afternoon when the stained-glass windows of the cathedral will be in their full glory. Built in only 66 years, a very short time for such a structure, Notre Dame is an excellent model of almost-pure High Gothic architecture.
However Chartres is much more than an amazing cathedral; this medieval town retains much of its character and charm and you can still walk down roads named after the merchandise once sold there, such as ‘rue de la Petite Cordonnerie,’ (Shoemaker’s Road) and rue de la Possonnerie (Fish Road). Along the ancient streets you will find modern shops too, with plenty of hotels and restaurants cater to traveling pilgrims, just as they have for centuries.
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Chartres
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Chartres
Hotel Jehan
de Beauce: centrally located, renovated rooms and buffet breakfast
Comfort
Hotel Chartres: basic yet adequate hotel, 42 rooms and restaurant attached
Best Western Le Grand
Monarche: quality rooms, clean, located right on main plaza
Hotel Chatelet:
charming 3-Star Hotel, centrally located, 200m from train station
Ibis
Chartres Centre Cathedral: small hotel at bottom of village on the Eure
River
Chateau
d’Esclimont: romantic luxury chateau outside of the city with traditional
French charm
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Chartres
Hotel Reviews
Chartres
Weather
Chartres
Travel Resources
Please share any Chartres travel resources in this section. Links to other websites, visa information,car rentals, consulates, etc are all very helpful.