Discover Chartres

Chartres appeals to travellers interested in Gothic architecture, stained glass and a range of museums and exhibition venues. The city brings together an important sacred building, collections, chapels, gardens and a market selling regional produce. You can choose a cultural focus for your trip or explore different sides of Chartres.

Cathedral and stained glass

Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern France, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered a high point of French Gothic architecture. In 1979, it became the first French monument to be added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. These facts place the building both in its historical period and in the history of French heritage.

The windows also give the cathedral its distinctive character: they form the most complete surviving collection of ancient stained glass in France. Visitors particularly interested in stained glass can explore the subject further at other venues in Chartres. The Centre International du Vitrail has a permanent collection of 70 authentic Renaissance stained-glass windows, considered the largest collection of its kind in France. The centre also offers introductory stained-glass courses for children and adults.

Museums, chapels and distinctive collections

The Musée des Beaux-Arts is housed in the former bishop’s palace, whose buildings date from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Its collections include paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century. The museum presents a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, with themes that vary from one exhibition to another. This brings together an extensive permanent collection and a changing exhibition programme.

Smaller exhibition venues also offer a variety of perspectives. The chapel of the Prieuré Saint-Vincent is an exhibition space and a stop on the Chemin des Arts. The Chapelle Saint-Eman is also used as an exhibition venue and is devoted mainly to contemporary mosaic art; its exhibition programme may change. The Collégiale Saint-André is now used as an exhibition venue. Paintings and stained-glass windows shape the interior of the Église Saint-Aignan. Its artworks include the “Saint-Michel” window by Jean Jouan, dating from 1547.

The Maison Picassiette offers another way to experience art in the cityscape. During a visit, you can discover buildings, faces, flowers, animals and other surprising forms throughout the house. The floors, walls, ceilings and furniture are entirely covered in paint or mosaics. The focus is therefore not just on individual motifs, but on the design of the rooms as a whole.

Archaeology, gardens and urban heritage

The Gallo-Roman sanctuary of Saint-Martin-au-Val is one of the largest known sanctuaries in Roman Gaul. On guided visits, visitors explore the archaeological site and learn more about its history from a cultural guide. The availability of individual tours may vary seasonally, so check before planning your visit.

The Jardins de l’Évêché offer views over the rooftops of Chartres’ lower town and the Eure Valley. The remains of the Collégiale Saint-Étienne have also been preserved in the gardens. Views and visible traces of a former building come together here. Access to the gardens may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest visiting information in advance. Chartres en lumières is an event organised by the city, in which Chartres’ heritage is illuminated.

Market and travel planning

The Saturday morning market is another of the city’s cultural and culinary highlights. The selection includes artisan bread, dairy products, terrines and local sweets. The market at Place Billard also features stalls selling spices, fresh flowers and cheese. As market times and offerings may vary, it is advisable to check the latest information before visiting.

These different themes can help you choose a destination based on your interests, without limiting your stay to just one building or collection.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Denis-d'Authou, Lanneray, Bleury-Saint-Symphorien, Bailleau-L'évêque, Saint-Arnoult-Des-Bois, Oinville-Sous-Auneau, Ver-lès-Chartres, Saint-Laurent-en-Gâtines.

For the broader travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.