About Chartres, France:
We have had th privilege of visiting many charming cities in Europe. Although we don’t necessarily have a favorite, there is one that certainly would be close to it…and that is Chartres, France. Chartres is a charming old town with half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets along the Eure River, and views of the surrounding Beauce plain (known as France’s “granary”). From April to September, the “Chartres en Lumière” light show illuminates the cathedral and other sites at night. Chartres remains a pilgrimage site and a gem for architecture lovers…and is a walkable city which makes it great for visitors.
Catholic places of interest in Chartres, France:
Chartres is perhaps most well-known for the magnificent Chartres Cathedral, but there are other interesting churches in the town as well.
Chartres Cathedral (Notre Dame de Chartres): The highlight of the town, this Medieval Cathedral with magnificent stained glass windows.
Église catholique Saint-Aignan (Church of Saint Aignan): 4th century church near the Cathedral with stained glass windows of a different era.
Église Saint-Pierre (Saint Peter’s Church): magnificent stained glass windows that rival those of Chartres Cathedral
Saint Martin du Val Church: one of the largest known sanctuaries in Roman Gaul and the Roman world.
The Chartres Pilgrimage:
Annual Pentecost Pilgrimage to Chartres: there is a pilgrimage each year originating at Notre Dame in Paris and walking the 60 miles to Chartres. Participants broken up in to small “communities”, each accompanied by a priest who will celebrate provide spiritual guidance and hear confessions. All are welcome to join.
The walk takes place over three days and is joined by young and old alike, but is especially for youth. In 2025, over 19,000 people participated in the pilgrimage….you can read more about the Chartres pilgrimage here.
Other places of interest in Chartres:
Chartres is a great town for walking, shopping and relaxing. Take some time to browse the numerous shops and sample the local specialties such as delicious pates, praline-filled chocolates called mentchikoffs and soft-crusted cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves called marsauceux.
If you like fine wines, one of the interesting stores we found in Chartres is La Cave du Marché. It is a bit hidden away, but go on in and then downstairs to the wine cellar….even if you are not a wine aficionado or connoisseur, you will enjoy the experience.
There is a classic French bistro near the train station in Chartres, Le Café Serpente, that has great French Onion soup.
Another classic French bistro across from the Chartres Cathedral offers outdoor seating with views of the square. The menu features “Soupe À l’oignon Gratinée” (French onion soup), some of the best we have ever had. It is a popular spot with a lively atmosphere.
Another Restaurant…. Crêperie La Picoterie…. is a bit further into the historic center. Although the restaurant specializes in galettes, is also noted for its superb French onion soup. Well, I guess you can tell that we like French onion soup….especially the way they make it in France!
Traveling to Chartres, France:
Chartres is a great town for a two or three-day stay, but if you are visiting Paris and don’t have that much time, we recommend a day or half-day visit to Chartres.
By train:There is frequent train service, and the trip is only about one hour on fast trains. From Paris Montparnassé: Around 33 daily direct trains take about 1 hour each way. Remember, Paris has five main train stations (one for each point of the compass and one at Charles de Gaulle airport) so you need to check to see which station has trains to Chartres. Our experience is that they all leave from (and return to) Montparnasse Station. It is a short walk from the train station to the center of Chartres.
Tip: Book in advance, especially during peak season or the Chartres en Lumières festival. Double-decked TER trains offer better views of the countryside.
By Car from Paris:
Take A6 (Bordeaux–Nantes) to Porte d’Orléans then the A10, or ordinary road D190 toward Rambouillet C’Chartres Tourisme.
By Air:
The nearest airports are in Paris, which is why we recommend the train.
Orly Airport (Orly Sud/Ouest) is roughly 46 miles: (75 km) from Chartres, about 45 minutes driving time.
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is roughly 75 miles (120 km) from Chartres, about 80 minutes driving time.
Another airport is Tours Airport (code TUF), which is about 93 miles (150 km) from Chartres, about 2 hours driving time.