Visiting Chartres
As the prefecture of the Eure-et-Loir department, Chartres is defined by its cathedral, a Unesco World Heritage site famous for its deep blue stained glass. Notre-Dame de Chartres preserves nearly 2,600 square meters of medieval glasswork and houses the Voile de la Vierge, a relic said to have been worn by Mary during the Annonciation. You can spot the two towers, one Romanesque and one Gothic, from miles away. The cathedral sits atop the largest crypt in France, the crypte de Fulbert, which you can tour in the summer by candlelight.
The stained glass capital
Chartres remains a hub for artisans who continue centuries-old glassblowing techniques. The Centre International du Vitrail displays 70 authentic Renaissance-era stained glass pieces. Established in 1980, it is located in the enclos de Loëns, a site once used by the bishopric to store harvests. Street art has also found a home here, with the quartier de Bel-Air drawing visitors to see its murals that reflect local history.
Nearby, the former episcopal palace has been converted into an exhibition space. This 17th and 18th-century building now houses the musée des Beaux-Arts. Take a moment to admire the entrance gate and the wrought-iron staircase, both crafted in the Louis XV style. Inside, you will find significant works, including twelve enamels commissioned for King Francis I by the enamel painter Léonard Limosin, pieces by Maurice de Vlaminck, and the painting Enfant de chœur by Soutine. Glass art is also featured through the works of sculptor and glass artist Henri Navarre.
If you enjoy historic estates, head to the château de Maintenon. This well-preserved castle features formal French gardens and the ruins of an aqueduct that Louis XIV originally intended to divert water from the Eure to Versailles.
A historic and pleasant city
Wander through the old town to see the oldest half-timbered houses in Chartres, such as la Maison du Saumon. The vegetable market, housed under a 19th-century Baltard-style structure, is a local landmark. Follow the Eure for a scenic, natural path. To the north, you will find the well-maintained horticultural garden. To the south, walk along the riverbanks before reaching a local curiosity, the maison Picassiette, where the walls and even the furniture are entirely covered in mosaics.
A visit to this capital of the Beauce region would not be complete without a stop at the Compa ou Conservatoire de l’Agriculture, which holds a collection of vintage agricultural machinery.
When to go
The best time to visit is during the warmer months between May and September. Note that from April through the end of December, the city hosts Chartres en Lumière, an evening event where local monuments are illuminated.
How to get there
Chartres is easily accessible via the A11 highway, or by train and bus.
I had a very pleasant day in Chartres. The cathedral is truly magnificent. I spent a long time admiring the details of the exterior sculptures and the colors of the stained glass windows. Right next door, the Centre International du Vitrail presents a splendid collection of Renaissance stained glass. Other than that, there is not much to see, but I really like the calming atmosphere of the city. The banks of the Eure offer some lovely walks.