Chartres: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Notre-Dame de Chartres is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern France from the 12th and 13th centuries dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is considered the pinnacle of French Gothic architecture. In 1979, the cathedral became the first French monument to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Its windows form the most complete surviving collection of ancient stained-glass windows in France.

Culture and History

The Gallo-Roman sanctuary of Saint-Martin-au-Val is one of the largest known sanctuaries in Roman Gaul. During guided tours, visitors explore the archaeological site and learn more about its history with a cultural guide.

The Jardins de l'Évêché offer views of the rooftops of Chartres's lower town and the Eure Valley. The gardens also preserve the remains of the Collégiale Saint-Étienne.

With Chartres en lumières, the city of Chartres organizes an event illuminating Chartres's heritage.

Art and Exhibitions

The Musée des Beaux-Arts is located in the former bishop's palace, whose buildings date from the 15th to the 19th century. It houses collections of paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative art from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century and presents various temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

The chapel of the Prieuré Saint-Vincent is an exhibition space and a stop on the Chemin des Arts. The Chapelle Saint-Eman serves as an exhibition venue and is primarily dedicated to contemporary mosaic art. The Collégiale Saint-André is now used as an exhibition venue.

The Église Saint-Aignan is richly furnished with paintings and stained-glass windows. It also houses the “Saint-Michel” stained-glass window by Jean Jouan from 1547.

The Centre International du Vitrail has a permanent collection of 70 authentic Renaissance stained-glass windows, considered the most extensive collection of its kind in France. Introductory courses in glass painting are offered there for children and adults.

When visiting the Maison Picassiette, visitors can discover buildings, faces, flowers, animals and other surprising shapes everywhere. Floors, walls, ceilings and furniture are completely covered with paint or mosaics.

Landscape and Activities

Until 29 August 2026, visitors can discover Chartres from the water on canoe or paddleboard trips along the Eure. The canoe and paddle route can be navigated independently over a distance of approximately 5 kilometres and leads through the green landscapes of the Promenade des Bords de l'Eure.

Markets and Regional Products

The Saturday morning market in Chartres offers traditionally made bread, dairy products, terrines and local confectionery. The market on Place Billard also includes stalls selling spices, fresh flowers and cheese.

Other places: Mainvilliers, Maintenon, Pontgouin, Béthonvilliers, Bleury-Saint-Symphorien, Ermenonville-La-Petite, Saint-Germain-Le-Gaillard, Cherisy

To the higher-level travel overview: Eure-Et-Loir.