Chartres Travel Guide

City City in Centre-Val de Loire, France with cathedral

Night illuminations and the soaring stained-glass windows draw pilgrims and architecture buffs to Chartres Cathedral; wander timbered streets, visit local markets and try regional cheeses.

Costs

$80-$140 / day

Reasonably priced day-trip destination from Paris with mid-range dining and hotels.

Safety

Safe - quiet provincial city

Safe and calm; family-friendly with low violent crime rates.

Best Time

April-October

Spring to autumn for mild weather; winter offers a popular Christmas light show.

In This Guide

Why Visit Chartres?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

43,838

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good train links to Paris, compact walkable centre, clear tourist signage and visitor centres.

Popularity

Popular day-trip from Paris for architecture lovers, pilgrims and school groups.

Known For

Chartres Cathedral, medieval stained glass, pilgrimages, labyrinth, timber‑framed houses, Gothic architecture, cathedral light show, old town charm

About 90% of Chartres Cathedral's stained‑glass windows are original, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries.

Why Visit Chartres? #

Famous for one of Europe’s finest Gothic cathedrals, this cathedral town draws visitors seeking art, history and serene streets. The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is renowned for its medieval stained-glass windows and intact labyrinth, while narrow timbered lanes and weekly markets reveal the town’s slower rhythms. Evenings during the Chartres en Lumières festival add an extra dimension as historic façades are illuminated for thoughtful nighttime strolls.

Top Things to Do in Chartres

All Attractions ›

Chartres Cathedral

Masterpiece Gothic cathedral renowned for medieval stained glass

Church

Château de Rambouillet

Historic château near Paris used historically as presidential residence

Palace

Château de Châteaudun

Medieval castle near Châteaudun with prominent keep

Castle

Château d'Anet

Renaissance château in Anet associated with Diane de Poitiers

Castle

Château de Maintenon

17th-century château with famous aqueduct remains

Castle

Don't Miss

Chartres Cathedral - Gothic cathedral renowned for its medieval stained glass and labyrinth floor.
Old Town and timber-framed houses - Wander cobbled streets past half-timbered houses, cafés and riverside quays.
Maison Picassiette - Unique mosaic-covered house by Raymond Isidore, entirely decorated with glass and ceramics.

Hidden Gems

Les Boves (underground tunnels) - Medieval chalk tunnels beneath the town offering atmospheric guided tours and history.
Centre International du Vitrail - Center explaining stained-glass techniques with workshops and rotating exhibitions for visitors.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres - Small fine-arts museum showcasing local painters and decorative arts collections.

Day Trips

Versailles - Opulent palace and gardens reachable by train, perfect for a grand day excursion.
Château de Chambord - World-famous Loire château with rooftop walkways and vast Renaissance architecture.

Best Time to Visit Chartres #

Chartres is nicest in spring and early autumn when temperatures are pleasant for strolling between the cathedral, old town, and gardens. Summers are warmer and busier; winters are crisp and quieter.

Winter

December - February · 0°C to 7°C (32°F to 45°F)

Cold, sometimes frosty winters make the cathedral and old town quieter - good for avoiding crowds and enjoying a cozy visit.

Spring/Autumn

March - May; September - November · 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F)

Best seasons for visiting: mild weather perfect for wandering the cathedral, strolling gardens, and enjoying local cafés without peak crowds.

Summer

June - August · 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)

Warm summers bring lively streets and tourists; long daylight hours are great for day trips but some sites can be crowded.

Best Time to Visit Chartres #

Climate

Chartres's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (599 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

AugustJulySeptember

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

40°

Warmest Month

-12°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 6°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

48 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

45 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

3° – 11°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

42 mm

Rainfall

4.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

4° – 14°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

47 mm

Rainfall

4.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 58 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

8° – 18°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

58 mm

Rainfall

4.1 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

15.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°

Feels Like Cool

16°C

Temperature

11° – 21°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

51 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

Very High

15.8h daylight

July

July is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

13° – 24°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

56 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

High

15.5h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

82 Excellent

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

13° – 24°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

40 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

72 Very Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 20°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

53 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

7° – 15°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

55 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

4° – 10°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

50 mm

Rainfall

4.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

2° – 7°

94%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

54 mm

Rainfall

4.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.2h daylight

How to Get to Chartres

Chartres is easiest to reach by train from Paris (Montparnasse) - the direct service is about one hour. The town centre is compact and most attractions are within short walking distances.

By Air

Paris-Orly (ORY): The closest major airport for many visitors coming from abroad. From Orly you can take the Orlyval + RER/metro or a direct coach service to central Paris and then a train from Paris‑Montparnasse to Chartres. Total travel time airport→Chartres is typically 1.5-2.5 hours depending on connections.

Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG): Also an option; from CDG take RER/TER services or a coach into Paris and onward by train from Montparnasse (allow ~2-2.5 hours minimum to reach Chartres).

By Train & Bus

Train: Gare de Chartres has frequent Intercités/TER services to Paris Montparnasse - the direct train takes about 1 hour. Single fares commonly range €10-€25 depending on how far ahead you book.

Bus: Local buses (network ‘Tac’) serve the city and nearby suburbs; regional coaches connect Chartres with nearby towns. Local single fares are inexpensive (typically a few euros) and there are occasional park‑and‑ride and tourist shuttle options during events.

How to Get Around Chartres #

Chartres is compact and pleasant to explore on foot, especially around the cathedral and old town. The city is served by regional TER trains to Paris and local bus routes; taxis operate from the station. Cycling is possible but some central streets are pedestrianised.

Where to Stay in Chartres #

Budget

Near Cathédrale / Gare - $50-80/night

Budget options near Chartres cathedral and the train station are practical and frequent; good for short stays while visiting the cathedral and old town.

ibis Chartres Centre Cathédrale - Basic, practical and central
Chartres budget B&Bs (booking.com) - Small family B&Bs near the cathedral

Mid-Range

City centre / Cathedral quarter - $90-150/night

Solid mid-range selection includes historic hotels within walking distance of the cathedral, offering comfortable rooms and on-site dining options.

Hôtel Jehan de Beauce - Character hotel opposite the cathedral
Best Western Premier Grand Monarque & Spa - Comfortable spa hotel in town centre

Luxury

Cathedral quarter / nearby countryside - $160+/night

Chartres has a few upscale town-centre hotels and nearby château properties for a luxury stay. These offer refined dining and larger rooms than typical city hotels.

Best Western Premier Grand Monarque & Spa - Top local upscale choice near the cathedral
Nearby château hotels (regional) - Upscale country-house options within driving distance

Where to Eat in Chartres #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Chartres's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

French

Burger

Kebab

Italian

Japanese

Sandwich

Crepe

Chinese

Sushi

Thai

Asian

Indian

Chicken

Turkish

Brasserie

Steak House

Wok

Cuban

Bistro

Nightlife in Chartres #

Nightlife in Chartres is modest and leans toward wine bars, cafés and small restaurants rather than late-night clubs. Special evenings appear around festivals or cathedral events, so check the cultural programme for any night-time concerts.

Shopping in Chartres #

Shopping clusters around the old town: small boutiques, bakeries and specialty food shops within walking distance of the cathedral. Weekly markets are common in provincial French towns-check the local tourist office for market days and locations.