Paris isn’t short on things to see and do, but getting out of the city offers so much more than staying firmly planted in the hustle and bustle. Popular day trips from Paris include the uber famous Versailles, which is not exactly the picture of getting away from it all (and actually the crowds and lines there can be worse than in many parts of Paris). So while many travelers jaunt off to Versailles for the day, it pays to jaunt in another direction–namely Chartres, a quiet little town to the southwest of Paris. Chartres is famous for its cathedral, but don’t just come to see the cathedral and then leave. Explore the town and enjoy a peep at French life outside the big city.
Driving from Paris to Chartres
Getting to Chartres is pretty simple. It’s about 60 miles away and a fairly easy drive, if you’ve got a rental car. Take the A10 to the A11 and you’ll be there in no time. This route is the quickest, but does have tolls. There are alternate routes if you’re toll adverse. You can also take the train to Chartres. Trains leave throughout the day from Montparnasse station in Paris. Either way, it takes about an hour to get there.
Word to the wise, if you’re driving–avoid leaving Paris during rush hour or on a Friday afternoon, unless you enjoy making traffic a part of your vacation.
Chartres Cathedral
Chartres is famous for its cathedral for good reason. It’s a pretty nifty cathedral. Chartres and Notre Dame are the best examples of French Gothic architecture, which in plain speak means they’re imposing, towering and staggeringly massive inside. Chartres Cathedral is also one of the more quirky cathedrals out there due to the two spires at its front. Where most cathedrals have either a single spire or two matching spires, Chartres has two completely different ones. Because why not!
Since its construction in the 12th century and even now, the cathedral is a popular destination for pilgrims seeking to walk the labyrinth or see the relics at the church. For non-pilgrims, the cathedral is still a sight to see. Don’t miss the stained glass windows or climbing to the top of the north tower. From the top, you can sometimes even see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Oolala!
Chartres Labyrinth
By far the most famous feature of the cathedral is its labyrinth–a circular maze on the floor of the cathedral that measures 42.3 feet across. It’s said that medieval believers who could not make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem walked this labyrinth, often on their knees. Today, people still walk the labyrinth, sometimes out of devout belief, sometimes in observance of the tradition and sometimes just because they want to. However, don’t be surprised if the labyrinth is covered with chairs. It usually is, but there are scheduled times when the chairs are cleared away. Check ahead if you want to see the labyrinth in its full glory.
La Maison Picassiette
La Maison Picassiette is a charming little home that’s a short drive or a longer walk from the Cathedral. The entire home has been turned into a giant mosaic, covered in pottery, glass pieces and more–Pinterest-worthy before its time. The house is the work of its original resident, Raymond Isidore, who built the home in 1930 and started decorating it in 1938. There’s a small entry fee and the sight isn’t open all the time so check before you go.
Old Houses
Wandering the streets of Chartres is one of the most charming experiences you’ll have anywhere near Paris. Quaint old houses still stand throughout town, including medieval half-timbered houses. One of the most famous is the Maison de la Truie qui File, or the Salmon House, known for carvings of salmon on its exterior (it’s also the tourism office)
Monument to Jean Moulin
For a little bit of local history, visit the Monument to Jean Moulin, one of the most visible members of the French resistance during World War II. Moulin helped unite French resistance fighters under Charles de Gaulle. Vive la France!
Promenade des Bords de L’Eure
Chartres is situated beside the Eure River. Along the river bank is a pathway called the Promenade des Bords de L’Eure, which is an absolutely lovely place for a walk (or a run!). The path runs from Le Trois-Ponts to Boulevard de La Courtille and you can start from either side. Along the way, you’ll find mostly nature and fellow walkers, runners and cyclists. You’ll come to bridges that arch over the river and places to rent pedal boats, kayaks and canoes in warmer months.
Dining and Special Happenings
If you’ve got your hopes set on dining upon some French food while you’re in France (as you should), you’ll find much cheaper prices at the restaurants in Chartres versus Paris. There are plenty of sit-down restaurants (just get a little farther afoot than the train station for the best prices), but Chartres also shines in terms of bakeries, cafes and creperies.
There are also plenty of special events in town, too. One of the best is a light show held in front of the Cathedral!
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Photo credits:
Chartres: Allie_Caulfield via Flickr
Chartres Cathedral: Daniel Stockman via Flickr
Chartres Labyrinth: ~Ealasaid~ via Flickr
Maison Picassiette: Julia Maudlin via Flickr
Salmon House: Groume via Flickr
Monument to Jean Moulin: Clicgauche via Wikimedia Commons
L’Eure Chartres: Clicgauche via Wikimedia Commons
Chartres Bar: Fredrik Rubensson via Flickr