- The city has been a major pilgrimage destination since the 12th century, housing the Sancta Camisia, a relic reputed to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary.
- During the French Revolution, the Cathedral of Chartres was slated for destruction by the Committee of Public Safety, but the local representative in charge refused to carry out the order, saving the structure.
- Chartres maintains an extensive network of underground tunnels dating back to the Middle Ages, which were used for storage and defensive purposes.
- The city's 'Chartres en Lumières' event is the world's largest light show project, illuminating over 20 monuments with artistic light displays for several months each year.
- The cathedral’s floor features a famous 13th-century labyrinth, which is one of the few surviving medieval examples that remains in its original location.
About Chartres
Chartres is globally renowned for its high Gothic architecture and the preservation of its original 12th-century stained glass, primarily showcased within the UNESCO-listed Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral [1253]. Situated on the banks of the Eure River, the city serves as a historic pilgrimage site and regional administrative hub. Visitors can explore the intricate, glass-covered mosaics at Maison Picassiette [36054] or delve into local history at the Museum of Fine Arts in Chartres [281937]. The cityscape is defined by its medieval layout, which anchors the Eure-et-Loir department with its distinctive religious and artistic heritage.
Highlights of Chartres
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the world-renowned blue stained glass panels that have survived since the 12th century.
Museums
Witness a unique feat of folk art where an entire house is covered in broken pottery and glass mosaics.
Museums
Explore the collection of fine arts and tapestries housed within a historic former Episcopal palace.
Temples
Visit this historic church to see its collection of medieval statues and impressive vaulted stone ceiling.
Museums
Learn the specialized techniques of medieval glass manufacturing and preservation.
Museums
Visit this former collegiate church which now serves as a cultural venue for exhibitions.
Temples
Observe the Renaissance architecture and well-preserved carvings of this local parish church.
Museums
Discover the evolution of the French educational system through this curated collection of period artifacts.
Top things to do in Chartres
The 62 highest-rated places in Chartres, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral is a high Gothic masterpiece celebrated for retaining 152 of its original 176 13th-centur...
2
Museums
Maison Picassiette is an extraordinary example of naive art created entirely by Raymond Isidore, a local cemetery worker...
3
Historical places
Château de Maintenon is notable for its proximity to the unfinished Aqueduct of Maintenon, commissioned by Louis XIV to...
4
Parks
Parc André Gagnon is a landscaped public garden located in the heart of Chartres, situated near the Eure River and the h...
5
Temples
6
Historical places
7
Parks
8
Temples
9
Museums
10
Historical places
11
Museums
12
Venues
13
Venues
14
Temples
15
Museums
16
Venues
17
Venues
18
Museums
19
Parks
20
Museums
21
Temples
22
Places of interest
23
Temples
24
Venues
25
Venues
26
Temples
27
Museums
28
Parks
29
Historical places
30
Venues
Explore by category
Jump straight to what you're into.
Chartres on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Chartres
May to September, as this period aligns with the 'Chartres en Lumières' light festival and provides the most favorable weather for walking the old town streets.
1-2 days, sufficient for exploring the cathedral quarter and the primary museums.
The city center is highly walkable, with many sites accessible by foot; a local bus network serves the surrounding areas.
The area surrounding the cathedral and the historical town center offers the most convenient access to major sites and traditional architecture.
Mid-range; while sightseeing is often low-cost, dining and lodging align with standard French regional pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 62 curated attractions in and around Chartres, ranked by traveller ratings.
Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral is the highest-rated place to visit in Chartres right now.
The largest category is venues, with 24 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Paris, Lyon, Lormont.
Explore more of France
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
