Chartres Cathedral is one of the best-preserved Gothic cathedrals in Europe, largely because it was rebuilt quickly after a 1194 fire using a single, coherent design, unlike cathedrals that accumulated styles over centuries. It's known especially for its original medieval stained glass — most of it survived both the French Revolution and both World Wars — and for the labyrinth set into the nave floor. The old town below the cathedral, with its half-timbered houses along the Eure river, is small enough to see on foot in an afternoon.
Chartres is 90 km southwest of Paris in Eure-et-Loir, reached in about an hour by SNCF train from Paris Montparnasse, with the UNESCO-listed cathedral a 10-minute walk from the station. Chartres Cathedral is renowned for its nearly complete set of medieval stained-glass windows, including the deep cobalt Chartres blue, and for its twin asymmetrical spires and labyrinth set into the nave floor. A one-day itinerary works well by visiting the cathedral in mid-morning, when sunlight through the south and west windows is strongest, followed by an afternoon spent in the old town's medieval streets around Rue des Écuyers and the Eure riverside district, known for half-timbered houses and small artisan shops. April through October is the most comfortable season for walking the old town, though the cathedral's interior can be visited year-round. Cafés and bistros line the streets near the cathedral square and along the river, offering a convenient lunch stop between the cathedral visit and the afternoon walk. A car via the A10 motorway takes about an hour, similar to the train, but the train remains simpler given parking is limited near the old town.
| Distance | 90 km from Paris |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1h by SNCF from Montparnasse |
| Getting there | SNCF from Paris Montparnasse to Chartres: 1h, €15.20 (~$16.57) each way; cathedral is 10-min walk from station. |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Place de la Cathédrale, 28000 Chartres, France |
How to get there
- SNCF from Montparnasse (recommended)
- Car A10 motorway (1h)
Location
Place de la Cathédrale, 28000 Chartres, France
48.4473, 1.4877 View on map
Highlights
- Chartres Cathedral's medieval stained-glass windows and Chartres blue
- Cathedral labyrinth and twin spires
- Old town streets around Rue des Écuyers
- Eure riverside district with half-timbered houses
Tips for visiting
- Take the SNCF train from Montparnasse; the cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the station
- Visit mid-morning for the best light through the stained-glass windows
- Climb the north tower for panoramic views over the old town, if open
- Combine the cathedral with a walk through the riverside old town in the afternoon
- Check ahead for illumination evenings, when the cathedral facade is lit with projections in summer
When to visit
Visit mid-morning for the best light through the stained-glass windows; April to October is most comfortable for walking the old town.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chartres Cathedral known for?
It is known for its near-complete set of medieval stained-glass windows and its distinctive cobalt Chartres blue glass.
How far is the cathedral from the train station?
It is about a 10-minute walk from Chartres train station to the cathedral.
Is a full day needed for Chartres?
A half-day covers the cathedral, but a full day allows time to explore the old town and riverside district as well.