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Categories: Day-Trips from Paris, Loire Valley
Thinking of Visiting Chartres from Paris? Here’s How It Went for Us
Chartres makes for a perfect day trip from Paris. Just one hour away by train, it offers stunning history, beautiful architecture, and a much calmer vibe than the French capital. In episode 555 of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, Annie Sargent, Patricia Perry and Jennifer Gruenke took a winter visit to this lovely city and we recorded our impressions right after our visit, while it was still fresh. If you’re thinking about visiting Chartres from Paris, you’ll find this episode super helpful.
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Getting to Chartres from Paris
Visiting Chartres from Paris starts with an easy train ride. We caught the SNCF train from Gare Montparnasse, one of the main train stations in Paris. It took about an hour. No car needed, and it’s all very smooth. The train arrives just a short walk from the Chartres Cathedral, our main destination.
If you're wondering, "Can I do Chartres in one day?" the answer is yes — and it’s worth it.
Exploring Chartres Cathedral
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is the crown jewel of this charming town. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in France. Inside, we admired the stained glass windows, including the famous Blue Virgin, and marveled at the labyrinth in the floor. Please note that you can only walk the labyrinth on Friday mornings.
In this episode, Patricia shares how the cathedral made her feel, while Jennifer notes the difference in atmosphere from Paris. We talk about what stood out to each of us, from the grandeur of the structure to the spiritual vibe inside.
If you're visiting Chartres from Paris, this cathedral is a must. Plan to spend 1-2 hours there. For visitors who wish to explore more, consider booking a visit in advance, especially in high season.
Pro Tip: Visits organized by the National Monuments are fantastic. You can book a general visit of the cathedral (French only), another of the treasure (French), and let you go on climb of the tower and roof (visits in English at 2:30 PM on Tue, Thu and Sat). Volunteers at the cathedral and private tour guides may also offer other visits.
Staying in Chartres Overnight?
Jennifer recommends you stay in Chartres for one night. Here are the hotels you should consider in the city center: Mercure Cathedrale, Le Grand Monaque, an Aparthotel if you need a kitchen, and Maleyssie if you're looking for something plush and beautiful. For no-frills but clean and safe B&B Hotels are always a good bet and this one is very close to the city center (most of them are not).
What Else Is There to See in Chartres?
Chartres is more than its cathedral. We wandered the medieval streets, explored the old town, and enjoyed a lovely lunch in a local restaurant. We discuss where we ate, what the food was like, and how the pace of the day gave us room to breathe.
One highlight was the Maison Picassiette, a quirky and colorful home decorated entirely with mosaics. It’s a bit outside the center, so if you’re on foot, consider a taxi. It is NOT open year-round. We also mention the Centre International du Vitrail (Stained Glass Centre), which is perfect for anyone who wants to learn more about this iconic art form.
How to Plan Your Own Day Trip
If you're planning on visiting Chartres from Paris, keep these tips in mind:
- Take an early train so you have plenty of time.
- Wear good walking shoes — cobblestone streets and hills are part of the charm.
- The Cathedral opens at 8:30 AM — look for opening hours especially if you want to see the crypt or climb the tower. You should probably start your day there if you take an early train.
- Make a lunch reservation if you're going during the busy season. We had lunch at Le Café Serpente and enjoyed it.
We also talk about how long to stay, what we would do differently next time, and whether we’d go back.
A Relaxed Escape from the Paris Buzz
One of the best parts of visiting Chartres from Paris is how peaceful it feels. After the rush of Paris, Chartres is quieter, cleaner, and easy to navigate. It’s perfect for travelers who want a break from the crowds but still want culture, beauty, and French charm.
In the episode, we also reflect on the train experience, what surprised us, and what we loved about doing this trip together. It was one of those easy, memorable days that reminded us why we love traveling in France.
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TranscriptCategories: Day-Trips from Paris, Loire Valley