Accueil Discover Strolling around our cities and villages Chartres, the elegant city
Chartres is crowned by the two tall spires of its Notre-Dame cathedral, which is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, and slopes gently down to the banks of the Eure. From its medieval neighbourhoods to the frescoes in its Bel-Air district, from the art of stained-glass windows to that of mosaics, you will quickly be charmed by this bright and elegant city!
Notre-Dame de Chartres, a pearl of Gothic art
B. Moriceau – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Visit Chartres cathedral from its crypt to the top of its North tower, at a height of 60 metres! Inside, admire the sainted-glass windows featuring the famous “Chartres blue” colour. In the nave, look at the floor and you will see an impressive labyrinth composed of 272 white slabs.
In summer, Chartres illuminates around 20 different monuments and locations in the city. Stroll through the streets to admire the architectural details highlighted by the shimmering colours projected onto their surfaces. The walk is simply magical!
D. Darrault – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
Chartres, the capital of stained glass
OT de Chartres Métropole – Mathieu Anglada
Discover all the secrets of stained-glass production during a visit to the International Stained Glass Centre. You can also admire this art in the studios of master stained-glass makers at Atelier Loire and Atelier Picol. You can even bring out your inner artist by taking part in an introductory workshop to create your own stained-glass work!
Walk through Chartres
C. Mouton – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
To discover the city’s charm, stroll through the old district of Chartres and explore the sloping streets and passages between the top and bottom of the city. Look up and admire the half-timber architecture of the Maison du Saumon (16th century) and cross the bridges and walkways over the peaceful waters of the Eure bordered by mills and washing places.
From the gardens of the Bishop’s Palace to the horticultural gardens, the gardens of Sakurai and the medieval garden of the Saint-André collegiate church, soak up the unique atmosphere as you stroll through each of them.
Lezbroz – Teddy Verneuil
The amazing Maison Picassiette
C. Mouton – CRT Centre-Val de Loire
This astonishing house immediately catches the eye, and it is easy to see why! Both inside and outside, from floor to ceiling, everything is covered with faience and porcelain in every colour. Not even the bed or sewing machine escaped the hand of self-taught artist Raymond Isidore!
