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What to do in Chartres?

Ideally located between Paris and the Loire Valley castles, Chartres enjoys international renown thanks to its Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

The city of Chartres was divided into two parts in medieval time. From the Roman period onwards, Autricum (the Romanized name for Chartres, which comes from the Gallic tribe of the Carnutes) was an important place, but it was especially in the Middle Ages that the city became a leading political, religious and military center.

 

The city of Chartres was divided into two parts in medieval times, the upper town with the castle, the cathedral and the Lower Town, where economic activity flourished along the River Eure with tanneries, mills and merchants.

 

The cathedral withstood the revolution, and despite the damage of the first and second world wars, the city has managed to preserve a very beautiful historical heritage.

Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the city's most iconic landmark and one of the finest masterpieces of French Gothic architecture.

A delightful way to begin your visit is aboard the Char'trains tourist train that will take you to the old town.

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From April to October, every evening, from nightfall until 1 a.m., discover the city's major event, "Chartres en Lumières".


Through its spectacular nighttime journey, the city reveals its must-see monuments and sites, illuminated and set to music.

 

For a tourist stay, there's no shortage of things to see in Chartres; take advantage of your stay at the Hôtel Jehan de Beauce to discover the city:

 

  • The cathedral is an unmissable stop.

  • The Romanesque crypt of Chartres Cathedral is a marvel.

  • The north tower of the cathedral offers an exceptional viewpoint from a height of over 60 meters.

  • St Aignan Church (Place St Aignan) is worth seeing for its 16th and 17th century stained glass windows.

  • St. Peter Church (Place St. Peter), formerly an abbey church, is a masterpiece of Gothic art.

  • International Stained Glass Centre (Cardinal Pie Street),

  • Museum of Fine Arts located in the former episcopal palace and rich in diverse works (Cloister of Notre Dame)

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If you enjoy nature, the choice is vast:

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  • A moment of relaxation, the Parc des bords de l'Eure is an island of greenery where you can stroll for 3km or discover the joys of canoeing, pedal boating or rowing.

  • Little Venice, near the cathedral on the waterfront,

  • The Bishop's Gardens

  • The Medieval Garden of the Collegiate Church of St. Andrew,

  • André Gagnon Park and its magnificent Rose Garden,

  • Sakurai Garden,

  • The horticultural garden and its ornamental ducks,

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The city of Chartres also has a strong reputation for its craftsmen, glassmakers, antique dealers, second-hand dealers, gastronomy and it is at the heart of the Cosmetic Valley which explains its love of perfume.

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The Stained Glass Gallery (Notre Dame Cloister) offers for sale numerous books and original stained glass creations from the Loire workshops.

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For lovers of contemporary art, the "Chemin des arts" (Path of the Arts) brings together three galleries and a workshop:

  • The gallery of contemporary mosaics (St. Eman Chapel),

  • The Collegiate Church of St. Andrew,

  • The contemporary art gallery (Priory St Vincent),

  • Contemporary art workshop (Massacre Street).

 

For gastronomy you will not be disappointed, be sure to try the famous Mentchikoff from Russia (a combination of meringue and chocolate in a candy).

Chartres pâté (made with game), Eurélienne beer brewed locally, chicken in a pot and Beauce shortbread…

 

Our team will be happy to recommend our best addresses near the Jehan de Beauce hotel.

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And for further discoveries, Eure-et-Loir boasts a rich and varied heritage, such as:

  • The Château de Maintenon,

  • The Abbey of Thiron-Gardais,

  • The Bois-Richeux farm in Pierres,

  • Le Pré Catelan in Illiers-Combray,

  • The Royal Chapel of St. Louis in Dreux,

  • Aunt Léonie's House, Marcelle Proust Museum in Illiers-Combray,

  • Visit St. Orien Church in Meslay le Grenet to see the "Dance of Death," a 15th-century mural painting.

  • The Maintenon aqueduct commissioned by Louis XIV

  • Villebon Castle,

  • The Château d'Anet,

  • The Colosseum, a large performance hall located opposite our establishment

 

And many more to discover throughout your stay.

 

Cinema (“Les Enfants du paradis”, 10-screen multiplex), theatres (Le Off theatre located opposite our hotel, the Chartres theatre, the Doussineau hall) the media library (l'Apostrophe) and the Odyssée aquatic centre are also on the program if you feel like it.

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Chartres and the Véloscénie: an ideal stop on a bike

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Chartres is an essential stop on the Véloscénie, the cycling route linking Paris to Mont-Saint-Michel. This route allows you to discover the city and the landscapes of the Eure valley during a pleasant bike ride.

 

Our establishment is proud to hold the Accueil Vélo label, guaranteeing services tailored to cyclists. In particular, we provide secure bike storage, equipment storage space, and information and advice to help you fully enjoy the region's cycling routes.

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