Chartres is a charming town just 90 km southwest of Paris in the Centre-Val de Loire region. The town has many religious buildings, most with stunning stained glass windows and there is a centre you can visit to learn how they are created.
There are interesting museums showcasing art and introducing you to agricultural practices, an important part of local life. Take a stroll by the Eure River or hire a kayak or pedal boat and enjoy the outdoors. The cuisine in the town is exciting with a wide variety of restaurants to suit all palates and there are many festivals throughout the year. We have prepared a one-day itinerary for you which takes in the highlights of the centre of the town.
If you have more time, we have given you ideas of where else to go, both on the outskirts of town or as day trips. However, not much remains of the original building as it was heavily renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries. The collections are diverse, ranging from works created in mediaeval times to contemporary art. Most of the paintings are by French artists such as Soutine, Chardin, and Rigaud. Look out for two harpsichords, one from the 17th century and the other from the 18th century.
There is an interesting section dedicated to the works of Henri Navarre, a sculptor, medal engraver, glassmaker, and goldsmith. A two-minute walk takes you to the stained-glass centre where you will learn how the beautiful stained-glass windows in the cathedral and the churches in Chartres were created.
It also displays a large collection of stained glass dating as far back as the Renaissance. Some follow a religious theme; others are more diverse.
