Chartres

Get around

Free maps and information can be obtained from the great tourist information centre. They are very helpful and friendly, and the centre is on the road between the train station and cathedral. It is near the cathedral, on the north side of the gravel square in front of the cathedral.

See

thumb|Statuary on the south portal of Notre Dame de Chartres

Walk around the city - there are fine half timbered houses including possibly the best, the Maison de la Truie qui File or du Saumon (Spinning Sow House or Salmon House) named after the carvings on the wooden uprights. Also try to walk down to the river- descend down through the streets to the remains of the old gate to the city. Then walk north about 0.5 km and turn left, taking the steps up which lead to the back of the cathedral. The Monument to Jean Moulin, one of the major leaders of the French Resistance during WWII. He was the regional mayor before the occupation of France.

Do

Take one of Malcolm Miller's English language tours of the cathedral, especially to learn more about the amazing stained glass windows in the cathedral. Find out when the choir and/or organist will be playing that day in the cathedral. The sound is ethereal in nature. Climb to the top of the north tower in the cathedral to see an incredible view of the town and countryside. On a really clear day, you can see the Eiffel Tower. Walk the Labyrinth on the floor of Chartres Cathedral, an 800-year-old pilgrim path. Guided Tours depart from Paris most Fridays with Michelle Campbell, MFA [email protected] The river Eure passes through the town and there is a hiking path that follows the banks in both directions. Both north and south, there are large parks. Do go to the cathedral square at night (after 22:15) and watch coloured lights play on the front of the cathedral, creating fantastic abstract effects. The whole (free) show lasts about ten minutes, and runs in a loop, so there's no hanging around. Go up to the front of the cathedral, (the gravel square) rather than attempt to view the illuminations from afar. Quite spectacular.

Buy

thumb|One of the beautiful stained glass windows in the Cathedral Chartres has many shops selling religious items. Most are located to the north of the cathedral, or along the streets between the cathedral and the train station.

For basic needs, there is a medium-sized Monoprix store in the pedestrian area at the top of the hill. They sell groceries and other items useful for budget travellers.

There is a food market in the Place Billard every Saturday morning. Some professional traders, but plenty of local producers.

Stray away from the touristy areas for delicious meals. Next to the Hôtel de Ville de Chartres you can find some wonderful brasseries. thumb|The town square in Chartres

Do go to the cathedral square at night (after 22:15) and watch coloured lights play on the front of the cathedral, creating fantastic abstract effects. The whole (free) show lasts about ten minutes, and runs in a loop, so there's no hanging around. Go up to the front of the cathedral, (the gravel square) rather than attempt to view the illuminations from afar. Quite spectacular. Note that this magnificent light show is only on late at night in the more temperate months. There are other historic buildings in the town that are also lighted.

Eat

Saveurs et Plaisirs, Near La Place des Épars one can find a delightful Crêperie run by young local workers. Here they serve excellently priced Crepes, paninis, sandwiches, and "Kebab" sandwiches. Service is always top notch, the place uses fresh ingredients. English is spoken (and very well). Wi-Fi is also available for free here. Le Grand Monarque: Place des Epars. Often said to be the best restaurant in town. L'Estocade Le Café Serpente - caters to tourists and prices can be hiked up there. They do, however, offer delicious desserts and Hot Chocolates. Café Bleu - Brasserie française right at the Cathédrale de Chartres. Good food, reasonable prices, very nice guys - http://www.cafebleu-chartres.com

Chartres has many small, wonderful restaurants at reasonable prices, especially compared to Paris. Of course, the establishments closest to the SNCF station are the more expensive ones.

There is an awesome macaroon store at the south end of the main town square, and the pedestrian-only streets heading to the west from the town square have many excellent patisseries and boulangeries.

017, 17 avenue Jehan de Beauce (leading from railway station up into town). The previous "Escale" was taken over by a young couple and they provide good food at good prices. The transition has been dramatic ! There is a set priced menu with some dishes available "avec supplément" of 1 or €2. Decent, but not exhaustive, selection of wine. Price of a starter, main course, dessert + wine = €30 Brasser…

Drink

thumb|upright 1.3|The memorial to Jean Moulin When in Chartres, you should try some of the local brew, a beer called Eurelienne. There are 4 sorts - white (blanche), blonde, red (rousse) and brown (brune). It is brewed just outside town, in Chandres, by a local farmer and the brewery can be visited during the first weekend of every month. The beer is difficult to find, although some shops do a tourist package. Strangely, enough, it can be bought in a "Gamme Vert" garden centre (behind the theatre). The Madrigal bar of the Grand Monarque hotel sells all four types.

Bahia Café, 2 place de la Porte St Michel. More of a whiskey and vodka bar although it offers several Belgian beers. It's very popular, especially with fans of rugby. The owner is very vocal, very friendly and very generous with the "nibblies" (which is always a good sign). Le P'tit Bar, 18bis, boulevard Chasles. (just opposite the theatre). A wine bar that also offers beer and coffee. Open afternoons and evenings up to about 21:00. For the moment, it is shut on Sunday and Monday, but this may change. It is possible to order a small (or large) plate of cheese to accompany the wine. Welcome Pub, 37 rue des Changes (centre of town, next to Place Billard market). This is supposed to be a pub, but it lacks interesting beer. Decor is OK. Dicken's Blues [sic], 13 place Châtelet (next to Le Boeuf Couronné hotel and restaurant). Very similar in structure/décor to the Welcome, but has a more varied clientele. Often has a ja…

Sleep

Chartres suffers from a lack of hotels so it is definitely worth booking in advance. Below are a few hotels in the centre. There are a few on the ring road to the west and south of town. The good news is that a hotel Mercure has been built in the centre of town, about 50 metres from the Grand Monarque. Jehan de Beauce, 19 avenue Jehan de Beauce. . 2 stars, about 45 m from the railway station. Prices start at around €60. Hôtel Chatelet, 6 avenue Jehan de Beauce. . 3 stars, about 90 m from the railway station. Prices start at around €75. Boeuf Couronné, 15 place Châtelet. . 2 stars, about 180 m from the railway station. Prices start at around €50. Has a good restaurant and it is possible to arrange a room/meal price. Hôtel Ibis, place Drouaise. . About 1 km from the railway station. It is down on the banks of the Eure river so that means a walk uphill for those wanting to visit the centre of town. Part of the Ibis chain of hotels so there are no surprises. Midweek prices are €75, but it is possible to get €50 at the weekend. Hôtel Mercure Chartres Cathédrale, 3 rue du General Koenig. . 3 stars, about 550 m from the railway station. Part of Accor's "Mercure" chain of hotels so there are no surprises. It offers 67 rooms. From €102.

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