Located 60 miles southwest of Paris, the charming French city of Chartres is the perfect weekend or daytrip. The medieval gothic city only takes an hour by car or train from Paris, and is well worth the trip with numerous landmarks, world-class museums and unparalleled natural beauty all accessible for less than $100 a day.
Start your day with a sweet or savory treat from Creperie les Trois Lys before moving on to the city’s several renowned sights. Chartres is well known for its Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres, one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in Europe recently included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, a fine arts museum, for only €3, or stroll the city streets and admire the 17th-century houses and the ancient bridges spanning the Eure River. The city also offers several picturesque parks such as La Petite Venise, Parc des Bords de L’eure and Jardin d’Horitculture.
Stop in to Chez GAEL for lunch, a popular spot for delicious quiche, or a gourmet burger at La Roulotte du Terroir. Pose Fraicheur also offers high-quality street food for only a couple euro.
Depending on the time of the year you visit, Chartes features world-renowned events like the Chartres Light Show and the Perfume Festival, offering free live music, entertainment, great shopping and affordable food vendors.
A Chartres Pass through the Chartres Tourism Office, allows you to see the city’s highlights for €20, with access to 13 tourist sites and services, discounted shopping and included refreshments, as well as discounted show prices and more.
Transportation in and out of Chartres is easy and inexpensive through the Gare de Chartres, a railway station that offers frequent service to Paris.
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