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A walk to discover the city of Chartres

Chartres is located in the middle of the wheat fields of the Beauce region, 1h15 from Paris. It is famous for its cathedral.

Chartres is mostly known for its cathedral which dominates the cereal plains of central France. Of course its visit is a must but you should not neglect the visit of the rest of the city you would miss something. The historical center is very well preserved in the middle of pleasant pedestrian streets. The waterways that run through the lower town are very charming. If you are in the area you can make a detour to visit the city of Chartres you will not be disappointed.

Interest: very good (2 users)
Difficulty:
Duration: 3 h.
Practical information

The cathedral of Chartres

The must-see monument in Chartres. The cathedral is Gothic but also blends elements of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral dates from the 12th and 13th centuries.
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The stained glass windows

The cathedral is famous for its stained glass windows (176). The majority date from the 13th century. You have to get used to the half-light before you can admire the beauty of its stained glass windows.
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Rue des Changes

The streets have kept their medieval names.
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The Salmon House

The house now houses the tourist office. It owes its name to the sculptures on the walls (see photo): a salmon, a virgin, Saint-Michel... It is located in what used to be the fishmongers' quarter. Magnificent 16th century architecture.
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Staircase of Queen Berthe

Splendid half-timbered stair turret dating from the 16th century.
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Excavations of the Guillaume gate

Remnant of the town's fortified gates built in the 14th century. The gate was destroyed by the German army during its retreat on the night of 15 to 16 August 1944.
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The Eure

The abundance of water in the lower town, thanks to the presence of the Eure, encouraged the growth of the textile industry. Street names still bear the memory of these flourishing activities in the Middle Ages.
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The Minimes Bridge

As water was available in abundance the district became that of the tanners in the Middle Ages. Chartres' canals add a picturesque touch to this charming French town. They wind through the historic centre, reflecting the colourful facades of the houses lining their banks.
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The stairs

To go back up to the cathedral and the bishop's gardens you need to take a fairly long staircase.
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The gardens of the bishopric

Magnificent views of the cathedral and the surrounding countryside. Not to be missed. Ideal place to take a break.
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The labyrinth in the bishop's palace gardens.

You can also find the Musée des Beaux-Arts in the bishop's palace gardens. Since 2021 the site has been closed due to water ingress.
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The Chartres cathedral labyrinth

The Chartres Cathedral labyrinth is a fascinating work of art that dates back to the early 13th century. Carved into the floor of the nave, this intricate geometric pattern has intrigued and captivated visitors for centuries. Measuring around 12 metres in diameter, it offers a unique experience of meditation and contemplation. Pilgrims once followed this winding path as a sign of devotion, symbolising their spiritual journey to Jerusalem.
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