Best day trips from Paris: day trip to Chartres

Looking for one of the best day trips from Paris? Just 70mins by the regional TER train, Chartres is an easy day trip from Paris, or an easy stop if you are driving from Paris to the Loire Valley. In addition to its famous Gothic cathedral, it offers a window into small town French life that you don’t have to travel for hours to find. You can read my other recommended Paris day trips here.

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Chartres is deservedly famous for its Gothic Cathedral and is the reason why most people visit Chartres. Because it was built in quick time (between 1194 and 1260 after an earlier older church burned down) it is perhaps the most architecturally cohesive and finest Gothic Cathedral in all of Europe. Most of the stained glass windows and other iconography are original 13th century.

And yes, its name is Notre Dame……

It is also a destination for pilgrims (part of the Way of St James) – when you are inside the Cathedral keep an eye out for the black marble labyrinth which invites pilgrims to take a spiritual journey. Entering from the western rim (often on their knees) they wind around the labyrinth meditating – and hoping to meet God when they reach the middle. When we visited the Cathedral the labyrinth was full with the faithful slowing winding their way around it.

While you are near the labyrinth take care not to stand on it while people are on it, so their prayers or meditations are not impeded or distracted by your presence.

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It is also worth heading down to the crypt where there are plenty of excavations of older churches as well as twelfth and thirteenth century frescos.

While we were visiting the Cathedral there were a number of school groups, but it was still easy to wander around and view the main Cathedral and crypt.

It is possible to go on a tour of the Cathedral – check at the gift shop when you arrive to see if any are scheduled. Otherwise, it is possible to rent audioguides on the right as you enter the Cathedral, and the Rick Steves Paris and France guidebooks have detailed self guided tours of the Cathedral.

If you crave more stained glass, the International Stained Glass Centre (Centre International du Vitrail) is a good way to learn more about this art form.

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Away from the Cathedral square, the old town historic centre of Chartres is well worth a wander. While there are no big ticket sites beyond the Cathedral, the streets of the old town are quiet and pretty. Head down to the river Eure for historic stone bridges, historic public laundry facilities and quiet, tranquil views.

We left the Cathedral square via rue des Changes and then headed down rue des Grenets until we reached the Tertre (terraces) where we turned left and worked our way down to the river Eure. The area around the river was oh so quiet, but also oh so pretty. We saw quaint old bridges, small row boats moored at peoples’ back doors, and even an old public laundry. It was one of those experiences that I love in France – just us, and small town France at its picture-perfect best………

Chartres is an easy 70min TER (sometimes branded as Rémi trains) train ride from Gare Montparnasse. Trains depart regularly at least hourly during weekdays. There is no need to book ahead – just buy your ticket at Montparnasse and jump on the next train. There are also occasional Ouigo TGV trains that stop in Chartres, departing from Gare St Lazare, but like all TGV they require reserved seating and are not really any quicker, so the TER from Montparnasse is probably easier for most visitors to Chartres. Regardless of how you travel to Chartres from Paris it worth snagging a seat on the left hand side of the train as your depart Paris – the views of the Cathedral spires are lovely as you approach the town.

We did not purchase a return journey in Paris because we weren’t sure of when we were going to return to Paris. The ticket machine at Chartres station was prominent and easy to use. We caught the next train back to Paris without any problems.

The Cathedral and old town are an easy ten minute walk (slightly uphill) from the station. It’s easy to find your way – just keep heading towards the spires.

Where to eat in Chartres

Unless you are particularly looking for a special dining experience, the square around the Cathedral is a good spot for lunch. While it was a little breezy on the day we visited, the sunshine was lovely. We enjoyed our salads and the excellent service at Le Café Serpente, but there are a number of other restaurants on the southern side of the Cathedral square.

Plan your trip to Paris and Chartres

Like most French towns, Chartres is very quiet on Sundays and Mondays, when many restaurants and most shops are closed, so when planning your Paris itinerary try to avoid visiting Chartres on those days.

The Rick Steves Paris guidebook covers Chartres, including a detailed section on the Cathedral, and a recommended old town walk.

Looking to stay overnight in Chartres?

Le Parvis is a charming B&B right on the square near the Cathedral with a highly regarded breakfast and family rooms.

The Jehan de Beauce-Territoria is a classic French hotel with modern appointments that is closer to the station.

If you have a car, the Mercure Chartres Est is a good option with its free car parking, although it is a little further out of town.

Tours to Chartres from Paris

It is possible to book guided tours of Chartres from Paris:

Last update on 2026-10-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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