Chartres, France

Chartres is a town and commune and capital of the Eure-et-Loir department in north-central France. It is located 96 km (60 mi) southwest of Paris. Chartres is built on the left bank of the Eure River. To the south-east stretches the fruitful plain of Beauce, the "granary of France", of which the town is the commercial centre.

The town is best known for the Cathedral of Chartres widely considered to be the finest Gothic cathedral in France. Its historical and cultural importance is recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Its construction started in 1205, following the destruction of the old cathedral of Chartres. Construction took 66 years.

On a walk around the city visitors will view 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. Visitors should also walk down to the river, descending down through the streets to the remains of the old gate to the city.

Things to see and do

* Cathedral of Notre Dame
* Hotel de ville
* La Maison Picassiette – house decorated with mosaics
* Old Town
* Musée des Beaux-Arts, fine arts museum

General Information

Cruise Season – March - Dec
Currency – Euro (EUR)
Language – French
Land Area – 16.85 km²
Population – 40,000 approx
Electricity – 2 round pins European style.
Time – UTC plus five hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 44

Travel Links – The Gare de Chartres railway station offers frequent services to Paris, and a few daily connections to Le Mans, Nogent-le-Rotrou and Courtalain.

There are many daily direct trains from and to Paris Montparnasse