Continuing our tour of things to do outside of Paris out next stop is Chartres. The small city of Chartres, with only about 42,000 residents, provides an interesting contrast to the bustle of modern Paris. Thanks to substantial efforts made by the city, and larger French community, the small Parisian outpost retains an Old World charm that can sometimes be glossed over amongst the modernity of Paris. Much like the Parisian Seine, the Eure River meanders through the heart of Chartres, with ancient bridges providing passage over its slow currents. Despite the countless charms of this small French city, the main tourist attraction is by far the Chartres Cathedral that is as massive as this city is petite.
The Cathedral Notre Dame de Chartres is one of Europe’s most noted pieces of Gothic architecture. Visiting the cathedral is best enjoyed by the most observant as the structure is filled with interesting details and the stories behind them, art enthusiasts could pass a few hours with just the stained glass. The cathedral dates back to at least the 13th century, after much of it was rebuilt following a large fire and was officially named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. As any structure this old and significant, the Chartres Cathedral has a remarkable relationship to the history of France. The cathedral was almost destroyed during the French revolution, used as a social club by Nazi soldiers during the German occupation and has been a popular site for pilgrims for centuries.
As with many trips heading West or South of Paris, a train ride out to Chartres starts in Paris’ Montparnasse train terminal, in the 15th arrondissement. With a round trip of only about 2 hours, Chartres is an trip for guests eager to sleep at their adopted homes.
As mentioned earlier, the beauty of Paris day trips is that visitors can get a taste of France outside of the capital without having to leave the comfort of their New York Habitat Paris accommodation. Dozens of New York Habitat apartments are available year-round, just a short train ride to the city of Chartres. Below are a few to get your search started:
– This studio apartment rental in Marais – Les Halles (PA-3662) is modern, bright and fully renovated. The hardwood floors and courtyard views make this a must-see couples or solo travelers.
– This tastefully artistic 1-bedroom rental accommodation in Marais-Les Halles (PA-421) features exposed wood beams, plenty of direct sunlight and the luxury of a washer-dryer combo machine.
The cathedral in Chartres is absolutely gorgeous. In the town it is in it is giant compared to all of the small homes and stores that surround it.
When I was living in Paris, we would go on many day trips. We had a rental apartment right nest to Gare de Lyon. Sometimes visitors forget that Parisian and French are not the same thing. The amazing train system in France makes it possible to see both.
Oooooh! I’ve been here! its SOOOOO pretty!
Isn’t the Riverside Church in New York modeled after this Cathedral?
You are right, I think that the Chartres Cathedral is amazing. I actually liked it a lot better than Notre Dame de Paris.
Not to mention the town of Chartes is really lovely itself. The people are so friendly. And if you are looking to practice your French it is good because hardly anyone speaks English there.
This is an amazing site. I Love this site.
Boulet is right. Paris and France aren’t the same thing; I found that out during my stay in Nice, France. But that is a beaurtiful portrait of the Nortre Dame. I hope people living near there realize how blessed they are.