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Chartres, in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, is a compact city of about 38,000 people whose UNESCO-listed cathedral draws visitors from across the world. Built mostly between 1194 and 1220, the cathedral holds 176 stained-glass windows covering about 2,600 square metres, one of the best preserved medieval ensembles in Europe. The city sits 90 km southwest of Paris with a temperate oceanic climate, cool winters and mild summers, and it works equally well as a day trip or a two-night base for exploring the Beauce plain.
Welcome to Chartres: What to Know First
Start at the cathedral, which opens at 8:30 daily and is free to enter, then climb the north tower for about 8 euros and take the crypt tour for about 4 euros. From the west portals, walk down the Tertres de la Poissonnerie into the lower town along the Eure, where the half-timbered houses and wash houses sit, before returning for the free Chartres en Lumières light show after dark. The city centre is flat enough to walk end to end in 15 minutes.
Chartres Weather at a Glance
Chartres has a temperate oceanic climate. July and August are the warmest months, both averaging a high of 24.9C (77F) and a low of about 13C (55F), with 44 to 54 mm of rain. January is the coldest at 3.9C (39F) average with a high of 6.6C (44F). Annual rainfall is 608 mm with no dry season, and sunshine runs from 54 hours in December to 216 in July. The full month-by-month data is in our Chartres weather by month article.
Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring (March to May): highs climb from 12.0C to 18.9C (54F to 66F); the labyrinth opens for Friday walks from April.
- Summer (June to August): highs of 22.2C to 24.9C (72F to 77F), the light show runs nightly and the organ festival fills July.
- Autumn (September to November): mild and quieter, 15.9C down to 10.2C (61F to 50F) highs, with October the wettest month at 60 mm.
- Winter (December to February): highs of 6.6C to 8.0C (44F to 46F), low hotel prices and the Christmas market on Place des Épars.
Chartres Guide Index
- Chartres Weather by Month: monthly temperatures, rainfall and sunshine figures.
- Best Time to Visit Chartres: when to go for weather, crowds and prices.
- Things to Do in Chartres: the cathedral, tower, crypt and old town with hours and prices.
- Chartres Events and Festivals: the light show, organ festival and pilgrimage calendar.
- Chartres Neighborhoods: the cathedral quarter, lower town and station district.
- Where to Stay in Chartres: the best hotels in each district.
- Chartres Travel Tips and FAQ: trains, costs, tipping and safety.
Where to Stay in Chartres
The cathedral quarter suits atmosphere, while the station district suits convenience and value. Hotel prices run about 70 to 120 euros a night near the station and 100 to 180 euros in the upper town. The dedicated where to stay in Chartres article breaks down three hotels per area.
Suggested Hotels in Chartres
Hotel and Spa Le Grand Monarque
A 4-star Best Western Premier with an 800-square-metre spa on Place des Épars, 550 metres from the cathedral. Best for couples wanting a spa and a central upper-town address. Check rates and availability
Mercure Chartres Cathédrale
A 4-star Accor hotel overlooking the cathedral and market, with a terrace and quiet rooms. Best for travellers wanting a reliable chain stay near the portals. Check rates and availability
B&B Hotel Chartres Centre Cathédrale
A 3-star budget hotel a 10-minute walk from the cathedral, with air-conditioned rooms and buffet breakfast. Best for families and solo travellers on a budget. Check rates and availability
