About Chartres Cathedral

The “Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres” and “Notre-Dame d’Chartres”, more commonly known as Chartres Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church southwest of Paris. It is one of the best preserved Gothic cathedrals in France and Europe. Visitors go on pilgrimage to the cathedral for a sight of the tunic of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sancta Camisia. It is said that it was gifted to Charlemagne in Israel, who in turn gave it to the church. There is an immense amount of sculpture in the church, which depicts religious figures and scenes. The cathedral was built in 1260 on the foundation of the original which was destroyed by fire. If the original was beautiful, the “new” version is spectacular. 

Chartres Cathedral is best known for its stained glass windows, all 176 of them. Two rose windows in the north and south transepts portray the Old and New Testaments.

How the cathedral has withstood the test of time is nothing short of a miracle.

Must See

  • Gothic style of architecture
  • Exquisite building
  • Beautiful interiors
  • Museum

How to reach

By train: 

110 Euros and it is 5 hours 26 minutes, 92.8 km via A11

By Drive: 

1 hour 17 minutes by A11

Tips

  • Read about the history of the place before your visit
  • Pets are not allowed
  • It is a nice place to take a stroll
  • Food and drinks are not permitted inside
  • Photography may be restricted
  • An audio-guided tour is available inside the church
  • Wear comfortable clothes and dress conservatively
  • Maintain silence and discipline inside the premises
  • There are many store and restaurants in the area

Visit Time

Sunday:          8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Monday:         8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday:        8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday:   8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday:       8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday:            8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday:       8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

 

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Waiting Time

You may have to wait in the queue for entry

 

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Entrance Fee

Yes

Adults:                                 7.50 Euros

With concessions:               4.50 Euros

Children(below 18 years):    Free 

Read more

 

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Time you can spend

1 to 2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 12.21°C

 

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