Considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic cathedral architecture, Chartres Cathedral still has the majority of original stained glass windows intact, while the architecture has had only minor changes since the early 13th century. Come to venerate its most famous relic, the "Sancta Camisa," alleged to be the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary during Christ's birth.
The building's exterior is dominated by heavy flying buttresses with large the windows, while the west end is dominated by two contrasting spires: a 105 m (349 ft) plain pyramid completed in 1160 CE and a 113 m (377 ft) early 16th-century flamboyant spire on top of an older tower. Equally notable are the three façades, each adorned with hundreds of sculpted figures illustrating key theological themes. To visit Chartres Cathedral and get the most from your holiday in Chartres, create itinerary details personal to you using our Chartres online trip planner.
Create an itinerary including Chartres Cathedral
Unable to display map at this time. Please try again later.
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors
Tours to Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral reviews
-
I love this cathedral yet it seems like every time we visit, there is always major work going on. The Labyrinth is only uncovered for people to walk on Fridays - yet every time I've gone out of my... more »
-
Excellent examples of stain glass and possibly the tallest cathedral I have visited The town has a free light show through summer through to September that is unmissable more »
-
Incredible cathedral with great original stained glass and stone work. Stunning first century relic "Veil of the Virgin", we had no idea was there. Stop and visit ASAP!
-
Oh my! Where to start. This town is just so pretty, whatever time of year you visit....but in the summer is the added bonus of the wonderful light show at the Cathedral. If you are travelliing through, this is a very enjoyable stop.
Plan your trip to Chartres
Get a personalized plan
A complete day by day itinerary
based on your preferencesCustomize it
Refine your plan. We'll find the
best routes and schedulesBook it
Choose from the best hotels
and activities. Up to 50% offManage it
Everything in one place.
Everyone on the same page.
Hidden gems in Chartres
Side trips from Chartres
Nearby attractions in Chartres
Museums in Chartres
Shopping in Chartres
Plans to Chartres Cathedral by other users
32 days in Europe
BY A USER FROM ARGENTINA
October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife, slow & easy, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: October, culture, outdoors, beaches, historic sites, wildlife
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Slow & easy
15 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM INDIA
September, teens, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: September, teens, culture, outdoors, historic sites, museums, shopping
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Medium
15 days in France, Spain & Portugal
BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE
October, popular sights
Preferences: October
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Medium
6 days in Eure-et-Loir
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
May, fast-paced, popular sights
Preferences: May
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Fast-paced
57 days in Centre-Val de Loire
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
May, fast-paced, popular sights
Preferences: May
Attraction style: Popular sights
Pace: Fast-paced
36 days in France
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, wildlife, popular & hidden gems
Preferences: April, culture, outdoors, relaxing, romantic, historic sites, museums, wildlife
Attraction style: Popular & hidden gems
Pace: Medium
See more plans
