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.
Tours to Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral reviews
-
The cathédrale was beautiful and very interesting architecturally— the most striking aspect of the outside is the one simple Roman tower on one side and the elaborate gothic tower on the other. On...
The cathédrale was beautiful and very interesting architecturally— the most striking aspect of the outside is the one simple Roman tower on one side and the elaborate gothic tower on the other. On... more »
-
You have a church, an art museum and a class of history in the same time. Really impressive place, I felt overhelmed by the details on the sculptures, as well outside as inside the church. Part of...
You have a church, an art museum and a class of history in the same time. Really impressive place, I felt overhelmed by the details on the sculptures, as well outside as inside the church. Part of... more »
-
What an amazing experience! An amazing cathedral. The love everything was built with on and in this unique monument, is breathtaking! It is really astonishing how people managed to create such wonders centuries ago and with what tools? When visiting France, visiting Chartres just for its cathedral is a must! Unbelievable! ❤️
-
It's differently worth the visit with beautiful stained glass windows that are very hard to photograph. The story of Jesus in 40 Scripture scenes in great detailed the before through after his death on the cross. It was all pretty amazing and how they saved the stained glass windows during WW2 for the Cathedral. Now, you can view them for yourselves. Enjoy the Cathedral while you're in Chartres!
Plan your trip to Chartres
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Book itChoose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Hidden gems in Chartres
Side trips from Chartres
Popular things to do in Chartres
Museums in Chartres
Nearby attractions in Chartres
Trips in Chartres Cathedral by other users
14 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Louvre Museum
Conciergerie
Latin Quarter
30 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Le Marais
Canal Saint-Martin
2nd Arrondissement
35 days in Western Europe
BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND
Marseille
Carcassonne
Bordeaux
15 days in France, Belgium & The Netherlands
BY A USER FROM CANADA
Paris
Brussels
Bruges
20 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM PAKISTAN
Pantheon
Musee De Cluny
Louvre Museum
14 days in Paris
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Louvre Museum
Conciergerie
Latin Quarter