Chartres Day Trip from Paris

Discover the Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres on this half-day trip from Paris in the company of a local medievalist, architect, or art historian. Just over an hour from Paris by train, Chartres Cathedral is an exemplary physical textbook on the Gothic style, known for its exquisite stained glass, labyrinthine floor plan, and extensive exterior carvings. During our exploration of its magnificent interiors and exteriors, we'll use the cathedral as a conduit for exploring not only Gothic architecture, sculpture, and stained glass but also Medieval religious, secular, and intellectual life. 

Our short journey to Chartres starts from the Montparnasse train station in Paris. On the train, your guide will recount the cathedral's riveting history of reincarnation—most notably, the series of fires that led to at least five different versions of the cathedral over the centuries. Indeed, the bulk of the Cathedral we see today was rebuilt after the crippling fire of 1194, taking only 30 years to complete—a dazzling display of architectural unity for the time.

Home to the Sancta Camisa, a tunic believed to have been worn by the Virgin Mary at the birth of Christ (which miraculously survived the 1194 fire), the Cathedral has long been a destination for pilgrims. Arriving at the cathedral as pilgrims ourselves, we will begin by examining the exterior. Each of the three heavily decorated entrances (west, north, and south) is comprised of three doorways, showing the stylistic transition from Early to High Gothic architecture. Once inside the cathedral, we will marvel at the intricate original thirteenth-century stained glass. 

While our half-day Paris to Chartres day trip ends with a guided visit to the cathedral, we encourage you to have lunch or spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the charming town of Chartres and all of its attractions on your own.

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Where do we meet? Where does it end? 
You'll meet in Paris, at the Montparnasse train station. The tour duration includes the train ride to Chartres with your guide. The tour will end in Chartres. You can then get lunch and explore the town on your own, or return to Paris with your guide. 

Tours operate rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather, your expert will modify the tour so more time is spent indoors. It never hurts to be prepared; we encourage keeping an eye on the weather and bringing along an umbrella, sunscreen, water, or a hat as needed. 

Does this excursion include a visit to the town of Chartres? 
No, our half-day tour is a guided visit of the cathedral only; however, we encourage you to have lunch or spend the rest of the afternoon visiting the charming town and all of its attractions on your own. Lunch is not included. 

If I take your Chartres tour in the morning, will I have time for a second tour in Paris that same afternoon? 
We usually take the train back to Paris at 1:34 pm, arriving in Paris at 2:30/3 pm. Depending on the day of your tour, we have some other tours which start later in the afternoon and may be able to fit your schedule.

Can I stay after the tour to see Chartres on my own? 
Absolutely. We buy round-trip train tickets for this tour, but the return time is flexible and therefore allows you to return on a later train than that of your guide. 

Is this suitable for children and/or travelers with mobility challenges?
Yes. We can adapt the route of our private tours based on the ages, needs, and interests of travelers in your party. In this particular tour, the terrain is easy. The walk is slightly uphill from the station to the cathedral, and then totally flat. There are no cobblestones. There are, however, certain parts of the cathedral that can be a bit more challenging. Please contact us to know more.