Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres)

Overview

Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres) is a renowned medieval cathedral situated in Chartres, France. It is celebrated for its exceptional architecture, stunning stained glass windows, and rich history.

Chartres Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, known for its well-preserved architecture and the labyrinth that has been restored in the nave.

Religious Site Architectural Marvel Historical Site

Location

Address

16 Cloître Notre Dame, Chartres, Centre-Val de Loire

Neighborhood: City Center

Coordinates

48.446100, 1.487600

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

tuesday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

wednesday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

thursday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

friday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

saturday 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM (for religious services, limited access)

Admission

Adults

€12

Children

Free (under 12)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

April-June, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

fewer crowds, better light for photos

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

mild to warm

• Easter celebrations
• spring flowers in the cathedral gardens

summer

warm to hot

• Extended visiting hours
• outdoor concerts in the cathedral square

autumn

cool to mild

• Fall foliage around the cathedral
• harvest festivals in the region

winter

cold

• Christmas decorations and Nativity scenes
• holiday concerts

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Respect the religious site
Dress modestly
Check opening times for religious services

What to Bring

essential

Comfortable walking shoes Camera Water bottle

seasonal

Jacket (spring/autumn) Umbrella (spring) Warm clothing (winter)

not allowed

Large bags or backpacks Tripods without permission

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some climbing of steps and uneven surfaces)

• Uneven floors in some areas
• Long walks

Medical facilities: Nearest medical facility is 5 minutes away

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash (EUR), Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Amex)

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Typical Costs

entry €12

guided tour €15

parking €5

food €15-25

souvenirs €10-50

Dress Code

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), Comfortable walking shoes, layers for changing temperatures, Comfortable walking shoes, Shorts, tank tops, revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least a week in advance for guided tours
• Official website or local tour operators
• 48 hours in advance for refund
• Available for guided tours and online tickets

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Chartres Cathedral Official App

Size: 30 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafeteria

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafeteria

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Paris Orly Airport

Distance: 80 km

Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

taxi

€120-150 1 hour 15 min

public_transport

€15-20 1 hour 30 min

From City Center

Distance: 500m

walking

10 min

bus

€1.70 5 min

taxi

€10 3 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Chartres Cathedral is a symbol of the city’s rich history and religious heritage, offering a sense of peace and spirituality.

Historical Significance: The cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, especially due to the relic of the Virgin’s veil.

Insider Tips

Free entry is available early in the morning before official opening hours
The best local food is found at the cafes near the cathedral
Guided tours offer deeper insights into the cathedral’s history and architecture

Local Recommendations

• Try local Chartres cuisine at the nearby cafes
• Visit the Chartres Museum nearby for historical context
• Ask for guided tours in English or French

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Bonjour

thank_you Merci

where_is Où est

how_much Combien

beautiful Magnifique

ticket Billet

Guide Languages: French, English, Spanish, German

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main entrance (Royal Portal)

Best Time: Golden hour (sunset)

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the intricate details

Result: Stunning architectural shots

#ChartresCathedral #GothicArchitecture #TravelFrance

Interior, stained glass windows

Best Time: Midday (for natural light)

Tips: Use a tripod for long exposures

Result: Vibrant stained glass colors

#StainedGlass #CathedralInterior #HistoricalSite

Labyrinth

Best Time: Early morning (before crowds)

Tips: Low-angle shots for perspective

Result: Unique and peaceful atmosphere

#Labyrinth #MedievalArt #SpiritualJourney

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Main cathedral interior, Labyrinth

prohibited areas During religious services, Restricted areas as signed

flash photography Not allowed inside the cathedral

commercial photography Permit needed for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in designated areas only, not during peak hours

selfie sticks Allowed but use discretion

Nearby Attractions

Chartres Museum of Fine Arts

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Museum

Chartres Historic Center

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Historical Site

Chartres City Gardens