Situated on the banks of the Eure River in the center of a plain known as La Beauce (renowned as the granary of France, thanks to the many miles of surrounding wheat fields), Chartres has been receiving visitors throughout the centuries. Its ancient granite stones exude a history that begins with the Celts and the Romans. This tour of Chartres evokes not only the history of the cathedral, but also that of the old town.

The cathedral we see today was constructed in less than thirty years during the 13th C., a period of remarkable purity of Gothic style, which it embodies. It stands on a site where records indicate at least three previous cathedrals had stood. A sermon in glass and stone, the building is ornamented with over four thousand sculptures and houses one of the finest collections of 13th C. stained glass in all of Europe. It also is home to a relic said to be the cloak of the Virgin, is therefore a marian church, hence its name, Notre Dame de Chartres.


This escorted tour of Chartres reveals what makes the cathedral unique and initiates the visitor in the fine art of reading the Biblical stories which are depicted in stained glass and stone. It may also include, upon request, a one hour private tour of the cathedral with Malcolm Miller, who is renowned as the world's greatest living authority on the subject.

This day tour of Chartres will also take you on a walk through the old town, draped on the side of a hill leading down to the river, where numerous restored mills evoke professions (millers, dyers, drapers, tanners, curriers, fullers, and tawers, to name a few) of bygone eras that no longer exist. One of them, the Moulin de Ponceau, with its lovely views of the old town, is a charming spot to have a delightful country lunch.

Paris Luxury Tours usually proposes this tour of Chartres in conjunction with either Mont Saint Michel (during summer hours), Bourges, Versailles or Giverny---to make a complete one day excursion from Paris.

Cost for 1-3 persons: 850 € per group
4-6 persons: 950 € per group
100 €/hour surcharge applies beyond 8 hours.
Meals, entry fees, drinks not included.

People Who Liked This Tour Also Liked...

Abbeys in Normandy and the Ile de France Tour Abbeys in Normandy and the Ile de France Tour Visit the eloquent remains of what were some of the most vibrant communities in Europe

Bourges Tour Bourges Tour Medieval Bourges is remarkable for its St. Stephen's Cathedral and Jacques Coeur's 15th C Palace

Mont St Michel tours Mont St Michel tours One of the world's 'must see' sites, explained simply, with the passion it deserves

Please fill out our contact form with your exact requirements.

---

You can also call our US number:
We reply to queries within 24 hours

---