Chartres Travel Guide: What to Do & Where to Eat in Chartres, France

Explore Chartres, France with our complete travel guide. Top attractions, Chartres Cathedral, food spots, local cuisine & must-see sites all in one place!

Top things to do in Chartres

Visit Chartres Cathedral — Unmissable Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage treasure, famous for its iconic stained glass “bleu de Chartres” and massive medieval labyrinth in the crypt   .

Explore the Centre International du Vitrail — Hands‑on stained‑glass workshops and museum located just steps from the cathedral  .

Discover Maison Picassiette — A dazzling mosaic house created by one man, made entirely from broken china and glass pieces, just outside the historic center  .

Wander the medieval old town — Cobblestone streets, half‑timbered Renaissance houses, historic squares like Place de la Poissonnerie and Escalier de la Reine Berthe stairway  .

Tour archaeological site Saint‑Martin‑au‑Val Sanctuary — A massive Roman Gallo‑Roman temple complex now open for guided visits and 3D presentations  .

Attend Chartres en Lumières (night lights show) — From April to October, enjoy magical illuminated monuments and nightly music shows across the city  .

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🍽️ Where to Eat in Chartres: Best Restaurants & Local Cuisine

Local specialties & must‑try dishes in Chartres

Pâté de Chartres — The famous regional heritage pâté made with game meat in a delicate crust, often enhanced with foie gras and truffles; traditionally recognized by UNESCO  .

Poule au pot (Chicken-in‑a‑pot) — A traditional dish served especially during Henry IV Week in Chartres, commemorating the king’s coronation in Chartres Cathedral  .

Rosé de Chartres wine — Local vineyard near Saint‑Brice produces small‑batch rosé wines and celebrates its harvest annually in September  .

Top restaurants & wine bars in Chartres

Bistrot Racines — A wine bistro at the foot of the cathedral, offering Loire‑region wines and dishes like pâté en croûte; the star wine is Beatus Ille (2022), perfect with autumn meats  .

Le Moulin de Ponceau — Riverside fine‑dining with tasting menus and wine pairings—an unforgettable gourmet experience  .

Café Serpente — Chic brasserie in a 14th‑century building just steps from the cathedral; enjoy salads, tartines, homemade ice creams and profiteroles (~€30 per dish)  .

Le 21 — Cozy, high‑quality intimate bistro with fixed‑menu options at €24–29 near the cathedral  .

Aux Vieux Garçons — Friendly bistro by the market offering fish, burgers, meats and customizable side dishes (~€20 main)  .

Additional favorites mentioned by travelers: Café Bleu, La Picoterie, Le Bœuf Couronné, and La Pasacaillefor crepes and casual meals  .

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🗺️ Chartres Things to Do: Sample Itinerary

Day 1 – Historic Highlights & Foodie Delights

Morning: Start at Chartres Cathedral, explore crypt and stained‑glass galleries.

Mid‑day: Visit Centre International du Vitrail for art and learning.

Lunch: Enjoy local classics at Café Serpente or Le 21.

Afternoon: Stroll the old town, visit Maison Canoniale, explore souvenir shops.

Evening: Dine at Bistrot Racines for local dishes and Loire wines; then join Chartres en Lumières for the illuminated night show.

Day 2 – Architecture & Culinary Exploration

Morning: Head to Maison Picassiette, then on to Saint‑Martin‑au‑Val Sanctuary for ancient Roman insights.

Lunch: Try Aux Vieux Garçons near the market.

Afternoon: Leisure walk along the Eure River and green parks like Parc André‑Gagnon.

Evening: Fine dining at Le Moulin de Ponceau and indulge in a tasting paired with Loire wines.

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Final Thoughts & Reader Engagement

Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments under the relevant headings.

If you’d like to add your own activity suggestions or hidden gems in Chartres, we’d love to hear and include them!