Must-sees in Chartres
Chartres isn’t just home to the majestic Cathedral, there are more than a dozen churches in the town and close by dating to between the 11th and 17th centuries (get details from the tourist office).
The International Stained-Glass centre is the only one of its kind in France. Next to the Cathedral, housed in a listed monument is the stained-glass museum, you can get up close to ancient panels of stained glass, join in workshops and discover the history of stained-glass.
Maison Picasiette, a little bit out of the centre, but well worth the detour and fans of Naieve Art will adore it. The house was decorated with pieces of broken china between 1930 and 1962 by Raymond Isidore, an iron foundry worker. His decades of laborious love are astonishingly bright and vibrant, every inch of surface covered and sparkling, like an enormous mosaic jewel box.
Top tip: Pick up Le Pass from the tourist office for 10 euros and get discounts and saving at 50 of their partners including shops, hotels, restaurants cultural and tourist sites and more.
What to see nearby:
800-year-old Chateau de Maintenon, home of Madame de Maintenon, the secret wife of Louis XIV. Open all year with several events, the most fabulous of which is the Christmas event from end November to mid-December with a performance involving 800 volunteers in costume who bring to life the history of the castle and its inhabitants.
You can reach the chateau by train from Chartres