Chartres, Centre, France

Chartres, France
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chartres_Basse_ville.JPG
Author: Ireneed


Chartres is the capital of the Eure-et-Loir district in the Centre region of northern France. It covers 16.85 sq km (6.51 sq mi) and has a population of 40,000 people (2012 estimate). It lies on the left bank of the Eure River with its cathedral on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.

The history of Chartres goes back to the Celtic period, when it was inhabited by a Celtic tribe known as the Carnutes. When it came under Roman rule, it was given the name Autricum, after the River Eure, which was known as Autura to the Romans. The name Chartres is a derivation of Carnutes.

Chartres came under English rule from 1417 until 1432. The French king Henry IV was crowned here in 1594. The city fell to the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. It was devastated during the Second World War. Its famous cathedral was however spared when the American army officer refused to destroy it.

Today Chartres is a beautiful, well-preserved city with many historic sights. Chief among them is Chartres Cathedral, today a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO. The city is also a popular Catholic pilgrimage site with pilgrims following the revival of the pilgrimage route from Paris to Chartres since the First World War.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chartres,_Cath%C3%A9drale_Notre-Dame-F_149.jpg
Author: PMRMaeyaert

How to go to Chartres

There are regular train services from the Paris Montparnasse train station to Chartres. If going there by road, take the A10 (E5) expressway heading southwest out of Paris, and continue at Ponthévrard on the A11 (E50) to reach Chartres.

World Heritage Sites in Chartres

Places of Interest in Chartres

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