November 15 – Magical Autumn Escape to Chartres

• Child price (under 13): 25€
• Adult price: 35€

With guide:

• Child price (under 13): 30€
• Adult price: 40€

🍂 Let’s discover the charm of autumn in Chartres! 🍁

We invite you to enjoy a beautiful autumn getaway, just one hour from Paris by coach, in a city where history, light and heritage blend harmoniously in the heart of the Eure Valley.

The day will begin with a walk through the historic center of Chartres, known for its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and peaceful atmosphere. We will visit the majestic Chartres Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its exceptionally beautiful stained glass windows, even more striking under the golden autumn light.

We will then continue our discovery along the banks of the Eure River, where reflections of trees and old facades blend with the calm water. A stop in the Bishop’s Gardens will allow you to enjoy a colorful and relaxing panorama, typical of the season.

After a free lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the International Stained Glass Centre before enjoying some free time to stroll through the artisan shops and cafés of the city center.

👉 This excursion can be done at your own pace, freely, or accompanied by our photographer-guide, who will show you Chartres’ most hidden corners and help you capture the best autumn colors.

At the end of the day, enjoy the magic of *Chartres en Lumières*: the Cathedral, the Theatre, the City Hall and Saint-Aignan Church light up with artistic and musical projections, turning the city into a poetic and enchanting open-air experience.

🍂 Let yourself be charmed by the autumn spirit of Chartres — between art, light and gentle living.

PROGRAM

• 08:40 — Meeting point at 26–28 bis Place de la Nation, 75012 Paris
• 09:00 — Departure from Paris to our destination 🚍
• 10:00 — Arrival

We arrive at the visit location and begin exploring the city. You can choose to:

• explore at your own pace, enjoying the local atmosphere, small streets, buildings and traditional shops, or
• join the guided / photo tour, a circuit of around 12 km during which the guide will show you the highlights of the destination, with explanations, interesting anecdotes and photo stops 📸.

• 18:00 – 19:20 — Admire the city lights ✨
• At dusk, the city transforms into a true light show 💡. Historical buildings, bridges and main streets gradually light up, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere. It is the ideal moment for an evening walk to admire this concert of lights. Perfect for the last photos and to enjoy the peaceful mood of the city at night 🌙.
• 19:30 — Return to Paris 🚌
• Meeting again at the meeting point to return to Paris, with beautiful memories and smiles 😊.
• 20:30 – 21:00 — Arrival in Paris
• Estimated arrival at the same departure point, after a day full of discoveries, emotions and good vibes 💫.

*The guided 12 km circuit includes the following stops: Place des Épars and #Chartres sign ➜ Chartres Cathedral ➜ Rue des Écuyers – Half-timbered house ➜ Old Town – medieval streets and half-timbered houses ➜ Pont Saint-Hilaire ➜ Moulin de Ponceau ➜ Chartres Washhouses ➜ Banks of the Eure ➜ Pont des Minimes ➜ Saint-André Collegiate Church ➜ Quai de la Tannerie ➜ Bishop’s Garden

PRICES & BOOKING

✅ Included:

• 🚌 Transport — Departure from Paris aboard our coach.
• 💕 Tour leader — A tour leader will be present to answer your questions and share good vibes.
• 👤 WITHOUT guide — Includes round-trip transport.
• 👥 WITH guide — Includes round-trip transport and photographer-guide.

❌ Not included:

• Meals
• Museum entrances
• Leisure activities
• Local public transport

Required qualities and skills for the guided circuit

• Good physical stamina – ability to walk 4 to 5 hours at a steady pace (1.5–2 km/h).
• Ability to handle moderate to sustained effort, including slopes and climbs.
• Team spirit – willingness to maintain the group’s pace and follow the guide’s instructions.
• Punctuality and discipline – respect for departure times, breaks and visit duration.
• Positive and calm attitude – tolerance for weather conditions, potential delays or small difficulties.
• Proper and comfortable clothing and footwear.

What to do in Chartres:

Chartres Cathedral

A superb Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spiritual symbol of the city and one of the most visited monuments in France.

• Address: 16 Cloître Notre-Dame, 28000 Chartres
• Price: Free entry for individual visits; guided tour – 7€ adult / 5.50€ reduced

Maison Picassiette

A unique house entirely decorated with mosaics made from crockery, glass and earthenware by Raymond Isidore, a self-taught artist. A jewel of French naïve art.

• Address: 22 Rue du Repos, 28000 Chartres
• Price: 9€ adult / 5€ reduced

International Stained Glass Centre

A museum and interpretation center dedicated to the art of stained glass, located near the cathedral in a former episcopal granary. Features medieval and contemporary stained glass.

• Address: 5 Rue du Cardinal Pie, 28000 Chartres
• Price: 7€ adult / 5.50€ reduced

Chartres Fine Arts Museum

Located in the former episcopal palace, the museum exhibits paintings, sculptures and art objects from the 15th to the 20th century.

• Address: Cloître Notre-Dame, 28000 Chartres
• Price: Permanent collections – free entry; temporary exhibitions – 7€ adult / 3.50€ reduced

Bishop’s Gardens

Elegant gardens located behind the cathedral, offering an exceptional panoramic view over the Eure Valley and the Old Town.

• Address: Cloître Notre-Dame, 28000 Chartres
• Price: Free access

Banks of the Eure

A large green area ideal for walking, picnicking and relaxing, with bridges, mills and picturesque paths along the river.

• Address: Pont de la Courtille, 28000 Chartres
• Price: Free access

L’Odyssée – Aquatic & Ice Rink Complex

The largest aquatic complex west of Paris: pools, spa, saunas, ice rink and sports activities.

• Address: 1 Avenue Jean Mermoz, 28000 Chartres
• Price: from 6.50€ (pool) up to 21.50€