Visit the region's treasures
Less than 30 kilometres away
CHARTRES
The old town
The city is entirely pedestrianised: park in one of the car parks and take the time to stroll around the Cathedral in the upper town, then go to the terraces of the Bishop’s Palace to admire the view of the lower town. Continue your visit by walking down to the banks of the Eure river to see the old bridges and wash-houses.
See also our good addresses in Chartres or book a restaurant for lunch or dinner. Finally, don’t miss Chartres en Lumière every evening at dusk (all year round from 13 th April to January).
Information is available at the Conciergerie shop on the Cathedral esplanade or at the Tourist Office in the beautiful Maison du Saumon – 8 rue de la Poissonnerie – and on the website or by phone 02 37 18 26 26.
Our Lady of Chartres Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the time to discover it from the outside before entering to admire the nave, the famous labyrinth paving of the floor, the superb sculpted tower of the choir and the remarkable collection of 12th and 13th century stained glass windows.
Don’t hesitate to repeat your visit at different times of the day to admire the play of light on the stained glass windows.
Guided tours are available for groups or families: Information by phone 02 37 21 75 02 and on the website.
The International Stained Glass Centre
This superb former Tithe Barn houses an exceptional collection of Renaissance stained glass windows, as well as a trail dedicated to the Cathedral’s narrative stained glass windows. Temporary exhibitions are also organised.
It is also possible to learn the art of stained glass.
For further information, call 02 37 21 65 72 or visit the website.
The Maison Picassiette
Discover the marvellous estate of Raymond Isidore, a 20th-century mosaic artist who covered the site with his extraordinary creations.
Open from 1st March to 30 November. For further information, call 02 37 34 10 78 or visit the website.
MAINTENON
Le Château de Maintenon
Visit the Domaine de Maintenon, its château and gardens overlooking the impressive ruins of the aqueduct bridge designed by Vauban at the request of Louis XIV.
In summer, you can canoe from Chartres to the Château de Maintenon: information from the Chartres Tourist Office.
Information on 02 37 23 00 09 and on the website.
ILLIERS-COMBRAY
In search of Marcel Proust
Discover the world of Marcel Proust by visiting the sites that inspired his work: Le Pré Catelan garden and La Maison de Tante Léonie – Marcel Proust Museum, which will reopen in 2024 after a complete renovation.
Information on the website Society of Friends of Marcel Proust or by phone 02 37 24 30 97.
Between 30 and 60 kilometres
ANET
Anet Castel
Superb castle built in 1548 by King Henry II for Diane de Poitier.
Information by phone 02 37 41 90 07 and on the website.
CHATEAUDUN
Châteaudun Castel
This castle is less well known than those on the Loire Valley, yet it is a marvel. Its magnificent, perfectly preserved 12th-century dungeon makes for a fascinating visit.
For further information, call 02 37 45 22 46 or visit the website.
THIRON-GARDAIS
Le Collège Royal et Militaire
Come and share Stéphane Bern’s passion for heritage by visiting the Collège Royal and its magnificently restored gardens.
Along the way, you’ll be able to see the landscapes change: the fields of the Thymerais fade into the background, and the hills of the Perche blossom.
More information on the website.
LA FERTE-VIDAME
The grounds of La Ferté-Vidame Castel
The vast French-style park, with its canals and ponds, offers romantic views of the impressive neoclassical château, of which only a ruined façade remains.
Open all year round, information by phone 02 37 37 68 and on the website.
Between 60 and 100 kilometres
VERSAILLES
The Palace of Versailles
Visiting the Château, the Trianon estate, the gardens and the park is a marvellous experience. Don’t hesitate to spend a day there!
Closed on Mondays, it is best to avoid visiting on Tuesdays and Sundays. Information and online bookings highly recommended on the website.
PARIS
French Capital
Just over an hour’s drive from Vérigny, spend a day in Paris visiting your choice of museums and monuments.
If you’re going by car, choose a public car park and get around on foot or by metro/bus. You can also take the train from Chartres station (trains run every hour) and park your car at the Gare Colisée car parking. The train arrives at Gare Montparnasse, which is in the centre of Paris.
Between 100 and 150 kilometres
CHAMBORD
Domaine National of Chambord
Discover this jewel of Renaissance architecture that seems to float on its gardens. Don’t hesitate to spend a day there!
There are plenty of opportunities for self-guided or guided tours, as well as exhibitions, activities and workshops.
Information and bookings on the website.