Plan your visit

Plan Your Visit

The cathedral is open daily year-round. It is an easy one-hour trip from Paris by train or car.

Chartres Cathedral

16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres

GPS 48.4478, 1.4878

Open directions

Getting there

Direct trains run frequently from Paris.

How	Time	Cost	Notes
Train: Direct train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Chartres SNCF station.	About 1 hour each way	approx. €15-20	Trains run frequently every day; it is an ideal day trip from Paris.
Walk: Walk from the Chartres train station to the cathedral.	10 minutes	free	The walk is straightforward and well-marked; you can see the spires from the station.
Car: Drive from Paris via the A11 motorway, exiting at Chartres.	1 hour 15 mins	Toll and fuel apply	Underground parking is available near the cathedral (e.g., Parking Q-Park Chartres Cathédrale).

When to go

QuietModerateBusyPeak

The cathedral is open every day from 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Fridays from Lent through October are the best days if you want to walk the labyrinth.

What to bring

Comfortable walking shoes (essential for walking the labyrinth or exploring the crypts)
Modest clothing to comply with the cathedral dress code
Binoculars (highly recommended for viewing the intricate details high up in the stained-glass windows)
Camera with good low-light capability (as flash is not permitted)
A light jacket or sweater (the stone interior remains cool even in the middle of summer)
Small daypack for water and personal items (large luggage is not allowed)
A printed or downloaded guide to the stained glass panels if you are exploring independently
Warm socks if you prefer to walk the labyrinth in socks rather than bare feet or shoes

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Pack a light jacket and binoculars.

The stone interior is cool, and the glass details are high up.

How the day runs

Here is how to structure your time.

The ideal schedule to see the glass and walk the labyrinth.

09:00
Train to Chartres
Depart Paris Gare Montparnasse.
10:00
Walk to Cathedral
A simple 10-minute walk from the station.
10:30
Walk the Labyrinth
The chairs are removed and the path opens at 10:30 AM.
11:30
View the Glass
Use binoculars to examine the Blue Virgin Window.

Important Rules and Tips

Dress appropriately for an active place of worship. You must keep your shoulders and knees covered. Pets are not allowed inside, except for service animals.

Photography is allowed without flash. Always maintain silence near the labyrinth and observe restrictions during Mass. Pack comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to explore the crypts.

Easiest way to do it

Chartres Cathedral skyline view with mobile app overlays

Chartres Cathedral Audio Guide Tour

1 h 30 min 4.4 (5)

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: If you don’t love the tour, write to us for a full refund.
Audio and written guide included
Offline access to the tour (no internet connection needed) once tour is downloaded
Images to identify stops and in app interactive map for navigation

From$8per person

Viator$8 GetYourGuideCompare

Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.

Planning questions

How do I get from Paris to Chartres Cathedral?

Take a direct train from Paris Gare Montparnasse to Chartres SNCF station. The journey takes about one hour each way and costs approximately €15-20. The cathedral is a 10-minute walk from the station.

When is the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth open for walking?

The labyrinth is uncovered and open to walkers only on Fridays from Lent until All Saints' Day (November 1). Hours are 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It is closed for walking on Good Friday.

What is the dress code for Chartres Cathedral?

You must dress modestly, as it is an active place of worship. Shoulders and knees must be covered. A light jacket is recommended because the interior stays cool.