Chartres

Chartres is a commune and the capital of the Eure-et-Loir department in the Centre-Val de Loire region of north-central France. It lies on the Eure River, about 90 kilometers southwest of Paris, near the Beauce plain. The town has roughly 40,000 residents and serves as a regional administrative, commercial, and cultural center.

The city is best known for the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (Notre-Dame de Chartres), a seminal example of High Gothic architecture begun in the 12th century. The cathedral is renowned for its sculpture, its remarkably preserved stained-glass windows dating from the 12th to the 13th centuries, and the labyrinth embedded in the nave floor. It remains a major pilgrimage site and a focal point of Gothic architectural study. Chartres Cathedral is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Chartres has medieval origins and developed as a significant religious and urban center. It attracted travelers and merchants as a stop on pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela, contributing to its wealth and urban growth. The historic center preserves narrow streets, many half-timbered houses, and several bridges across the Eure.

In modern times, Chartres is a destination for tourism, education, and administration. The economy is based on services, commerce, and light manufacturing, with tourism anchored by the cathedral, the old town, and cultural offerings. The city hosts events such as Chartres en lumière, an annual festival that illuminates historic façades at night, and houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres.

Transport links connect Chartres with Paris and other regions by rail and road, including frequent services to Paris. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, with ongoing regional commerce and industry.