From Henri IV to Jean Moulin, the city of Chartres has been home to many great figures in French history. Mentioned as early as the Neolithic period, its history is several thousand years old. Today, the city has perfectly succeeded in its reconversion. In just a few years, it has achieved the rank of "capital of light and perfume. »
A natural defensive site, Chartres was an important city for the Romans. As early as the 4th century, it was made a bishopric and the first construction work for a cathedral began. Soon, Chartres became a religious, military and political capital. In the 12th century, its educational centre is one of the most famous in Europe. The population grew and new ramparts, of which some traces remain today, were built around the 12 city gates.
Historic military place, Chartres is always at the heart of the wars. In 1588, it served as a refuge for Henry III and was attacked by the future Henry IV who, to make amends, was crowned King in the cathedral. The Cathedral was not damaged during the French Revolution and resisted at all costs to the vagaries of time despite the destruction of its original structure in 1836.
From 1850, the inauguration of the railway, the station, the tramway and one of the first airfields in France make Chartres a city at the forefront of modernity. However, it suffered painful destruction during the two World Wars.
On 17 June 1940, Prefect Jean Moulin openly opposed the occupying forces and became, through this heroic gesture, one of the first French resistance fighters.
From the 1950s onwards, the city recovered and created several thousand jobs to revive the economy. Located in the heart of the "Cosmetic Valley", it is now a connected and hard-working city.
Every year, a festival of lights takes place there. A true festival, this festival allows you to discover all the monuments of the city illuminated by innovative scenography and numerous animations.
Only an hour and a half from Paris, the dynamic city of Chartres today boasts an exceptional historical heritage. The incredible Notre-Dame Cathedral is obviously worth a visit, but many lesser-known buildings are also worth a detour, such as the Picassiette house, resolutely one of the most original in the city: for several decades, Raymond Isidore covered his house, furniture and all his objects with earthenware and broken glass, an original bet!
The Fine Arts Museum is also worth a visit. A former episcopal palace built in the 17th century, it now houses the city's collections and has gardens where it is pleasant to stroll. Finally, don't miss the Porte Guillaume, the only one to have survived wars and time. Today, it is the object of an important restoration campaign.
Endowed with an extraordinary natural heritage, Chartres also offers many hiking and visiting circuits. To discover for a weekend, it will not fail to seduce and surprise you.
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Bérengère for Comme des Français
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