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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

France

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options from Hostels to Luxury Hotels

  • Hostels:

    Dedicated hostels are limited directly in Chartres. Travelers seeking budget dormitory-style accommodation discover more options in nearby larger cities like Paris.

  • Budget Hotels:

    Several budget chain hotels, like Ibis Budget or B&B Hotels, typically locate on the outskirts of Chartres. These offer clean, basic rooms at competitive prices and are often accessible by car or local bus. They serve as a practical choice for a comfortable night's sleep without luxury amenities.

  • Mid-Range Hotels:

    Chartres has numerous mid-range hotel options in and around the city center. These include charming independent hotels with local character and familiar chains like Mercure or Kyriad. They often feature more amenities than budget choices, like on-site restaurants, larger rooms, and better services.

  • Luxury Hotels:

    A select few upscale hotels operate in Chartres, often within beautifully renovated historic buildings. These properties display premium services, sophisticated decor, fine dining options, and sometimes spas or wellness facilities, appealing to travelers seeking an indulgent stay.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Chambres d'hôtes (Bed & Breakfasts):

    Private homes offering guest rooms, often run by local families. They bring a more personal and intimate experience than hotels, frequently with breakfast. Many in Chartres are in charming historic buildings within the old town or pleasant residential areas, providing a glimpse into local life.

  • Gîtes:

    Self-catering holiday homes or cottages, typically rented for a week or more. While some locate in or near Chartres, many are in rural settings outside the city. Gîtes fit families or groups preferring the independence of a home-like environment with cooking facilities.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options:

    Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo a selection of apartments and houses for rent in Chartres. These range from small studios to multi-bedroom homes. Vacation rentals are a useful choice for families, groups, or those planning longer stays, as they often include kitchens and living areas, offering more space and flexibility than traditional hotel rooms.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation:

    A municipal campsite, Camping de Chartres, locates on the outskirts of the city. It has pitches for tents and caravans, and sometimes mobile homes or bungalows for rent. This option suits budget travelers, families, and those who enjoy outdoor living.

Neighborhood Guide

A detailed breakdown of areas and their character.

Old Town Vieille Ville

Strengths
  • Heart of historic Chartres.
  • Immediate proximity to major attractions, numerous restaurants, and artisan shops.
  • Picturesque and atmospheric, a truly immersive historical experience.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy in the evenings due to restaurants and activity.
  • Parking can be difficult and expensive if you have a car.
  • Some streets are steep and cobbled, which might be challenging for mobility.

Lower Town Basses Vallées

Strengths
  • Very picturesque and tranquil, unique charm and beautiful river views.
  • Generally quieter than the upper town.
  • Excellent for scenic walks.
Considerations
  • Requires more walking, often uphill climbs, to reach upper town attractions like the Cathedral.
  • Fewer dining options directly in this area compared to the Old Town.

Train Station Area Gare de Chartres

Strengths
  • Extremely convenient for train travelers, modern amenities and good transport links.
  • A short, flat walk to the edge of the Old Town.
Considerations
  • Lacks the historic character and unique ambiance of the Old Town or Lower Town.
  • May feel more like a transit hub than a destination.

Important Points for Accommodation Choices

Safety Considerations

All listed areas in Chartres are generally safe. Standard urban precautions apply, like awareness of surroundings, especially when walking alone at night. Petty theft may occur in crowded tourist areas, but serious crime is rare.

Proximity to Attractions and Transportation

Old Town & Lower Town: Both are close to the Cathedral, Musée des Beaux-Arts, International Stained Glass Center, and charming river walks. Train Station Area: Close to Gare de Chartres. From here, the Old Town is a 5-10 minute walk.

Booking Strategies

Advance booking recommendations by season and trusted platforms.

Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (June-August) & Chartres en Lumières (Mid-April to Mid-October): Book well in advance, ideally 3-6 months before your trip. This period experiences the highest demand due to good weather and the popular light show.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October, excluding "Chartres en Lumières" peak weekends): 1-3 months in advance usually works well. You find good availability and more competitive prices.
  • Low Season (November-March): 2-4 weeks in advance, or even last-minute bookings, often work well. Prices are at their lowest during this period, and availability is high.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are widely used and feature a broad selection of hotels and B&Bs.
  • Direct Booking: Booking directly with the hotel's official website often brings benefits like loyalty points, better cancellation policies, or special packages not on OTAs. It also directly supports the local business.
  • Vacation Rental Platforms: Airbnb and Vrbo are reliable for vacation rentals and apartment options. Check reviews and host responsiveness before booking.
  • Chartres Tourist Office: The official Tourist Office assists with local Chambres d'hôtes and some hotel bookings, sometimes access to smaller, independent properties.

Additional Tips for Booking

Negotiation Customs

Negotiating walk-in rates is not common practice in standard hotels in France. Some smaller, independent B&Bs might show slight flexibility for cash payments or longer stays, notably during the low season, but this is rare.

Deposit and Cancellation

These vary significantly by property and booking platform. Always review the deposit requirements and cancellation policies before confirming your reservation. Many online bookings allow free cancellation up to a certain point, providing flexibility for your plans.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Accommodation prices are highest during the peak summer months and throughout the 'Chartres en Lumières' festival (mid-April to mid-October), especially on weekends. Prices typically drop during the winter months (November-March).

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are specific accommodation recommendations for Chartres, categorized by budget and traveler type.

General Recommendations

Top Picks for Different Budget Levels

For a clean, comfortable, and economical stay, the Ibis Budget Chartres provides a practical base.

  • Mid-Range options include Hôtel Jehan de Beauce (modern convenience and proximity to the station) and Hôtel du Saumon (charming, central, and traditional).
  • For luxury, Hôtel Le Grand Monarque a premium experience with its historic setting, fine dining, and spa facilities.
Family-Friendly Options

Vacation rentals (Airbnb) often offer more space, separate bedrooms, and amenities like kitchens.

  • Hôtel Jehan de Beauce often features family rooms or connecting rooms.
  • Camping de Chartres can also be a fun and budget-friendly option for families.

Specialized Stays

Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hôtel du Saumon central location and charming atmosphere allow easy access to attractions.

  • The Ibis Budget offers good value for solo travelers seeking a no-frills, clean room.
Long-Stay Accommodations

Airbnb or Vrbo rentals ideal for longer stays, offering more independence, living space, and kitchen facilities for self-catering.

  • Gîtes located slightly outside the city also serve this purpose well.

Properties with Cultural Significance

  • Hôtel Le Grand Monarque

    Housed in a historic coaching inn, it brings a sense of the past.

  • Chambres d'hôtes

    Many in the Old Town locate in beautifully preserved historic buildings, providing an unique opportunity to experience Chartres' heritage firsthand.

Local Stays and Unique Experiences

  • Hostelworld:

    Budget accommodation specialist, great for solo travelers looking for community.

  • TrustedHousesitters:

    House/pet sitting exchange platform for unique long-stay opportunities.

  • Vrbo:

    Vacation rental booking site, good for private homes or apartments.

  • IHG Hotels:

    International hotel chain for consistent quality and loyalty benefits.

Affiliate Booking Resources

Global Platforms

Booking.com - Extensive range of hotels and properties worldwide. Agoda - Strong presence and deals across Asia.

Specialized Rentals

Vrbo - Vacation rental booking site. TrustedHousesitters - House/pet sitting exchange platform.

Other Accommodation Types

Hostels and Budget stays

Look for budget chain hotels like Ibis Budget or B&B Hotels typically located on the outskirts of Chartres for competitive prices.

Charming B&Bs

Chambres d'hôtes (Bed & Breakfasts) are private homes offering guest rooms, frequently including breakfast, for a personal experience.

Camping Sites

Camping de Chartres, a municipal campsite, offers pitches for tents and caravans, or mobile homes, suiting budget travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.