France
The official currency in Chartres, as in all of France and many other European Union countries, is the Euro (€).
Exchange a small amount of Euros before arrival for immediate expenses. ATMs appear widely throughout Chartres. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards. Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans before departure to prevent card freezing. Consider a Travel money belt for added security.
Prices for accommodations, meals, transportation, and attractions.
Budget Traveler Daily Costs: €50-€80. Mid-Range Traveler Daily Costs: €100-€200. Luxury Traveler Daily Costs: €250+.
Ranges vary by style
Hostel Bed: €25-€40, Budget Hotel: €50-€80
Mid-range Hotel: €80-€150, Luxury Hotel: €150+
Dining options and prices
Bakery/Pastry: €2-€5, Sandwich/Quick Lunch: €6-€10
Casual Main Course: €12-€25, Mid-range Dinner: €25-€40, Fine Dining: €60+
Local and intercity costs
Local Bus: ~€1.50 - €2.00, Taxi (short ride): €8-€15, Train to Paris (one-way): €15-€20
Cathedral: Free (nave), Crypt: ~€3-€5, North Tower: ~€6-€8, Musée des Beaux-Arts: ~€4-€6
The main nave of Chartres Cathedral welcomes visitors without charge, allowing admiration of its beauty without cost. The "Chartres en Lumières" show is a spectacular free outdoor event, transforming the city after dark.
Purchase groceries from local supermarkets and prepare some meals. Enjoy picnics by the river or pack sandwiches for lunch. Many restaurants present a "formule midi" (set lunch menu), giving a multi-course meal at a lower price than dinner. This method serves as a good way to experience local cuisine on a budget.
Chartres maintains a compact and walkable design. Explore on foot.
Tap water in Chartres is safe to drink. Carry a Reusable water bottle for refills and savings on Bottled water.
Bring relevant identification for potential discounts at museums and attractions.
Especially during peak season, early booking often secures better rates.
Crowds impact pricing for popular activities and restaurants during high season.
Chartres generally serves as a safe city for travelers.
No specific vaccinations remain mandatory for entry into France for most international travelers. Routine vaccinations must remain current (MMR, DTP, polio). Travelers consult their healthcare provider at least 4-6 weeks before their trip for personalized recommendations. Your doctor might suggest additional vaccinations depending on your activities (e.g., Hepatitis A, B, Rabies for outdoor activities or animal contact).
France maintains a high-quality public healthcare system. Visitors access medical services as needed.
Chartres maintains a very safe environment with low crime rates. Like any tourist destination, petty theft, like pickpocketing, sometimes occurs in crowded areas. This risk appears higher around the Cathedral, at markets, or in busy public transport hubs, especially during peak tourist season.
The city center and main tourist areas remain well-patrolled and safe, even after dark, specifically during the "Chartres en Lumières" season when many people are out.
Before your trip, save the emergency numbers (112, 15, 17, 18) to your phone for quick access.
A small personal health kit addresses minor issues and secures comfort during your travels.
Pack enough of your prescription medications for your entire trip, plus a few extra days' supply. Keep medications in their original packaging with clear labels. Carry a doctor's note or prescription explaining the medication, especially for controlled substances, to avoid issues at customs.
Include antihistamines for allergies, antacids for indigestion, cold and flu remedies, and motion sickness pills (if prone to motion sickness).
Layering acts as a helpful strategy for adapting to daily temperature changes, specifically during spring and autumn. Pack light to medium layers for spring (sweaters, light jackets, Long-sleeved shirts) and light, breathable clothing for summer (shorts, t-shirts, dresses). Warm layers (wool sweaters, heavy coat) serve winter. A Waterproof light jacket or a Small umbrella protects against moderate spring rainfall. Wear a Sun hat and Sunglasses in summer.
Modesty: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites like Chartres Cathedral.
Avoid overly revealing clothing inside churches.
Keep your important documents secure and easily accessible. Carry your original passport. If you needed a visa for entry into France, have printed copies of your visa and return flight tickets. Consider a Passport holder for organization and security. Maintain printed and digital copies of your travel insurance policy with emergency contact numbers.
Driving: An International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanies your national driver's license.
Documentation: Keep all copies separate from originals, and use cloud storage.
France operates on a 230V, 50Hz electrical system with Type E plugs. A Universal travel adapter comes highly recommended. Most modern smartphones work with European networks. Consider a local French SIM card or an ESIM for connectivity. A versatile camera, like a DSLR, Mirrorless camera, or high-quality Smartphone captures details. For night photography of the light show, a Compact travel tripod offers stability. A Portable power bank keeps devices charged during exploration.
Apps like Google Maps (offline maps), Google Translate, and SNCF Connect aid navigation and services.
Protect online activity with a VPN (NordVPN, ExpressVPN).
| Category | Details | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Airports | Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) (80km NE), Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) (100km NE). | CDG serves extensive long-haul flights. ORY mainly handles domestic/European flights. |
| Airport Transfers | Train from Paris Montparnasse (RER/Metro from airports). | Total travel time: 1.5-2.5 hours. Private transfers are more expensive. |
| Train Travel | SNCF TER from Paris Gare Montparnasse (approx. 1 hour) to Gare de Chartres. | Frequent service. Book tickets via SNCF Connect app or website. |
