2 Best Hotels in Chartres, Side Trips from Paris

On Chartres' main square, not far from the cathedral, this Best Western Premier hotel in a converted coaching inn warmly evokes the 19th century; many guest rooms are outfitted with brick walls, attractive antiques, lush drapes, and modern bathrooms (the best are in a separate turn-of-the-20th-century building overlooking a garden, while the most atmospheric are tucked away in the attic). Downstairs, the stylishly decorated—and Michelin-starred—Georges Restaurant serves such delicacies as pheasant pie and offers prix-fixe menus. It's closed Sunday and Monday, but the hotel's brasserie La Cour is open daily.

You will not find a hotel in Chartres as charming, welcoming, or well priced as this chambre d’hôtes a 10-minute walk from the cathedral. All three contemporary guest rooms are comfortably furnished and perfectly private, with ample baths and spacious outdoor terraces in a large, attractive garden. Breakfast is included in the price.