Paris is famous for its gorgeous historic streets, the Gothic Cathedral and, of course, the horde of tourists that flock there every year. If you like the idea of a French holiday, but hate the idea of being part of a crowd of people clogging the streets of Paris, you need to put this charming dupe destination on your bucket list.
The town of Chartres is just an hour's drive from Paris, and all its charm is far less. Chartres also has its own Gothic cathedral, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Cathédrale Datre -Dame de Chartre -own The. The towering spires and intricate stained glass windows are breathtaking, and the cathedral is a great place to start when exploring this Parisian Dupes.
Explore the cathedral and its basement and then walk to the nearby Old Town. Chartres is a very walkable city and is a great place to stop by.
The old town is home to many cute cafes and restaurants where you can check out and sample some of the delicious pastries that France is famous for.
From there, you'll take a walk along the banks of the Eurée River and explore many boutique shops and a bit more upscale restaurants, despite the lower prices than in Paris.
After a walk along the river, why not head to the art museum for culture and quirky Maison Pikassiet? The house is covered in mosaics made from broken glass and ceramics.
Perfect for architecture enthusiasts, spiritual travelers, or those looking for a slow pace, Chartres combines cultural richness with the charm of a small town.
Its walkable and relaxed atmosphere makes it a refreshing addition to your French itinerary, making it a great place to stop if you're on your way to the Loire Valley or the southwest of France.
Less than an hour by train or car from Paris, Chartres is truly the perfect destination for Dupez – it has all its charm, none of the crowds, half the price.
