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Hotel Recommendation Chartres - La Grande Monarque

I had the idea to leave work on Friday and go partway to friends' home in the Perche by spending Friday night in Chartres. I looked at some reviews and the hotel La Grande Monarque seemed to really stand out.

Then I checked the Forum, and saw it had been recommended a few times here, including by Balso and Alexander - so that sealed the deal.

You can definitely stay somewhere cheaper in Chartres; on the other hand, this "level" of hotel is much less expensive there than in Paris (of course I also benefited from probably among the year's lowest prices because really, who is going to Chartres on a Friday night in January ??!).

I arrived at about 9 o'clock on Friday night, and as I went to check in, I could sense a cozy buzz emanating from the restaurant and bar sited on either side of the lobby.

The hotel has existed for many years and has extended through to neighboring buildings so I had a ways to head down the long convoluted halls to reach my room (the next day, when I looked at it from the outside, I could see that it used to be a totally separate small building).

The room was their smallest category, but the bathroom was nicely sized and appointed, and the bed I think was king-sized, very comfortable with crisp white sheets and some Toile detailing on some pillows and a coverlet. There was a desk, coffee and tea set-up, tv, and they left a bottle of still water and two little madeleines to welcome me. There was also a basket with bathrobe and slippers (for use especially if one were going to take any spa treatments).

I admit I snoozed too late to take advantage of the hotel breakfast, so I has tea in my room. if you wanted, Starbucks is just across the plaza from the hotel.

I checked out, left my bags, and went to see Chartres and the cathedral. Before my train, I came back into warm up and had a hotel chocolate in the supremely cozy hotel bar.

I know not many people will want a hotel in Chartres as it's so easily visited from Paris with just an hour's train ride from Montparnasse. But if you do want to stay, I can highly recommend -- and will return to - La Grande Monarque.

Posted by
6542 posts

Thanks, Kim. When we were in Chartres year before last, we stayed in a great little B&B, but it's good to have a hotel to fall back on should we need one when we return.

Posted by
10249 posts

Jane, in fact, I went back and searched for your trip report to look up your B&B when I was thinking about this getaway, because I had it in my mind you had really liked it. But then when I figured out I was staying just one night, I thought a hotel would be better (I hate to make a B&B deal with a one-night guest - and indeed, often they don't even allow it since it doesn't make sense for them). But I definitely had your place in mind !!

Posted by
4614 posts

In the summer, people should spend the night in Chartres so they can see the Light Show.

Posted by
7844 posts

Thanks, Kim!

I stayed in Chartres the last time I was in France and promised myself I would return. It’s a lovely town, and the cathedral is spectacular! And yes, as Cala mentioned, staying overnight is a chance to watch the wonderful light/music show illuminated on the cathedral and also other buildings in the area. Chartres’ & Nancy’s were my favorite light shows.

Posted by
6542 posts

mbhollinrake, it was Les ConvivHôtes, 10 Rue du Pot Vert. Someone here on the Forum (Allan?) had recommended it several years ago.

I evidently didn't post a review, but I did post a trip report that year: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/tours/better-late-than-never-loire-to-the-south-of-france-tour-report

And in Laurie Beth's review of the B&B, I did excerpt the part of that trip report to just coner ConvivHôtes. You can find Laurie Beth's review, with my comments, here: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france-reviews/b-b-in-chartres

I just went back and checked: The Forum person who first recommended the B&B to me was wayner, from Wisconsin, in this post: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/france/recommendations-for-a-hotel-in-chartres