Chartes France

Well it is nice to be on the Mont after the tourists have gone home at night but I would still stay in Chartres because I think the kids would really find the illuminations interesting. Not only the Cathedral has illumination programs, but they are also played on bridges on the river and buildings throughout the old city. At tourist times of year there is a mini train to see them -- but when we were there we had to do it on foot. We had dinner down on the river and then saw those illuminations as we walked back up to the Cathedral near where our hotel was.

There are two elaborate 'shows' that play on the Cathedral on all sides, but the most elaborate on the front. It is wonderful and you can see them as often as you like, they are continuous.

I agree with janettravels44. I love Chartres and the Illuminations are stunning. Stopping there on the way to Paris would be my preference.

Thank you both for your reply. We will be driving there the last week of June. I think you’re right that will be a good stopping point before heading to Paris.
Even though I know it will only be for the late evening and early morning, seeing the lights and having a nice dinner and breakfast will be pleasant.

Le Mans also has the night show of lights, but it’s not to the extent of Chartres’. Also, Le Mans has an interesting Roman wall with beautiful designs in the brick in the medieval center.

If you want the light show and stunning stained glass , pick Chartres. If you want an interesting medieval center for dinner and to explore, pick Le Mans.

I hope you have time to peek inside the cathedral also while you are in Chartres. It is amazing. Also there are two good restaurants across from the cathedral.

When we were in Chartres in 2023, there was a map that showed all the illumination sites. I’m guessing the TI will be closed when you get there, but you could check with your hotel or look on line for one.

If the kids are older and you want an amazing meal with a good view try https://restaurant-moulin-ponceau.fr/fr/
We had great food, great service and a view onto the river that was stunning.
If they are younger and you don't want fine dining, we had good food at one of the restaurants by the cathedral -- it was a standard tourist place and so we were surprised at how good it was. Alas can't recall if it was Bleu or Serpente -- but one of those.

Thank you everyone we will be staying the night in Chartes. :)
I should have mentioned that my kids are 15 and 17.
We are looking forward to a good dinner and hopefully the light show.
We plan on having a simple breakfast before heading to Paris.

Chartres. (sharr-treh). If you say "shart" like Rick Steves does,
a) the French won't understand
b) Anglophones will blush.

Are there only certain months the illuminations are active? My husband and I will be there in late May.

Website says will return in April.
https://www.chartresenlumieres.com/en/