29,5 km · 25 min
Chartres Cathedral
Wander the lanes of the “capital of light and perfume”, its historic quarter and its many restaurants. Not to be missed: the cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tourism: our favourite places
Châteaux, forests, hot-air balloons and good food: our personal selection.
A word from your hosts
Discovering the region
Whether you love nature, food or culture, or simply want to relax, here are the must-see places, the activities not to miss and the spots we love. Just ask us for our latest tips!
Heritage
Châteaux and monuments
19 km · 25 min
Château de Maintenon
The story of Madame de Maintenon, wife of Louis XIV, set in a château surrounded by a magnificent formal French garden. Tours and fun activities all year round.
14 km · 20 min
Château de Rambouillet
A former residence of kings and emperors, set within a magnificent forest park: state apartments, the Queen’s Dairy, the Shell Cottage, boat trips or cycling.
48 km · 45 min
Palace of Versailles
The Hall of Mirrors, the Trianon, the Royal Stables and Le Nôtre’s gardens: set aside a full day to soak up the history.
For children
For families
27 km · 30 min
L’Odyssée aquatic centre
Over 5,000 m² of pools: two Olympic-sized pools, giant slides, a lazy river and a wave pool. Plus an ice rink to round off the day.
15 km · 20 min
Bergerie nationale
An educational farm where you can meet the animals, discover their daily life and learn where our food comes from. An immersive visit for the whole family.
14 km · 20 min
Rambolitrain museum
The history of the railway told through more than 4,000 toy trains and model-railway pieces. A hit with young and old alike.
Nature
For animal lovers
550 m · 1 min
Giroudet stables
Right opposite the houses, the horses graze on 20 hectares of meadows: a soothing sight over breakfast. Horse rides are on hold for now; we sincerely hope to offer them again one day.
15 km · 15 min
Espace Rambouillet · the deer rut
From September to October, hear the stags bellowing during the rut. Choose a morning outing with breakfast, or an evening one with drinks or a forest dinner.
26 km · 25 min
La Tanière · rescue zoo
Far from a traditional zoo, this is a place dedicated to taking in and rehabilitating animals rescued from trafficking or abuse. Deeply moving stories.
Thrills
Unusual experiences
For a birthday, a seminar, or simply the thrill of the unexpected.
12 km · 15 min
Hot-air balloon flight · Air Pegasus
Departing from Maintenon, fly over the château and its formal French gardens, and discover Eure-et-Loir from the sky.
11 km · 15 min
Microlight flight · Les Ailes d’Horus
The freedom to fly like a bird, in complete safety. Suitable for children from age 8.
30 km · 25 min
Chartres en Lumières
From April to January, 21 sites across Chartres light up every evening: projections on the cathedral and the theatre, sound and light shows.
29 km · 28 min
Maison Picassiette
The house of Raymond Isidore, entirely covered in mosaics of broken crockery, glass and earthenware. A masterpiece of outsider art.
26 km · 25 min
Chartres karting
The only FFSA-approved track in France that runs in both directions, designed by world champion David Terrien. 100% electric karts.
30 km · 25 min
Le Colisée
Chartres métropole’s big arena: concerts, shows and handball matches all year round.
61 km · 1 hr
Bonneval, the Little Venice of Beauce
A medieval town crossed by the River Loir, best explored by electric boat or canoe, amid half-timbered houses, mills and flower-decked bridges.
74 km · 1 hr
Foulon caves
An underground network shaped by time and water: spectacular rock formations and mysterious galleries.
The great outdoors
Hiking and cycling
Picturesque trails, breathtaking views and unspoilt nature, right from the front door.
On foot
- Rambouillet Forest · “The Palace of the King of Rome”around the château
- Boucle de la Drouettefrom Saint-Martin-de-Nigelles
- GR 655, the Way of St James11 km · 15 min
Our favourite walks and bike rides from Écrosnes
By bike
- La Véloscénie, from Maintenon to Chartresthe Eure valley
- Rambouillet Forestforest trails
Our favourite places
Where to eat
€
Le 28130
Restaurant, lounge bar and fine-food shop in a warm, modern setting: authentic French cuisine, elevated by fresh, local produce.
02 37 21 24 23
€
Reflets Gourmands
Local produce selected for its quality and story, to take away from the fine-food shop or to enjoy on site, at the restaurant, tea room or bar.
01 34 85 86 21
€€
La Maison du Bœuf
French culinary art in an elegant, historic setting: a selection of quality meats, grilled on the plancha.
01 30 59 48 89
€
Au Bureau
A pub-brasserie with a retro British-pub décor: burgers, bistro fare and local specialities.
01 34 85 55 25
Going out
Where to go for a drink
€€ Our favourite
La Guinguette de Chartres
Nicknamed “Little Venice”, a haven of peace right in the heart of Chartres: fresh, artisan and largely local produce.
€ Our favourite
O’Lac · Guinguette de Luisant
Feet in the grass by the lake, deckchairs and fairy lights that come on at sunset: come for a cocktail, a sharing board and live music, then stay for a game of pétanque. April to end of September, 20 min from Chartres.
63 rue de la Vallée de l’Eure, Luisant
€€
The Black River
Rambouillet’s beer bar: 120 beers, cocktails, live music and themed evenings on Friday nights.
€
Bowling Laser Rambouillet
18 modern lanes, facilities for children, a bar and all-you-can-play packages, often on Wednesday and Sunday evenings.
Practical info
Shops and bakeries
- La Ferme des Merisiers · fruit and vegetables from the growerÉcrosnes
- La Ferme de Bretonvilliers · fresh local produceAunay-sous-Auneau
- Carrefour Market · open 7 days a week9 km · 10 min
- Hyper U Hanches · click-and-collect and services11 km · 15 min
- Du Pain dans les Mains · organic sourdough bread, on the banks of the DrouetteDroue-sur-Drouette
- Marion & Julien · bakery-patisserieGallardon
Driving distances and times from Les Maisons de Giroudet.
Coming without a car? Read our car-free weekend from Paris. Invited to a wedding in the area? Here is where to stay for a wedding near Chartres.