Welcome to Beauce: A Hidden Gem of France

Day 1: Discovering Chartres

Morning: Start your day in Chartres, a city famous for its UNESCO-listed Chartres Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece is renowned for its stained glass windows and intricate sculptures.

  • Attraction: Chartres Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres)
  • Address: Place de la Cathédrale, 28000 Chartres
  • Entry Fee: Free (Donations appreciated)

Lunch: Head to Le Bistrot des Halles, a cozy restaurant offering traditional French cuisine at affordable prices.

  • Restaurant: Le Bistrot des Halles
  • Address: 5 Rue des Écuyers, 28000 Chartres
  • Average Meal Cost: €15 per person

Afternoon: Explore the Old Town of Chartres, wandering through its charming streets and visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts.

  • Attraction: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chartres
  • Address: 29 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres
  • Entry Fee: Free

Night Stay: Sleep at Auberge de la Cloche, a budget-friendly inn located near the cathedral.

  • Accommodation: Auberge de la Cloche
  • Address: 1 Rue du Cardinal Pie, 28000 Chartres
  • Cost: €40 per night

Day 2: Exploring the Countryside

Morning: Take a scenic drive or rent a bike to explore the countryside of Beauce. Visit the village of Illiers-Combray, famously associated with Marcel Proust's novel "In Search of Lost Time."

  • Attraction: Maison de Tante Léonie
  • Address: 4 Rue du Docteur Proust, 28120 Illiers-Combray
  • Entry Fee: €6

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic in the village park with fresh produce from the local market.

Afternoon: Visit the Château de Maintenon, a beautiful castle surrounded by gardens and canals.

  • Attraction: Château de Maintenon
  • Address: Rue du Château, 28130 Maintenon
  • Entry Fee: €8

Night Stay: Stay at Camping de la Belle Etoile, a budget-friendly campsite near Maintenon.

  • Accommodation: Camping de la Belle Etoile
  • Address: Route de Chartres, 28130 Maintenon
  • Cost: €20 per night (tent rental available for €10 extra)

Day 3: Local Markets and Culinary Delights

Morning: Visit the local market in the town of Dreux to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample regional specialties like Beauce honey and goat cheese.

  • Market: Marché de Dreux
  • Location: Place Mésirard, 28100 Dreux
  • Entry Fee: Free

Lunch: Grab lunch at Crêperie La Petite Bretagne, known for its delicious crepes and galettes.

  • Restaurant: Crêperie La Petite Bretagne
  • Address: 17 Rue du Général Leclerc, 28100 Dreux
  • Average Meal Cost: €12 per person

Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring the Parc Naturel Régional du Perche, a serene natural reserve perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

  • Attraction: Parc Naturel Régional du Perche
  • Location: Near Nogent-le-Rotrou
  • Entry Fee: Free

Night Stay: Return to Chartres and stay at Gîte Rural de la Vallée, a rustic farmhouse offering budget accommodations.

  • Accommodation: Gîte Rural de la Vallée
  • Address: 1 Rue de la Fontaine, 28000 Chartres
  • Cost: €35 per night

Additional Expenses for Enhanced Comfort

  • Rental Car: Renting a car for easier access to remote areas costs approximately €40 per day.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours of Chartres Cathedral and Château de Maintenon cost around €15 per person.
  • Comfortable Accommodations: Upgrading to a mid-range hotel like Hôtel Jehan de Beauce in Chartres costs €80 per night.