Chartres en lumières 2026

21 sites illuminated every evening at dusk

Chartres en lumières returns from April 11, 2026, to January 3, 2027, featuring 21 illuminated sites every night of the week, from dusk until 1 a.m. (11 p.m. starting October 25)!

Immerse yourself in a magical, colorful world and discover the must-see sites in the heart of Chartres in a unique way.

Enjoy the stories told to you at your own pace and according to your preferences by freely designing your own route.

Must-Sees

Chartres Cathedral

An iconic landmark of the city, Chartres Cathedral alone features four light shows, totaling about 40 minutes of entertainment!

Two light shows are projected alternately each evening on the Royal Portal: “BLEU – Mirror of Men and the Sky” and “Nave of Light...”.

A third illuminates the North Portal: “The Illuminated Stone”.

And a fourth lights up the South Portal: “Let’s go see if the rose...”.

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Theater of Chartres

This beautiful Italian-style theater invites you to a truly enchanting escape. An artistic journey filled with color, scenery, and a sense of wonder.

Between the main stage and the orchestra pit, scenes unfold one after another, drawing inspiration from the most beautiful productions and the greatest artists.

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Saint-Pierre's Church

The philosopher’s stone, rocks, gemstones, or sand… you’ll see a thousand and one stones displayed on the Church of Saint-Pierre.

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The banks of the Eure

Stroll along the Eure River in the unspoiled setting of Chartres’ lower town, and let yourself be captivated by the illuminations that bring the monuments, bridges, and wash houses to life.

Take the Pont des Minimes, for example, where the lighting design features a rich array of geometric patterns and plays with reflections, blurring the line between stone and water. Here, beauty and harmony reign supreme.

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Others scenographies

Activities

Trail in Chartres en lumières

As every year, the Trail will accompany the launch of Chartres en lumières.

The runners will run all over the city centre around the most beautiful illuminations of Chartres en lumières, under the encouragement of their supporters!

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Guided tours in Petit Chart'train

Set off on a luminous journey without tiring yourself out. From April to January, the Petit Chart'train winds its way through the city centre in the evening from one illuminated site to the next, commenting on the treasures and mysteries of the old town of Chartres.

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Chartres en lumières celebrates Christmas !

Get ready to experience the magic of the holidays with Chartres en lumières! Starting in late November, a dozen sites will be decked out in Christmas colors.

Marvel at the river of elves on the bridges and wash houses of the lower town, attend a banquet at the Hôtel Montescot, or set off on a journey to Lapland at the Museum of Fine Arts. And of course, the Christmas spirit will also illuminate Chartres Cathedral.

Practical informations

Dates and times

The 21 sites of Chartres en Lumières are illuminated EVERY evening, from dusk:

  • until 1 am, from April 11, 2026, to October 24, 2026;
  • then until 11 pm, from October 25, 2026, to January 3, 2027.

The lighting schedule varies depending on when night falls.

Check our calendar for specific times

Free route

Enjoy the stories that are told at your own pace and according to your desires: you are free to design your own itinerary and stroll through the city centre of Chartres.

Geolocate all the illuminated sites on the Chartres en lumières map