Chartres en Lumieres & The Gardens of Versailles

Chartres en Lumières', the spectacular annual light show, has become one of the city's major attractions since it started back in 2003. Every evening from April as darkness falls, more than 20 of the city's major monuments and attractions are illuminated with striking colours and designs, all set to music. This short break stays in the centre of charming Chartres allowing you to explore this impressive light display on foot at your leisure. Complete the weekend with an included visit to to Versailles to explore Louis XIV's town with its colourful Sunday market, cathedral, museums and café scene. Included entrance to the Gardens of the famous palace will allow you to explore the wonderful displays at its water features, fountains and groves (entrance to the Palace itself not included).Holiday Highlights
- Centrally located hotel in Chartres for 3 nights with continental breakfast- First night set dinner at a local restaurant (walking distance) with hot drink- Day at leisure in Chartres- Visit to Versailles Town- Entrance to the Gardens of Versailles (including fountain shows)

A wonderful French weekend
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, you travel to Dover for the short sea crossing to Calais, then continue to via the auto-routes to Chartres to check into your centrally located hotel for your 3-night stay. First night set dinner is included at a local restaurant just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. On the other two nights you are free to dine at any of the many restaurants and eateries in the city centre.nnDAY 2 - 3 - At leisure in Chartres, with one included excursion. 1 night DBB and 2 nights BBnnEnjoy a day at leisure to explore Chartres including perhaps Europe's finest Gothic edifice, its glorious UNESCO World Heritage 13th century cathedral with its distinctive steeples, dazzling blue stained-glass windows and collection of relics including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) supposed worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus. Stroll the wonderfully preserved old town with its steps and steep streets lined with half-timbered houses which lead downhill to the Eure River. As night falls and the light show begins (approx 22.30 until 01.00 in July), you may like to hop aboard the tourist train to take you around the sites (fare not included - approx. €8.50 pp in 2024). Pick up a special map from the tourist office showing the location of all the illuminations.nnnAlternatively, you may like to join the optional excursion to Orléans on the River Loire.nnOPTIONAL EXCURSIONnOrléansnOrléans is one of the oldest cities in France, where history, Joan of Arc and the Loire have pride of place. Orléans is the city of Joan of Arc and its reputation would not be the same without the famous Maid of Orléans, who helped to end the siege of the city on 8 May 1429. Tribute is paid to her at the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc (entrance approx. €8 pp in 2024) and, of course, there is a street named after her. And what a street it is! It leads directly to the Sainte-Croix Cathedral, a marvel of Gothic architecture that demonstrates the city's rich heritage. The city centre has been entirely renovated with much of it now pedestrianised. The redeveloped banks of the Loire invite you to take a stroll and in the summer, the open-air cafes or “guinguettes” are the perfect place to relax, with a glass of Loire wine in your hand…nnINCLUDED EXCURSIONnThe Gardens of VersaillesnAfter breakfast head off to lovely Versailles. The town itself is often overlooked in favour of its famous palace but it is full of hidden treasures and well worth a visit to take in the quaint little houses of Le Carré Saint Louis, the baroque inspired cathedral and the array of brasseries, boutiques and cafes. Stroll around Versailles Sunday morning market brimming with tempting local produce. The Notre Dame market hall was built during King Louis XIII's reign and offers all the colours and flavours from the Île de France region. (Markets close at 2pm). Entrance to magnificent Gardens of Versailles is included for you to experience formal French-style gardening at its best. Designed to impress, the massive number of topiaries clipped into immaculate shapes is amazing. At the weekend, visitors can enjoy the wonderful water features of all kinds from waterfalls in some of the groves, jets of water in the fountains and the calm reflections in the Water Parterre. With 372 statues, 55 water features, 600 fountains and 35km of canals you can't help but be wowed! There are various water displays throughout the day at different locations in the gardens. (NB entrance to Versailles Palace is NOT included. Cost in 2024 approx. €21 pp with timed entry - advanced booking online recommended once this tour is guaranteed to operate). We are not able to provide assistance with independent ticket arrangements but we will advise when the tour is guaranteed to operate.nn Credit: Chateau de VersaillesnnDAY 4 - Drive back to Calais today and the return ferry crossing to Dover, arriving home during the evening.Hôtel Mercure Chartres Centre Cathédrale
This modern 4* hotel is located in the heart of Chartres just 300m from the famous UNESCO World-Heritage listed cathedral (approx. 8 mins walk). The hotel does not have a restaurant but is well situated to explore the many city centre restaurants and eateries on the two evenings when dinner is not included. It does have a breakfast room, lounge bar area and a small fitness room. Smart guestrooms have air-conditioning, flat screen TV, in-room safe, hair dryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is a liftnPorterage is not available at this hotel.