Paris is famous for its gorgeous historic streets, Gothic cathedral and, of course, the  hordes of tourists who flock there every year. If you love the idea of a French getaway, but hate the thought of being part of the throngs of people who clog up Paris’s streets, then you need to have this charming dupe destination on your bucket list.

The town of Chartres is just an hour’s drive away from Paris, and has all of its charm with far fewer people. Chartres even has its own Gothic Cathedral – the UNESCO World Heritage site Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres. The towering spires and intricate stained glass windows are breathtaking and the cathedral is the perfect place to start when exploring this Parisian dupe.

Once you have explored the cathedral and its crypt you can walk to the nearby Old Town. Chartres is a very walkable city which makes it the perfect place to stop off.

The Old Town is full of cute cafes and restaurants you can check out and sample delicious pastries that France is famous for.

From there, stroll along the Eure River bank and explore its many boutique stores and slightly more upmarket restaurants, albeit, all with a lower price point than Paris. 

After a stroll down the river, why not go into the Museum of Fine Art for some culture, or even the quirky Maison Picassiett? It’s a house covered in mosaics made of broken glass and pottery.

Ideal for architecture lovers, spiritual travellers, or those seeking a slower pace, Chartres combines cultural richness with small-town charm.

Its walkability and relaxed atmosphere make it a refreshing addition to a French itinerary and if you are en route to the Loire Valley or the southwest of France, it’s the perfect place to stop off.

Just under an hour by train or car from Paris, Chartres really is the perfect dupe destination – it has all the charm, none of the crowds and half the price tag.