Le Grand Monarque

Chartres's historic hotel, on Place des Épars, a family house that already appeared in the first Michelin Guide of 1900. It has four stars and is five minutes' walk from the station and ten from the cathedral.

The rooms

Five categories decorated in Regency style and named after kings and queens: Comfort, 15 to 20 m²; Luxe, up to three people; Prestige; family rooms for up to four, of 30 to 35 m²; and six suites with a lounge, for up to four people. Some face the cathedral or a quiet courtyard: ask when booking.

The hotel

It has a spa with treatments, a beauty salon and a gym, the bar Le Madrigal, the Bistrot Racines, the Brasserie La Cour, open daily, and Le Georges, with one Michelin star. The cellar holds about 30,000 bottles.