Minimes bridge

River of the elves

Come to the magical land of elves.

Each bridge, each wash house is a Christmas preparation workshop where Santa's little employees are busy. While following the enchanted river, you will be able to observe along the bridges: the workshop of toys manufacture and confectionery, the one of preparation of candles and decorations of the tree...

A création by M2.Creative

Chartres en lumières celebrates Christmas

From November 29th to January 5th, the most beautiful monuments illuminated by Chartres en lumières are decked out in Christmas colours. 

Find out about all the Christmas illuminations

A little history

In the Middle Ages, the district of the lower town of Chartres was in effervescence. Today, the streets bear the names of the many trades of yesteryear.

The wash houses along the Eure river are a testimony to the life of that time, when the washerwomen washed their clothes by hand.

The bridge of the Minimes bears the name of the religious order whose convent occupied this place from the 17th century until the Revolution.

Dates and times

The 21 sites of Chartres en lumières are illuminated EVERY, night from dusk to 1am (11.30pm from the 27 October), until 5th January 2025.

The lighting of the illuminations varies according to the time of nightfall.

  • November: around 6.15pm / 6pm
  • December: 5.45pm
  • January : 5.45pm