Conflans-Sainte-Honorine to Maintenon and Chartres: Day trip

Explore Chateau de Maintenon, the intimate residence of Madame de Maintenon, Louis XIV's secret second wife. Tour her private apartments with their period furnishings and the King's apartment where Louis XIV stayed during his visits. Stroll through the formal French gardens designed by André Le Nôtre, then walk to the park's far end to see the impressive ruins of the massive Roman aqueduct that Louis XIV began building to carry water to Versailles, an ambitious project that was never completed. The chateau offers a more personal glimpse into royal life away from Versailles' formality, with guided tours revealing court intrigue and romance. Peruse ticket prices https://www.chateaudemaintenon.fr/en/plan-your-visit/prices and seasonal hours https://www.chateaudemaintenon.fr/en/plan-your-visit/opening-times before visiting.

Enter Chartres Cathedral to witness one of the world's most complete collections of medieval stained glass windows creating an ethereal blue light throughout the interior. Walk the famous labyrinth set into the nave floor—available for pilgrims on Fridays when chairs are moved aside. Climb the north tower for panoramic views and examine the flying buttresses up close. Explore the crypt, one of France's largest, to see the ancient well where druids once worshipped before Christianity arrived. In the medieval town, wander cobblestone streets lined with half-timbered houses and visit the International Stained Glass Centre to understand the artistic techniques behind these luminous masterpieces. Before visiting, be sure to verify the cathedral's opening hours and ticket prices online: https://www.cathedrale-chartres.org/en/visite/practical-information/ticket-prices/