On Place des Epars, just minutes from the UNESCO-listed cathedral, Le Grand Monarque has been a Chartres institution for nearly sixty years. A former coaching inn taken over by the Jallerat family in 1968, the establishment remains the city's benchmark hotel.
A former coaching inn turned family house
The history of Le Grand Monarque dates back to the era of coaching inns, when travellers stopped in Chartres on the road linking Paris to Brittany. Run since 1968 by the Jallerat family, the hotel has retained this strong local anchoring: it is as much an address for passing visitors as a meeting place for the people of Chartres themselves, who gather at its bar or brasserie.
Kings and queens of France in the decor
The decor at Le Grand Monarque plays on an unapologetically royal theme: suites are named after kings of France, rooms after queens, in a setting mixing damask, embroidery and fabrics from great fashion houses. Character staircases, cut-stone walls and an interior courtyard complete this atmosphere, both historic and refined, conceived by owner Nathalie Jallerat.
Le Georges, a Michelin-starred table at the heart of the city
The establishment houses three distinct dining spaces: the Brasserie La Cour for bourgeois cuisine under a glass roof, the Bistrot Racines for a more relaxed bistronomy, and above all Le Georges, a Michelin-starred restaurant that represents the house's gastronomic peak, showcasing local and French producers.
A recent spa completing the experience
Less expected in an address so steeped in history, a recently fitted-out spa offers a pool, hammam, sauna and cold plunge, a contemporary addition that lets the hotel stay competitive with today's traveller expectations without ever betraying its historic character.
Why stay here
Le Grand Monarque offers the most direct access to the cathedral and Chartres's historic centre, ideal notably during "Chartres en Lumières", the city's night-time illumination display held from April to October. It is a getaway of under an hour from Paris, ideal for a short but rich cultural escape.
I’m Romanian and passionate about traveling across Europe. I love discovering new cultures, exploring historic cities, and enjoying authentic experiences. Through my articles on CityTravelers.com, I share my discoveries, travel tips, and enthusiasm to inspire others to explore the richness of Europe’s cultural heritage.
