Chartres is a lovely little town at an hour-and-a-half ride from Paris. There is a train leaving almost every hour to take you to Chartres and it is worth the trip. Of course, everybody knows about the Chartres Cathedral. Lots of people visit this little town just to admire the two towers of the church and the beautiful Chartres-blue stained-windows of the Cathedral. In my opinion, the cathedral represents just half the beauty of this town. Once you have seen it, please try to find some time to go to the cemetery. Yes, to the cemetery. Or at least go in that direction and try to find the house they call Maison Picassiette. Raymond Isidore, who lived in it, was an artist without even knowing it. He was a tramway conductor, a cemetery sweeper. He covered patiently his house, garden and furniture (during 30 years) with small pieces of faience, porcelain and broken pottery. You really want to see it, trust me. It is worth paying the entrance-fee and dealing with the frustration that you cannot take pictures.
Well, I must say here that we got lucky: it was a Monday morning, around 11 and the guy at the entrance was not there so we just got in, looked around, ignored the no-photos sign, took some pictures and left. I guess we got lucky… Try the same day and hour to see if it was just our luck or if maybe the entrance-guy is having his croissant at that hour. And since you already are back on the streets of Chartres, take some time to walk along the river. The river banks are just beautiful, and there are charming little houses as you come down to the center. Do not forget to stop at one of the little shops to enjoy some fresh pastries and practice your French with the locals.