Ah! The smell of lavender wafting in a summer breeze, the sun-drenched countryside bursting with charm and historic attractions, the enchanting medieval towns and the colourful open-air markets could make you believe you are in Provence.

A ride in a hot air balloon in Eure et Loir is without a doubt a mesmerizing adventure. Being in the sky like a bird, above the clouds in silence… enjoying the landscape from awe-inspiring angles is something that words cannot explain.

From fairytale cobbled streets and captivating architecture to candlelit restaurants and inviting riverside walks, Chartres has a lot of romance to offer. Full of charm and friendly locals, quintessential Chartres is a truly seductive city for lovebirds.

Every year from April to October, Chartres en Lumières returns to transform the city into a nocturnal wonderland. When night falls, follow the spectacular light trail to discover a magical world of illuminations and marvel at historic buildings bathed in light and colours. This twinkly light walk is sure to make any viewer's jaw drop!

Autumn. It's just around the corner. Golden leaves, crisp mornings, the beautiful scenery of the Eure Valley… Autumn may well be one of the best times of the year to visit Eure et Loir! So start packing the binoculars, strapping on the hiking boots, and you’ll be firing up the Instagram feeds for some pretty cool autumn adventures.

The Perche is the kind of place that lingers with you long after you leave. Expect to see gorgeous quintessential villages, pretty cottages and historic mansions, ancient churches, miles of green unspoilt landscapes, rolling hills and large pastoral vales.

Learn what it’s like to live alongside Mother Nature in a haven of open spaces and fresh air, trees and tranquility. Welcome to the Senonches forest for a stay at Huttopia Senonches Holiday Village, an absolute dream come true for nature lovers.

Deep in the Perche, in the sleepy village of Thiron-Gardais lurks a beautiful abbey oozing an inimitable charm. Thiron is a must-see village in Eure et Loir to enjoy a change of scenery and incredible heritage in an atmospheric setting!

If you're looking to explore France’s most picturesque areas by bike, then leisure cycling holidays are the ones for you! Long distance routes like the Veloscenic - an itinerary from Paris to the Mont St-Michel via Chartres, Eure et Loir and Normandy - offer a whole lot more than just a bike ride.

Make your way to the Loir Valley and discover a wonderland full of striking landscapes and winding waterways. Follow the river as it meanders through the heart of the region and take your pick of all kinds of watery fun, from boating and kayaking to fishing and canoeing.

Looking for a holiday in France with a difference this year? Imagine something totally out of the norm, perched high above the ground and canopied in leafy branches…

Take a deep breath and embrace your adventurous side in Eure et Loir ! Rolling hills carved by winding country lanes, charming villages from another time... But Eure et Loir has a wild side waiting to be uncovered.

Love cooking? Whether you're a keen amateur or don't know your béchamel from your bouillabaisse, you can't do much better than a cookery course in France if you're after a life-enhancing activity with purpose!

Planning to take a boat trip down Little Venise in Eure et Loir? Embark onboard from the village of Bonneval and glide along the canals of Little Venise in the Beauce area. It’s such great way to spend some quiet time in this peaceful medieval town while enjoying its highlights, its hidden gems and local culinary delights.

Considering cycling holidays in Eure et Loir and looking for inspiration on the best routes to ride? With its green landscapes strewn with numerous villages, the Perche is the ideal setting for an easy ride along the Veloscenic cycle route.

Jump in your horse-drawn carriage and head for the Court of the Sun King!

Now, more than ever, we need to look after ourselves and place a focus on wellness. During your holidays in Eure et Loir, nothing beats checking into the Grand Monarque**** , a blissful spa hotel in Chartres to blow away the cobwebs in style with your loved-one.

Imagine a family holiday where you can hike, cycle and unwind in nature. Imagine that moment of kicking back in a cosy forest accommodation surrounded by fresh breeze and swaying trees. Imagine off-the-beaten-track adventures, with hidden gems waiting around every corner. It’s all happening in the Perche!

Eure et Loir is ideal for travelling with children because of its compact size, packing a lot of attractions into a small area. So, if a good dose of family fun is in order today– here are a few of our favourite spots that everyone will enjoy, especially the kids.

Sometimes it’s nice to get away with your loved one and leave the world behind. In Eure et Loir, the Senonches forest offers retreats with romance in mind.

Holidays at last! Sun is shining, weather is sweet, make you want to move your pedaling feet! Grab your best friends for an active getaway in a picturesque area of natural beauty: the Perche. Travelling in small groups, around a passion for the outdoors and with like-minded friends and family is truly special!

In French, a “Madeleine de Proust” is an expression used to describe smells, tastes, sounds reminding you of your childhood or bringing back emotional memories from a long time ago. Let’s follow in the footsteps of Marcel Proust, the famous French author inspired by Eure et Loir, and whose spirit is still very much alive around the village of Illiers-Combray.

Trying local food is one of the joys of travel! Here in Eure et Loir, local producers take pride in their regional specialities, using recipes passed down through the years and only the very best ingredients.

Sun is shining, weather is sweet. And there’s so much wonderful nature and water fun to enjoy on a day out at the lake of Mézières-Ecluzelles! Grab your friends, your swimsuit, your picnic basket and off you go! On the agenda: splash party, giggles, aperitif and exciting water sports families can do together.

Want to learn an exciting new hobby during your stay in Eure et Loir? Chartres is the capital of a very particular craft undertaken by glassmakers and stained-glass artists for centuries, initially for places of worship.

Nothing quite compares to a good girls' trip with your best friends to really have some fun. That said, figuring out where to go and what to do on a girls' getaway can be tricky. This is exactly why we've rounded up a list of the best things to do in Chartres for your next girls' trip in Eure et Loir. Now, all you have to do is pack.