Maison Ailleurs

Located in the historic centre of Chartres, near the cathedral and the pedestrian quarter, we would be pleased to welcome you in this former bishop’s residence with its rose garden and private parking.

Maison Ailleurs means “a home away from home” in French. 

We would like you to experience it that way, a home where you can enjoy breakfast at your own pace in your room or apartment and, later, return to and relax after a day of discovery. Settle in and step back in time, removed from the hectic signs of modernity in a home from another age. 

Because we have always valued authenticity in our own travels, we welcome you with pleasure in rooms that have been designed for your comfort while preserving their historic character. They are spacious, quiet and equipped with kitchenettes so that you can sip an espresso, enjoy our selection of teas or prepare a meal from local products you have discovered.

We aim to deliver great memories and hope that you, like us, will be carried away by the charm of this unique French house. We decorated this house to reflect what we ourselves would like to find, a family home that is open and spacious, a quiet haven hidden in the centre of an historic town.

This particular building has a rich history since the fourteenth century. At that time, it was confiscated from its owner by King Charles V following an apparently political disagreement, and then given by the sovereign to his personal Chaplain as a mark of gratitude. Serving as Church property during four centuries, the confessor of Marie-Antoinette resided here and there is a possibility she came here, as the city gate at the bottom of the street was reportedly widened for her carriage. Confiscated by the State in the French revolution, it was bought by a family in the early 1800s and must have witnessed intense quarrels, with one brother a Monarchist and another a Bonapartist! The property returned to the Church in the early twentieth century, serving as the residence of the Bishop of Chartres for most of the century before passing to a passionate gardener who created a magnificent French rose garden.

The Garden Room

Begin the day by enjoying the view of the traditional French formal garden. In season, roses abound and verdant green glistens with dew; the room is conceived to calm the mind. Comfortable and light, the garden brings you closer to nature even while you are in the historic town centre of Chartres. The sound of the bells of the old quarter may call to mind an epoch when time was not measured by the minute. 

Apartment Charles V

This elegant apartment on the second floor opens to both the paved courtyard and the rose garden. This apartment features a timber wall facing the entry while intimate, gentle colors will greet you in each room. The view from the bedroom reveals the garden’s elaborate design and perspectives. The dining area, living area and kitchen will make you feel right at home. 

The Bishop's Room

The house has known twists of history. This room was at one time a private chapel, at others a major reception hall. Today, the ancient and the modern are combined to offer a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing stay. The high ceilings, a four-poster bed and fabric covered walls: all combine to create a rare and distinctive living experience.