Chartres was developed on top of a defensive site, looking over the Eure River Valley; it was hemmed in by steep hills. An upper and lower town was in that way created; they were connected by “tertres” (in the language of Chartres, slopes that allowed rapid access from the lower part of the town to the higher section). These were:
Their slope could sometimes reach a height of some 99 feet.
Saint Nicholas was the patron saint of mariners; this hill, with its 155 steps, served as the link between the river craft port located at the both the upper and lower town. This hill had been know by names that were less brilliant than that of the patron saint of children and seafarers: in effect, during the Middle Ages it was called Cligne-Putain Street [Wink at a Whore Street], without a doubt, because of its nighttime activity!
This hill was created by combining the Rats and the Petit Cerf hills; this was made possible because of the demolition of houses, which took place around 1885. One could be emotionally affected by the thought of water carriers of times gone by, with their basins, who had to climb this slope so that they could supply the upper town with water from the Saint André fountain. The steps that today make it easier to ascend the hill were installed in 1815.
Starting in the 10th century, there is mention of mills that were set up along the Eure River, next to town. So that this motor force could be used as advantageously as possible, the river was divided into several reaches bordered by floodgates that were more often than not occupied by two twin mills but which belonged to different owners. Until the 19th century, three mills were in operation at the site of the present-day metal bridge. Only the names of two of them are known: the Chaume Mill, and Cinq Ruelles, or Pastoureaux Mill. A little farther away, a restaurant has taken over the place where the Ponceau and Coche-Filet mills used to stand. In all, some dozen wheels used to function inside the town. The majority of them came to a standstill during the 19th century. The delicate maneuvering of floodgates brought about numerous lawsuits between those the used the river.
All the buildings that surround the reach of the river between Taillard Bridge and Bouju Bridge are nowadays a housing for the elderly. It is one of the strong points when it comes to the renovation of this disinherited neighborhood; this falls within the scope of the measures taken to preserve the old town, built in accordance with the Malraux Law (1962). The common sections were developed on top of the arches, which formerly supported two mills that were replaced during the 19th century by a dyer’s business that had steaming equipment. The name of the wharf that was set up on the riverbank brings to mind the activity that was carried out by various washing and drying establishments.
Mairie de Chartres
Place des Halles
28000 Chartres
Standard tous services :
Tel. :+33 (0)2 37 23 40 00
Fax : +33 (0)2 37 23 41 99
Heures d'ouverture
Du lundi au vendredi : 9 h 00-17 h 00
Le samedi : 9 h 00-12 h 30
