Should you visit Chartres or Auxerre?
Should I visit Chartres or Auxerre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Chartres
Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.
Auxerre
Auxerre is a town in France on the Yonne River and in the Yonne department of the Burgundy region. Historically, the town owes its importance to its important position on the river, and also to the once important trade route between the Mediterranean and the North Sea. Auxerre has received the classification of a protected Historic Town in France as well as being one of the French towns of art and history. Auxerre is an interesting place to visit, with the town center towered over by the cathedral and by several churches. The part of the town of most interest to visitors occupies the hill that runs up from the west bank of the river, and includes the major churches and the historical old town.
Which city is cheaper, Auxerre or Chartres?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Chartres is €93, while the average daily cost in Auxerre is €90. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Chartres and Auxerre in more detail.
Accommodation
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about €94 in Chartres For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Double occupancy rooms typically run around €82 in Auxerre For nicer amenities and a premiere location, you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
Chartres food costs typically run travelers around €31 per day. Eating every meal in a nicer restaurant will drive the cost up, and grabbing fast food or casual meals will help you save money.
On average, meal and food prices in Auxerre cost around €27 per person, per day. While this price can vary widely by location, the type of restaurant, and the amount of food ordered, a typical meal often costs around €11.
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Food
Meals for one day
Chartres €31
Auxerre €27
Local Transportation
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Chartres than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend €21 on transportation in Chartres on average per day.
Auxerre's transportation costs can vary by the type of transport chosen by visitors. Naturally, taxis and private drivers cost much more than public transportation options. On average, visitors spend €37 per person, per day on transportation in Auxerre.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chartres
Also for Chartres, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Transfer: Chartres to Paris-Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG):
$355
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Private Transfer from Chartres Cathedral to Paris City Center:
$138
Entertainment
Sightseeing expenses in Chartres, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of €18 per day, per person.
Sightseeing, admission tickets, things to do, and other entertainment expenses in Auxerre can vary widely by price. On average, visitors spend around €14 per person, per day on entertainment and sightseeing here.
Tours and Activities in Auxerre
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Auxerre.
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Private Half-Day Cruise Tour on the Canal-du-Nivernais:
$1,555
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Touristic highlights of Auxerre a Private half day tour (4 Hours) with a local:
$124
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Chartres, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €9.67.
Alcoholic beverages can often be a significant portion of a traveler's budget, and the costs can vary greatly from person to person. In Auxerre, the average amount that a visitor spends on alcoholic beverages per day is €4.91.
Sample the Local Flavors in Auxerre
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Auxerre:
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Organic, biodynamic and natural wine tours in Burgundy (Chablis & Beaune):
$199
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Chablis & Northern Burgundy Wine Tour:
$205
When comparing the travel costs between Chartres and Auxerre, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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