A Travel Price Comparison for France Chartres vs. Avignon for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Chartres or Avignon?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Chartres or Avignon? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Chartres and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Avignon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Avignon. Although Chartres and Avignon are both popular with visitors, Avignon has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Avignon is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. It is also home to Palais des Papes. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Avignon and Chartres. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chartres or Avignon?

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Is the Food Better in Chartres or Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Chartres or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Avignon is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Avignon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Avignon can be explored in its historical center. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Avignon?

Avignon is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Avignon. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Avignon Better for Families?

Avignon is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Avignon offers lots of family activities. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Chartres or Avignon Better for Couples?

Avignon is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Avignon is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Chartres is a good town for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Chartres or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chartres and Avignon are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

Avignon is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Chartres or Avignon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Chartres can get you to most places easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Chartres or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Avignon is a very easy town to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Chartres Worth Visiting? and Is Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chartres or Avignon to fill your time. In our opinion, Avignon has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Avignon than Chartres. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Avignon than Chartres. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Avignon, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Avignon than Chartres. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Avignon that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Avignon than Chartres if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Avignon.

One day in Chartres or Avignon?

In Chartres, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chartres or Avignon?

In Chartres, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer.

Avignon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Avignon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Avignon?

Chartres is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Avignon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Avignon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Avignon is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, and The Best Luxury Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chartres and Avignon, we can see that Avignon is more expensive. And not only is Chartres much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chartres would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chartres and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon than you might in Chartres.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chartres Expensive? and Is Avignon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Avignon, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Chartres or Avignon?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chartres or Avignon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Avignon. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives more rain than Avignon. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Avignon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Avignon. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Avignon. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. Chartres is cooler than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Avignon. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Avignon in the Spring?

Both Avignon and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Chartres is cooler than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chartres in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Avignon, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Chartres