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

Should you visit Chartres or Beaune?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Beaune? 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 grand, spectacular, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Chartres or Beaune?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Beaune than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Beaune is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Also, Beaune is famous for The Surrounding Vineyards. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Beaune 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 Beaune?

Chartres
Beaune

Beaune is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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 Beaune? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chartres
Beaune

Beaune 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, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Chartres
Beaune

Beaune is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Chartres
Beaune

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

The rich history of Beaune can be explored in its historical center. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Beaune?

Chartres
Beaune

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beaune. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Beaune Better for Families?

Chartres
Beaune

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

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

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 Beaune Better for Couples?

Chartres
Beaune

Beaune is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Beaune makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres
Beaune

Chartres is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

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

Chartres
Beaune

Chartres is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around 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.

While Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Chartres or Beaune a more walkable city?

Chartres
Beaune

Beaune 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.

Beaune is a very easy town to get around on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Beaune Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Chartres or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beaune 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 Beaune.


  • How many days in Chartres or Beaune? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chartres 1-2 
    Beaune 2-4

One day in Chartres or Beaune?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The town of Beaune offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Chartres or Beaune?

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Beaune 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 Beaune, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Beaune?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Beaune is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand destination of Chartres. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Beaune is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.


Which place is cheaper, Beaune or Chartres?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chartres is €117, while the average daily cost in Beaune is €166. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chartres and Beaune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chartres 59
    Beaune 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chartres 118
    Beaune 166
Compare Hotels in Chartres and Beaune

Looking for a hotel in Chartres or Beaune? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chartres


Hotels in Beaune


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chartres Hotel Prices and Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chartres 26
    Beaune 41

Is it cheaper to fly into Chartres or Beaune?

Prices for flights to both Beaune and Chartres change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chartres 39
    Beaune 54

Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chartres 22
    Beaune 33

Tours and Activities in Chartres

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Chartres.

  • Private tour of Chartres town from Paris: $597

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beaune - Historic Guided Walking Tour: $401
  • Beaune - Private walking tour: $195
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains: $270
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $60
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $61
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $190
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $193
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group full day tour in the Burgundy vineyards: $212
  • Small group guided tour - Beaune 2h: $17

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chartres 12
    Beaune 48

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $22
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $230
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $231
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $242
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $242
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $266
  • Private Burgundy Côte de Beaune Wine Tour Experience from Beaune: $293
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $960
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $960


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chartres and Beaune, we can see that Beaune 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune 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 Beaune Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chartres or Beaune?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chartres or Beaune in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Beaune. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Chartres is around the same temperature as Beaune in the summer. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Beaune fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beaune. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In the summer, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Beaune. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chartres 20°C (68°F) 
    Beaune 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Beaune in the Autumn?

Both Beaune and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

In the autumn, Chartres is around the same temperature as Beaune. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chartres in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Beaune averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Chartres usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune during autumn. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Beaune. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chartres 13°C (56°F) 
    Beaune 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Beaune in the Winter?

Both Beaune and Chartres during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beaune. It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In January, Chartres is generally a little warmer than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 5°C (40°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Chartres often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Beaune. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chartres 5°C (40°F) 
    Beaune 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Chartres or Beaune in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Beaune. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beaune in the spring for the small town charm.

Chartres is around the same temperature as Beaune in the spring. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Beaune fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Chartres usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beaune during spring. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chartres usually receives less rain than Beaune. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chartres 11°C (52°F) 
    Beaune 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Beaune and Chartres

Chartres Beaune
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)


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