A Travel Price Comparison for France Chartres vs. Biarritz for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chartres or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Biarritz? 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chartres and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Chartres is more popular for its museums. Biarritz is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Biarritz for the nightlife scene. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is great for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is great for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Biarritz?

Biarritz is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

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

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

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 Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Chartres can get you to some 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Chartres or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Chartres and Biarritz are high quality when it comes to walkability.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Biarritz?

Both Chartres and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Biarritz?

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Biarritz?

Chartres 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chartres, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Biarritz?

Chartres 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.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Chartres or Biarritz?

Chartres is a great place to explore. 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.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside 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 comparing the travel costs between Chartres and Biarritz, we can see that Biarritz 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Biarritz?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Biarritz this time of the year. In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chartres usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chartres usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chartres or Biarritz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Biarritz. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Chartres is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chartres in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Chartres usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. In January, Chartres is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 5°C (40°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In January, Chartres usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chartres or Biarritz in the Spring?

Both Biarritz and Chartres during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Chartres is around the same temperature as Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Chartres often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chartres usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Chartres