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

Should you visit Chartres or Cannes?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Cannes? 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. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Cannes

Cannes is a opulent , luxury, and lavish resort city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Chartres and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Cannes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cannes. Although Chartres and Cannes are both popular with visitors, Cannes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Cannes is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its museums and small town charm. Cannes is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also home to Boulevard de la Croisette. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chartres different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres is very good for its sights and museums. However, Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cannes 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, Cannes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

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 Cannes Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Cannes for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Cannes. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is Chartres or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Cannes is a great choice. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Chartres or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few good snorkeling spots. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chartres or Cannes Better for Beaches?

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

Cannes is considered a top beach destination. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chartres or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is great for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Cannes. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Cannes?

Cannes is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Cannes draws large crowds to its stores. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Cannes Better for Families?

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

Cannes offers lots of family activities. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around 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 Cannes Better for Couples?

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

Cannes makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's 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 Cannes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is very good for backpackers. However, Cannes is not a good resort city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Cannes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's more famous for it's celebrity jetsetters than young budget travelers, but there are still several hostels and budget accommodation options tucked away in town.

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

Chartres is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Chartres offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Chartres or Cannes a more walkable city?

Chartres and Cannes are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Cannes is a very walkable destination. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Chartres or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes 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 Cannes.

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Cannes?

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

The beautiful resort city of Cannes offers shopping and nightlife. 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 Cannes?

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.

Cannes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort city makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cannes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Chartres or Cannes?

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.

Cannes 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 Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Cannes 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 resort city 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 Cannes, we can see that Cannes 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 Cannes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cannes 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 Cannes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Cannes?

Cannes has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

Both Cannes and Chartres during the summer are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cannes for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chartres is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chartres in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Cannes averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Cannes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Cannes. Many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cannes in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chartres is generally cooler than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 13°C (56°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Cannes receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Cannes. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chartres or Cannes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Cannes. Many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Chartres is much colder than Cannes in the winter. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Chartres usually gets less rain in January than Cannes. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Cannes in the Spring?

Both Cannes and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In April, Chartres usually receives less rain than Cannes. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Chartres