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

Should you visit Chartres or Glencoe?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Glencoe? 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food and hiking.

Chartres and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Chartres or Glencoe?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Glencoe. Although Chartres and Glencoe are both popular with visitors, Glencoe has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Glencoe is more popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its museums and small town charm. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Glencoe is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting. It is also home to The Three Sisters.

How is Chartres different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chartres
Glencoe

Chartres is a town with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Chartres
Glencoe

Both Chartres and Glencoe offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Chartres has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Glencoe area. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Chartres or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Chartres
Glencoe

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

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

Chartres
Glencoe

Glencoe is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.


Is Chartres or Glencoe Better for Families?

Chartres
Glencoe

Glencoe 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, Glencoe is very family-friendly. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

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 Glencoe Better for Couples?

Chartres
Glencoe

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

Glencoe is a great village if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

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 Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres
Glencoe

Chartres is a town with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chartres is a good town to visit for backpackers. 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.


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

Chartres
Glencoe

Chartres is well known for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Chartres. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Chartres or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Chartres
Glencoe

Chartres is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable town. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chartres and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Glencoe than in Chartres. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Chartres, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chartres than Glencoe 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 Chartres.


  • How many days in Chartres or Glencoe? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chartres 1-2 
    Glencoe 1-3

One day in Chartres or Glencoe?

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.

The beautiful village of Glencoe offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Glencoe?

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.

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

Five days in Chartres or Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

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.

Glencoe is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This village 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Glencoe 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 Glencoe is €137. 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 Glencoe in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chartres 59
    Glencoe 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chartres 118
    Glencoe 138
Compare Hotels in Chartres and Glencoe

Looking for a hotel in Chartres or Glencoe? 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 Glencoe


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chartres 26
    Glencoe 43

Is it cheaper to fly into Chartres or Glencoe?

Prices for flights to both Glencoe 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
    Glencoe 38

Typical Food Prices in Glencoe

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


  • Lunch for 2
    54
  • Lunch for 2
    27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chartres 22
    Glencoe 34

Tours and Activities in Chartres

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

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41

Tours and Activities in Glencoe

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

  • Evening Cruise in Scotland: $46
  • From Edinburgh: Loch Ness, Glenoce & The Highlands Day Tour: $61
  • From Edinburgh: Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express: $219
  • Loch Linnhe Rib Adventures in Aurora: $64
  • Private Walking Tour in Fort William Town Centre : $13
  • Seal Island Cruise Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chartres 12
    Glencoe 7.91


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