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

Should you visit Chartres or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Chartres or Volterra? 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 historic, grand, and spectacular town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Chartres and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chartres or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volterra. Although Chartres and Volterra are popular destinations, Volterra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster. It is also well known for The Roman Theater.

How is Chartres different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volterra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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 Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra 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, Volterra is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 Volterra Better for Nightlife?

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

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chartres or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Volterra can be explored in its historical center. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Chartres or Volterra?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chartres or Volterra Better for Families?

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

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

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 Volterra Better for Couples?

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

Volterra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

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 Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Chartres and Volterra are nice 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

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

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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 Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Chartres or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra 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.

Volterra is a very easy town to get around on foot. Most people explore the town 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 Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Chartres?

How long in Chartres or Volterra?

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

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

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

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

One day in Chartres or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Volterra?

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.

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

Five days in Chartres or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Chartres and Volterra, we can see that Chartres 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 Volterra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chartres or Volterra?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Chartres and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chartres as well as Volterra. The summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

In July, Chartres is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 20°C (68°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In the summer, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Chartres gets 239 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Chartres are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chartres is cooler than Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chartres averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Chartres gets 126 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Chartres usually receives less rain than Volterra. Chartres gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chartres or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Chartres during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. In the winter, Chartres is much colder than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chartres in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Chartres often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Chartres gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Chartres usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Chartres gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chartres or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chartres and Volterra. Many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Chartres is generally cooler than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Chartres average around 11°C (52°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Chartres usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Chartres gets 173 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chartres usually receives less rain than Volterra. Chartres gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Chartres