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

Should you visit Connemara or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Chartres? 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a remote, dramatic, and breathtaking region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

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.

Connemara and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Connemara. Although Connemara and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Connemara has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Connemara is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves. It is also home to Connemara National Park.

How is Connemara different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chartres and Connemara. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Connemara or Chartres?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Connemara or Chartres.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Connemara. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Connemara or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Connemara 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.

Connemara has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

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 Connemara or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Connemara is mediocre for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Connemara You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Connemara or Chartres Better for Beaches?

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

Connemara is considered a top beach destination. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Connemara is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is Connemara or Chartres Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Connemara or Chartres as a family destination.

Connemara is not the most family-friendly destination. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Chartres is not always a place people visit with their families. 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 Connemara or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Connemara is a great region if you're traveling as a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Chartres is a good region 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 Connemara or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

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

Chartres is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Connemara or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Connemara than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Connemara, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Connemara or Chartres?

The beautiful region of Connemara offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Chartres. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Chartres?

Connemara is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this region makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Connemara, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find museums and food around the grand destination of Chartres. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Connemara or Chartres?

Connemara is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that hiking 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic town of Chartres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Connemara or Chartres?

Connemara is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 region offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Chartres?

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 Connemara or Chartres in the Summer?

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

In July, Connemara is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 16°C (60°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. In the summer, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chartres. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Chartres in the Autumn?

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

Connemara is cooler than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. In October, Connemara usually receives more rain than Chartres. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Connemara or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Connemara during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Connemara is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Connemara in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Connemara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Chartres in the Spring?

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

In April, Connemara is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 9°C (48°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Connemara usually receives more rain than Chartres. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Connemara