A Travel Price Comparison for France Dijon vs. Chartres for Food, Attractions, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Dijon or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Dijon 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a relaxing, historical, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food and museums.

Dijon and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dijon or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dijon. Although Dijon and Chartres are popular destinations, Dijon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dijon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Dijon is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also well known for The Ducal Palace. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Dijon different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dijon
Chartres

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

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon
Chartres

Dijon 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, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Dijon
Chartres

Dijon is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Dijon has a few options to choose from. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Chartres?

Dijon
Chartres

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Dijon or Chartres Better for Families?

Dijon
Chartres

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

Dijon offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

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 Dijon or Chartres Better for Couples?

Dijon
Chartres

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

Dijon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Chartres is a good city 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 Dijon or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dijon
Chartres

Both Dijon and Chartres are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

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 Dijon or Chartres Better for Students?

Dijon
Chartres

Dijon is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Dijon
Chartres

Chartres is notable for its public transit. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Chartres can move around easily with public transportation. 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.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Dijon or Chartres a more walkable city?

Dijon
Chartres

Chartres is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dijon or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dijon than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dijon or Chartres? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dijon 2-4 
    Chartres 1-2

One day in Dijon or Chartres?

The city of Dijon offers food and shopping. 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.

In Chartres, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dijon or Chartres?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Chartres?

Dijon 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.

Chartres is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Chartres. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Dijon or Chartres?

Dijon is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Dijon?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dijon is €153, while the average daily cost in Chartres is €117. 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 Dijon and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dijon 80
    Chartres 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dijon 160
    Chartres 118
Compare Hotels in Dijon and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Dijon or Chartres? 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 Dijon


Hotels in Chartres


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: Dijon Hotel Prices and Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dijon 36
    Chartres 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dijon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dijon:

  • 2 Hour Private Tour of Dijon - with Hotel Transfer: $433

Is it cheaper to fly into Dijon or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Dijon 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
    Dijon 48
    Chartres 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dijon 25
    Chartres 22

Tours and Activities in Dijon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dijon are as follows:

  • DIJON : Private Walking Tour: $179
  • Dijon : City Walking Tour with Audio Guide (Office Tourisme): $7.60
  • Dijon City Tour : Highlights Tour with Gourmet Break: $61
  • Dijon Private Guided Walking Tour: $299
  • Dijon private guided city tour: $382
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour through the City: $5.99
  • Bike tour and Tastings in the Vineyards of Burgundy: $72
  • City Tour with a French-speaking Guide: $13
  • Historic Guided Walking Tour: $390
  • Half Day Tour of the Cote de Nuits Vineyards from Dijon: $97
  • More than just Mustard: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in Dijon: $5.99
  • Private city tour - Dijon the essential - 2h: $239

Tours and Activities in Chartres

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

  • Private tour of Chartres town from Paris: $597

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dijon 29
    Chartres 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Dijon

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Dijon:

  • Wine Tasting in Dijon - Masterclass Pinot Noir: $39
  • Wine Tasting in Dijon - Chardonnay Masterclass: $39
  • Cheese and Wine Tasting of Burgundy: $49
  • La Cave du Palais Burgundy Wine Tasting Experience: $60
  • Wine Tasting Workshop with Tastings: $65
  • Small-Group Burgundy Tour with Wine Tastings from Dijon: $74


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


Which is Bigger, Dijon or Chartres?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Dijon and Chartres, 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 Dijon 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 Dijon or Chartres in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Dijon is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dijon in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chartres. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In the summer, Dijon often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dijon 21°C (70°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Chartres in the Autumn?

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

In October, Dijon is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 13°C (55°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during autumn. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dijon usually receives more rain than Chartres. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dijon 13°C (55°F) 
    Chartres 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Chartres in the Winter?

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

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dijon. Dijon is cooler than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Dijon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chartres. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dijon 3°C (38°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Dijon or Chartres in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Dijon is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dijon in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Dijon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during spring. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dijon usually receives more rain than Chartres. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dijon 11°C (53°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Dijon

Dijon Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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