A Travel Price Comparison for France La Rochelle vs. Chartres for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Rochelle or Chartres?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

La Rochelle and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is La Rochelle different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Chartres?

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

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

La Rochelle is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Most people don't head to Chartres specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a few bars where you can grab a drink while you're in town.

Is La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is La Rochelle or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of La Rochelle can be explored in its historical center. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a popular place for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Chartres?

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

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Families?

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

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

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 La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Chartres is a good coastal 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 La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both La Rochelle and Chartres are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle or Chartres Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its public transit.

Public transit in Chartres can get you to some places easily. 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.

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is La Rochelle or Chartres a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Chartres are high quality when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Rochelle or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Chartres?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular town of Chartres. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Chartres?

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the grand destination of Chartres. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Chartres?

La Rochelle 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.

The historic town of Chartres offers food and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Chartres?

La Rochelle 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 coastal town offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between La Rochelle and Chartres, 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 La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Chartres?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Chartres?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, 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.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. La Rochelle usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives less rain than Chartres. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and La Rochelle during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets more sunshine than Chartres. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Chartres. Many travelers come to La Rochelle 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. In January, La Rochelle is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

La Rochelle usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Chartres. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets more sunshine than Chartres. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and La Rochelle