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

Should you visit Le Mans or Chartres?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Le Mans and Chartres can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Le Mans and Chartres: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Le Mans or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Le Mans. Although Le Mans and Chartres are popular destinations, Le Mans has more sights and attractions for tourists. Le Mans is very popular for its nightlife, while Chartres attracts visitors for its food. Chartres is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races. It is also well known for The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans.

How is Le Mans different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Chartres?

Le Mans
Chartres

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Le Mans or Chartres.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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 Le Mans or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Le Mans
Chartres

Chartres is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Chartres. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Le Mans or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans
Chartres

Le Mans 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 Le Mans has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Le Mans or Chartres Better for Families?

Le Mans
Chartres

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

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

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 Le Mans or Chartres Better for Couples?

Le Mans
Chartres

Both Le Mans and Chartres are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Chartres makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Le Mans or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans
Chartres

For backpackers, both Le Mans and Chartres are nice places to visit.

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

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

Le Mans
Chartres

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

Public transit in Chartres is fairly effecient and thorough. 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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Le Mans or Chartres a more walkable city?

Le Mans
Chartres

Chartres is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Chartres?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chartres than Le Mans 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 Le Mans or Chartres? Ideal Length of Stay
    Le Mans 1-3 
    Chartres 1-2

One day in Le Mans or Chartres?

The town of Le Mans offers museums and nightlife. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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.

A weekend in Le Mans or Chartres?

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

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.


Five days in Le Mans or Chartres?

Le Mans 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.

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.

A week in Le Mans or Chartres?

Le Mans 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.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chartres or Le Mans?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Le Mans is €83, 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 Le Mans and Chartres in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Le Mans 37
    Chartres 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Le Mans 74
    Chartres 118
Compare Hotels in Le Mans and Chartres

Looking for a hotel in Le Mans 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 Le Mans


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: Le Mans Hotel Prices and Chartres Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Le Mans 30
    Chartres 26

Is it cheaper to fly into Le Mans or Chartres?

Prices for flights to both Chartres and Le Mans 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
    Le Mans 27
    Chartres 39

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Le Mans 15
    Chartres 22

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
    Le Mans 12
    Chartres 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Le Mans and Chartres, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Chartres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chartres than you might in Le Mans.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Le Mans Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Chartres?

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

Both Chartres and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Le Mans is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Le Mans in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Le Mans. Le Mans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during summer. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Chartres. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F) 
    Chartres 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Le Mans during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town atmosphere. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Le Mans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

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


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

Should I visit Le Mans or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Chartres. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. It's quite cold in Le Mans in the winter. Le Mans is around the same temperature as Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Le Mans usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during winter. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Le Mans usually receives more rain than Chartres. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F) 
    Chartres 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Le Mans or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Le Mans is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Le Mans in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Le Mans often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F) 
    Chartres 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Chartres and Le Mans

Le Mans Chartres
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (40°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (52°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
May 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 20°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in) 8°C (47°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 5°C (42°F) 51 mm (2 in)


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