A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Chartres for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisse or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Lisse 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.

Where Should I go: Lisse or Chartres?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

Chartres

Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisse or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Lisse is cooler than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°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 Lisse. Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Lisse during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Lisse is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Chartres. 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 Lisse. In January, Lisse is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lisse usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Chartres. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

Lisse is cooler than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Lisse