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

Should you visit Lyon or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Lyon or Chartres, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Lyon

Lyon is a cultural, quaint, and authentic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Lyon and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lyon or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lyon than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lyon is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Lyon is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, charming old town, and vibrant new town. Also, Lyon is famous for The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Lyon different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Lyon are world-renowned. There are many world class museums and historic landmarks in the city including Musée des Beaux Arts, Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

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 Lyon or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lyon 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, Lyon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Known as "the Gastronomic Capital of the World" this city stands above the rest when it comes to Michelin star restaurants (there are 17!), fresh ingredients, and unique local flavors. Favorite local dishes include pâté en croûte, rosette de Lyon, and saucisson brioché.

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 Lyon or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Lyon is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Lyon for the nightlife scene. The city has enough diverse neighborhoods that you'll find a scene that is great for everyone. There are dance clubs, cocktail bars, and wine bars that meet every personality and style.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Lyon or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Lyon can be explored in its historical center. This impressive old town climbs from the river into Fourvière Hill. It's a Renaissance era district with beautiful buildings and plenty of character. You can spend days wandering the quaint streets and popping in the world class restaurants.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lyon or Chartres?

Lyon is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Lyon is well-known for its shopping. The city has many trendy markets, pedestrian shopping areas, and character-filled boutiques. From the charming shops in old town to the chic shopping streets, there are plenty of places to splurge around town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lyon or Chartres Better for Families?

Lyon is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Lyon is very family-friendly. The city has many kid-friendly museums including Musée des Confluences and the Cinema and Miniature Museum. There are also playgrounds, patisseries, and river cruises that you can enjoy as a family. Puppet shows are also fun, but do note that they're usually in French. While the restaurants are amazing for adults, it can be tricky to find a kid-friendly option with early opening hours that are convenient for little ones.

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 Lyon or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Lyon is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy wandering the beautiful Old Town, taking a river cruise, and dining on some of the best food in France.

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 Lyon or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lyon is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Lyon. The city has several hostels and a number of activities that are fun for budget travelers and backpackers.

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 Lyon or Chartres Better for Students?

Lyon is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Lyon. It is a very livable city with many fun cultural activities for students. There are many different entertainment options during the day, and during the evening there are plenty of places to hang out.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Lyon is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Lyon has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city has a metro, trams, and buses, that make it easy to get around.

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.

Is Lyon or Chartres a more walkable city?

Lyon and Chartres both are very good when exploring on foot.

Lyon is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, but the hills can make things a bit challenging. There are also a number of pedestrian streets around town.

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 Lyon Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Lyon?

How long in Lyon or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lyon or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lyon than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Lyon, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Lyon or Chartres?

Lyon is a big city with plenty to do. 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 museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Lyon or Chartres?

Lyon 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Lyon or Chartres?

Lyon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lyon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and food around the spectacular destination of Chartres. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Lyon or Chartres?

Lyon is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

The historic town of Chartres offers food and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Lyon or Chartres?

Lyon has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lyon as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Lyon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 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 Lyon this time of the year. In the summer, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Lyon gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Lyon usually gets more rain in July than Chartres. Lyon gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lyon or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Lyon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Lyon is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lyon in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during autumn. Lyon gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lyon usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lyon gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lyon or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Lyon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lyon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. The weather in Lyon can be very cold. In January, Lyon is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Lyon average around 4°C (39°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Lyon often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Lyon gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Lyon or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lyon and Chartres. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lyon this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

Lyon is around the same temperature as Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Lyon averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Lyon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during spring. Lyon gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lyon usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lyon gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Lyon