A Travel Price Comparison for France Marseille vs. Chartres for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Marseille or Chartres?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille 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.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Marseille and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Marseille. Although Marseille and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Marseille has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Marseille is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Chartres is known for its museums and small town charm. Marseille is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity. It is also home to The Vieux Port. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Marseille different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Chartres is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Marseille or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Marseille 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, Marseille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

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 Marseille or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Marseille is a world class party destination. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Marseille or Chartres Better for Beaches?

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

Marseille is a good option for a beach vacation. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Marseille or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Marseille can be explored in its historical center. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Chartres?

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

Marseille is well-known for its shopping. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Marseille or Chartres Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for visiting Christmas markets. However, Chartres does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Chartres does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Chartres Better for Families?

Neither Marseille nor Chartres are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

Marseille is not always a place people visit with their families. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Chartres doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. 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 Marseille or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Marseille is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

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 Marseille or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marseille and Chartres are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marseille. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Chartres is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Marseille or Chartres Better for Students?

Marseille is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

Marseille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Chartres can get you to most 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.

You'll find some public transit in Marseille, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

Is Marseille or Chartres a more walkable city?

Marseille and Chartres are very good when it comes to walkability.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Marseille or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Marseille offers nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the town of Chartres. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Marseille or Chartres?

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

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Chartres?

Marseille 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic town of Chartres. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Marseille or Chartres?

Marseille 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.

Chartres is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marseille or Chartres?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Marseille 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 Marseille 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 Marseille or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Marseille and Chartres. Many visitors come to Marseille in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 24°C (75°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Marseille, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Marseille gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Marseille usually receives less rain than Chartres. Marseille gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Marseille or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Marseille as well as Chartres. Most visitors come to Marseille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

Marseille is a little warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marseille averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Marseille this time of the year. In the autumn, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Marseille gets 205 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Marseille gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marseille or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Marseille are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Marseille because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In the winter, Marseille is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marseille in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Marseille usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Marseille gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Marseille usually receives less rain than Chartres. Marseille gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Marseille or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Marseille during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Marseille this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In April, Marseille is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Marseille average around 13°C (56°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Marseille. In the spring, Marseille often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Marseille gets 245 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Marseille usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Marseille gets 48 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 Marseille