A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Chartres for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Outer Hebrides and Chartres. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a serene, remote, and stunning archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Outer Hebrides. Although Outer Hebrides and Chartres are popular destinations, Outer Hebrides has more sights and attractions for tourists. Outer Hebrides is very popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its museums and small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Outer Hebrides is famous for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. It is also well known for Barra.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

Chartres is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Outer Hebrides is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Outer Hebrides has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

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 Outer Hebrides or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is great for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is a must-visit destination for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Outer Hebrides offers lots of family activities. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

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 Outer Hebrides or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Outer Hebrides is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Chartres is a good archipelago 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 Outer Hebrides or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Chartres are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Outer Hebrides or Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Chartres. 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Outer Hebrides or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

One day in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

The beautiful archipelago of Outer Hebrides offers food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

In Chartres, you'll find museums and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

Outer Hebrides is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Outer Hebrides, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Chartres?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Outer Hebrides has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Chartres. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, 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 Outer Hebrides and Chartres, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Chartres. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Outer Hebrides in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Chartres. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 9°C (49°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Chartres can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Chartres. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Outer Hebrides during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Outer Hebrides is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Outer Hebrides in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Outer Hebrides