A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Chartres for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Oxford or Chartres?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a historic, scholarly, and collegiate college town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, 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.

Oxford and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Oxford. Although Oxford and Chartres are popular destinations, Oxford has more sights and attractions for tourists. Oxford is famous for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. It is also well known for Radcliffe Square. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

Radcliffe Square

How is Oxford different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Oxford is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Oxford offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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 Oxford or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Oxford and Chartres offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Chartres. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Oxford or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Oxford for the nightlife scene. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Chartres?

Oxford is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Oxford. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Oxford or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Oxford offers lots of family activities. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Oxford is a great college town if you're traveling as a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

Chartres is a good college town 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 Oxford or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Oxford. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Chartres is not popular with students.

Is Oxford 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. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Oxford or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Oxford 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 Oxford, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chartres than Oxford 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.

One day in Oxford or Chartres?

Oxford is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Oxford or Chartres?

Oxford is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this college town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Oxford, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Oxford or Chartres?

Oxford 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Oxford or Chartres?

Oxford 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 college town offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular destination of Chartres. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours 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 Oxford and Chartres, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Chartres?

Oxford has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Chartres in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Oxford is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Oxford in July average around 17°C (63°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. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Oxford or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Chartres. Most visitors come to Oxford for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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 October, Oxford is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 11°C (52°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Oxford because of the museums, 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. The weather in Oxford can be very cold. Oxford is cooler than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Chartres in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Oxford is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Oxford in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Oxford