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

Should you visit Paris or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Paris 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.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include food and museums.

Is there more to do in Paris or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris. Although Paris and Chartres are popular destinations, Paris has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris 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 Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Paris or Chartres Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Chartres is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Chartres is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Paris or Chartres Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Chartres is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Chartres is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Chartres?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Paris or Chartres Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Chartres does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Chartres does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Chartres Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

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 Paris or Chartres Better for Couples?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Paris 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.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use 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 Paris or Chartres a more walkable city?

Paris and Chartres are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Paris?

How long in Paris or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

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

One day in Paris or Chartres?

Paris is a big city with plenty to do. 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, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Chartres?

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Chartres?

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

Chartres is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Chartres. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Chartres?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Chartres?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In the summer, Paris is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Chartres. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. 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 Paris. Paris is around the same temperature as Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Paris usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Paris or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Paris is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Paris gets 50 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 Paris