A Travel Price Comparison for France Reims vs. Chartres for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Backpackers

Should you visit Reims or Chartres?

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

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

Reims

Reims is a beautiful, relaxing, and scenic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Reims and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Reims. Although Reims and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Reims has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Reims is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Reims is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also home to The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Reims different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Reims or Chartres.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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.

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

Reims 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, Reims is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Reims is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Chartres?

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

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Reims or Chartres Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Reims or Chartres as a family destination.

Reims doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

For families, Chartres is not always the best place to visit. 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 Reims or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Reims makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims and Chartres are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Chartres is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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.

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Reims or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Reims?

How long in Reims or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Reims or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Reims offers food and shopping. 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 historic 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 Reims or Chartres?

Reims 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reims, a weekend is sufficent for most. 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 Reims or Chartres?

Reims is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Reims, 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 Reims or Chartres?

Reims is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the grand 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 comparing the travel costs between Reims and Chartres, we can see that Reims 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 Reims Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Reims or Chartres?

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

Both Chartres and Reims during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Reims in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Reims is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 19°C (65°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Reims. In the summer, Reims often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Chartres. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Chartres. Most visitors come to Reims for 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.

Reims is cooler than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Reims usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during autumn. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reims usually receives more rain than Chartres. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reims or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Reims as well as Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Reims 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 Reims can be very cold. In the winter, Reims is much colder than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reims in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Reims often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In April, Reims is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 9°C (49°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Reims usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during spring. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reims usually receives less rain than Chartres. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Reims