A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Tropez vs. Chartres for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a opulent, ritzy, and celebrity-filled resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the food and museums.

Saint-Tropez and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Saint-Tropez than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Saint-Tropez is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. Also, Saint-Tropez is famous for The Old Port. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

Chartres is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Chartres offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saint-Tropez and Chartres can be difficult as they are each notable in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Saint-Tropez. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Chartres is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Saint-Tropez is a world class party destination. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Saint-Tropez a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is great for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Saint-Tropez is considered a top beach destination. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

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

Known for shopping, Saint-Tropez draws large crowds to its stores. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez 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, Saint-Tropez is a very family-friendly destination. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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 Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

Chartres is a good resort 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 Saint-Tropez or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez and Chartres are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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

Chartres is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Chartres can get you around 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.

While Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Saint-Tropez or Chartres a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Saint-Tropez is a very easy resort town to get around on foot. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

The beautiful resort town of Saint-Tropez offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Most people come for the beaches. 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 museums and food that this spectacular town offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this town.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

Saint-Tropez is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this resort town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Tropez, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

Saint-Tropez 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.

You'll find museums and food around the grand destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

Saint-Tropez is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This resort town offers something for everyone.

Chartres is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Saint-Tropez during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. In the summer, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Chartres. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Tropez in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Saint-Tropez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Chartres. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Tropez is generally much warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 9°C (48°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during spring. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Chartres. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Saint-Tropez