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

Should you visit Strasbourg or Chartres?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Chartres can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a picturesque, impressive, and quaint 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 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.

Strasbourg and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Strasbourg. Although Strasbourg and Chartres are popular destinations, Strasbourg has more sights and attractions for tourists. Strasbourg is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres attracts visitors for its small town charm. Strasbourg is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. It is also well known for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Strasbourg different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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 Strasbourg or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg 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.

Strasbourg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

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 Strasbourg or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Strasbourg or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Strasbourg can be explored in its historical center. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Chartres?

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

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Strasbourg or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples 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 Strasbourg or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and Chartres are nice places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

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.

Is Strasbourg or Chartres Better for Students?

Strasbourg is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg and Chartres both offer great public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Public transit in Chartres can get you to some places 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.

Is Strasbourg or Chartres a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and Chartres are great when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is 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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Strasbourg or Chartres?

The beautiful city of Strasbourg offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

With museums and food around the historic town of Chartres, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Chartres, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Chartres?

Strasbourg 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Strasbourg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With food and museums around the destination of Chartres, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Strasbourg or Chartres?

Strasbourg 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.

Chartres, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Chartres?

Strasbourg is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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.

Chartres is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Chartres?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg. Strasbourg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Strasbourg during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In October, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 12°C (53°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Chartres. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Chartres. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. It's quite cold in Strasbourg in the winter. Strasbourg is much colder than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Chartres. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Strasbourg is around the same temperature as Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Strasbourg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Chartres. Strasbourg gets 48 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 Strasbourg