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

Should you visit Toulouse or Chartres?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Chartres can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a friendly, relaxed, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Toulouse and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulouse or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse. Although Toulouse and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Toulouse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Toulouse is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Toulouse is popular for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also home to Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Toulouse offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

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 Toulouse or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Toulouse 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, Toulouse is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

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 Toulouse or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Toulouse or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse is great for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Toulouse. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Chartres?

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

Toulouse is well-known for its shopping. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Toulouse or Chartres Better for Families?

Toulouse is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Toulouse is very family-friendly. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Toulouse is not a good destination for backpackers.

Chartres is a good town 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.

Toulouse is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a major stop off for many backpackers in Europe so you won't find as many hostels as you do in other cities.

Is Toulouse or Chartres Better for Students?

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

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international students.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

Chartres is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Chartres a more walkable city?

Toulouse and Chartres are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Toulouse or Chartres?

The city of Toulouse 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.

The town of Chartres offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Chartres?

Toulouse 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 Toulouse, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Toulouse or Chartres?

Toulouse is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 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.

A week in Toulouse or Chartres?

Toulouse is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 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 town offers something for everyone.

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 Toulouse and Chartres, we can see that Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Chartres?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 22°C (72°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulouse. Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Chartres. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Toulouse or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Toulouse during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Toulouse in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulouse or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Chartres. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In the winter, Toulouse is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulouse in January average around 6°C (44°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Chartres. The spring months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In April, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 12°C (54°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Toulouse