A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. Chartres for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Valencia or Chartres?

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

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

Valencia

Valencia is a historic, architectural, and friendly coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

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.

Valencia and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Valencia than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Valencia is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Valencia is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Valencia different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Valencia offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia 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, Valencia is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a world class party destination. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Valencia or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Valencia is a good option for a beach vacation. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

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

The rich history of Valencia can be explored in its historical center. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a popular place for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Valencia is a good destination for hiking. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Chartres?

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

Valencia is well-known for its shopping. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Valencia or Chartres Better for Families?

Valencia 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, Valencia is very family-friendly. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Valencia is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Chartres is a good coastal 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 Valencia or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Chartres Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Valencia. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Chartres is not popular with students.

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

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

Chartres has some very good public transit options. 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 Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Valencia or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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 Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Chartres?

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

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Chartres?

Valencia is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Valencia or Chartres?

Valencia is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal 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 Valencia, 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 Valencia or Chartres?

Valencia 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 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 Valencia or Chartres?

Valencia 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 coastal 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Chartres, we can see that Valencia 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 Valencia Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Chartres?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Chartres in the Summer?

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

Valencia is a little warmer than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 25°C (76°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 Valencia. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Chartres. Most visitors come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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.

In the autumn, Valencia is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Valencia in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valencia usually receives more rain than Chartres. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Valencia 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. In January, Valencia is generally much warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 12°C (53°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Chartres in the Spring?

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

Valencia is a little warmer than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Chartres. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Valencia