A Travel Price Comparison for France Versailles vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples and Food

Should you visit Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class, spectacular, and awe-inspiring mountain town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mont Blanc


Is there more to do in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are popular destinations, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums. Versailles is famous for its long running history and its grand architecture. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also well known for Mont Blanc.

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

How is Versailles different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for skiing. However, Versailles is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the best in the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Versailles is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Versailles is terrific for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has something for everybody. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Versailles is not a resort destination.

Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for hiking. However, Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very family-friendly destination. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.


Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is very popular with the backpacker crowd. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its public transit.

Public transit in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is top-notch. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

Public transit in Versailles can get you to some places easily. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.


Is Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Versailles
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are great when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable palace. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Versailles Worth Visiting? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Versailles. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Versailles, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Versailles. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Versailles 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.


  • How many days in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Ideal Length of Stay
    Versailles 1-2 
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 4-7

One day in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

With food and skiing around the awe-inspiring mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Versailles for a weekend. Lots of people come for the museums. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Versailles, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

With skiing and nightlife around the destination of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.


Five days in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

The beautiful destination of Versailles offers museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, a popular mountain town, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this mountain town. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people enjoy the museums when visiting Versailles. This palace offers something for everyone. One week 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this mountain town makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this mountain town has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.


Which place is cheaper, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Versailles?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Versailles is €234, while the average daily cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is €235. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Versailles 128
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Versailles 256
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 180
Compare Hotels in Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Looking for a hotel in Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Versailles


Hotels in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Versailles Hotel Prices and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Versailles 53
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $228
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $169
  • Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $161
  • Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $152
  • Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
  • Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $136
  • Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $130
  • Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71

Is it cheaper to fly into Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Prices for flights to both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Versailles change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Versailles 67
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 48

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Food Tour in Chamonix: $444

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Versailles 45
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 80

Tours and Activities in Versailles

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Versailles.

  • Versailles Palace Private Family Tour Designed for Kids: $261
  • Palace Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket: $67
  • Private Guided Tour of the Palace: $261

Tours and Activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $298
  • Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
  • From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $416
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $538
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $194
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $143
  • On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.43

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Versailles 18
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 9.64

Sample the Local Flavors in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tour with private driver - 10 hours: $823


When comparing the travel costs between Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Versailles Expensive? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Versailles or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Versailles and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.