A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a epic, majestic, and world-class mountain town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, hiking, and skiing.

Windsor and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to Mont Blanc


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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is better known for its skiing, food, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and small town charm. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Windsor and is popular for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. Also, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is famous for Mont Blanc. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

Mont Blanc
Mont Blanc

How is Windsor 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 Windsor. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Windsor is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc should be on your list. 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.

Windsor is not a skiing destination.


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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Windsor is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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).

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.


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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Windsor is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great choice. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Windsor is not a resort destination.

Is Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Windsor is a good destination for its old town. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Windsor. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc does not have a historic old town.

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. However, Windsor is not a hiking destination.

People visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Windsor is not a hiking destination.


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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very kid-friendly mountain town. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

Windsor is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a great mountain town to visit for backpackers. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can get you around easily. 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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

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

Windsor
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Windsor and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc both are superb when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

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

How long in Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Windsor 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 Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

Families should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Windsor. 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 4-7

One day in Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Windsor is a small town with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This mountain town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find skiing and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Because Windsor is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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 is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Since Windsor is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. This town 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. In Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, you'll find food and skiing. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.


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

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is £201. 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 Windsor and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc £77
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc £154
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Looking for a hotel in Windsor 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 Windsor


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: Windsor Hotel Prices and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc £34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

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

  • Chamonix (FR) to Geneva Airport (GVA)- Departure Private Transfer: $131
  • Chamonix to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $71
  • Chamonix-Morzine-Avoriaz to Geneva Airport GVA-Departure Transfer: $147
  • Courmayeur Ski Club to Linate Airport (LIN) - Departure Transfer: $162
  • Courmayeur to Milan Malpensa Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $137
  • Courmayeur to Turin Caselle Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $87
  • Courmayeur, Italy to Malpensa Airport (MXP) - Departure Private Transfer: $153
  • Private Departure Transfer from Chamonix to Milan Airport: $170
  • Private Transfer Chamonix and Morzine to Milan Malpensa Airport: $229

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

Prices for flights to both Chamonix-Mont-Blanc and Windsor 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
    Windsor £39
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc £41
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

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.
    Windsor £26
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc £69

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

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:

  • On an adventure with Rosalie - Nancy-sur-Cluses: $5.45
  • Monte Bianco Skyway Experience : $144
  • Fly in Paragliding! Paragliding experience over Chamonix!: $171
  • Live an eBike Mountain Bike Experience in the Heart of Chamonix Mont-Blanc: $195
  • Bespoke Private Chamonix Experience: $196
  • Altitude experience above Chamonix by eBike: $298
  • Chamonix: Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • From Geneva: Chamonix Mont-Blanc Private Guided Tour: $416
  • Geneva: Private Chamonix Mont Blanc Day Tour: $538

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Chamonix-Mont-Blanc £8.25

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more expensive. And not only is Windsor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Windsor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Windsor 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than you might in Windsor.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Windsor Expensive? and Is Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.


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

Windsor has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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.