Which place is cheaper, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Windsor?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:
Also for Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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.
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:
For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
For Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
Also in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
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?.
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.