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

Should you visit Windsor or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Chartres? 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 touristy, beautiful, and royal town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Windsor and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Windsor than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Windsor is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Also, Windsor is famous for The Windsor Castle. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Windsor different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Windsor or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Windsor and Chartres both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Windsor. 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.

Chartres is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Windsor or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Windsor is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Windsor or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a popular place for its old town. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Windsor or Chartres Better for Families?

Windsor is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

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 Windsor or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

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.

Chartres is a good town 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 Windsor or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chartres is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. 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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

The public transit in Chartres can get you around easily. 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 Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Chartres a more walkable city?

Windsor and Chartres both are high quality 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.

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 Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Windsor or Chartres to fill your time. In our opinion, Windsor has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Windsor than Chartres. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Windsor or Chartres?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Windsor or Chartres?

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

In Chartres, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Chartres has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Chartres?

Windsor 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Chartres?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Chartres. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Windsor during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Windsor is cooler than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Chartres. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Windsor is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives more rain than Chartres. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Chartres. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Chartres. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

Windsor is cooler than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Windsor