Chartres is a spectacular town known for the International Stained-Glass Centre, Maison Picassiette, and Chartres Cathedral. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Chartres?
You should plan to spend around $158 (€145) per day on your vacation in Chartres. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $73 (€67) on meals
- $29 (€26) on local transportation
- $129 (€118) on hotels
A one week trip to Chartres for two people costs, on average, $2,212 (€2,030). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$1,106
€1,015
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$2,212
€2,030
-
One Month
Per person
$4,740
€4,350
-
One Week
For a couple
$2,212
€2,030
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$4,424
€4,060
-
One Month
For a couple
$9,481
€8,700
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Chartres cost?
A one week trip to Chartres usually costs around $1,106 (€1,015) for one person and $2,212 (€2,030) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Chartres on average costs around $2,212 (€2,030) for one person and $4,424 (€4,060) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Chartres will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Chartres on average costs around $4,740 (€4,350) for one person and $9,481 (€8,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Chartres expensive to visit?
Chartres is a smaller town that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
While Chartres can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.
On average, budget travelers spend $68 (€62) per day, mid-range travelers spend $159 (€145) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $324 (€297) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Chartres.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Chartres is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lille or Sintra.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Chartres Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Chartres?
The average Chartres trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Chartres travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Chartres cost?
Chartres on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$28
(€25)
|
$65
(€59)
|
$133
(€122)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$12
(€11)
|
$29
(€26)
|
$55
(€50)
|
|
Food 2
|
$31
(€29)
|
$73
(€67)
|
$150
(€138)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$10
(€9.55)
|
$24
(€22)
|
$50
(€46)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-8
(€2-7)
|
$7-20
(€6-18)
|
$17-50
(€15-46)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Chartres. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
Who are Budget Travelers?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $68 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
The town also includes an efficient public transit system, which is perfect for budget travelers looking to avoid high taxi or rideshare fees.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Chartres, you'll want to see the International Stained-Glass Centre, Maison Picassiette, or Chartres Cathedral. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $159 per person, per day.
Chartres offers a diverse selection of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with companions, you can share a hotel room with a partner, friend, or your kids, making it easier on your wallet. Families should look for hotels and restaurants that are family-friendly. Maunoury Citybreak is an excellent option for kids, and Le Parvis is another fantastic choice. For more family and couple-friendly accommodations, check out our hotel guide for Chartres here.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $324. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the town will entail a more premium price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Chartres
In Chartres, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $87 and peak summer season rising to an average of $162. Prices typically range from $60 to $231, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Chartres for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (€118). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (€59) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Chartres? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Chartres include:
- Best Western Premier Grand Monarque Hotel & Spa starting at $111
- Le Jardin Cathedrale starting at $123
- Le Parvis starting at $116
- Maunoury Citybreak starting at $101
- Le Clos Chedeville starting at $100
You can save money on accommodation by staying outside the town in Chartres thanks to a great public transit system, though your transportation costs and time spent commuting may rise.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and skip summer), you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists.
Lots of folks enjoy wandering around Chartres, making it ideal to book a place in the heart of the city. Be aware that this may mean spending a bit more.
Transportation Budget in Chartres
Public transit in Chartres is top-notch. 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. If you're looking to save time and money, public transit is the ideal option. Of course, taxis and rideshares are easy to find, too.
If you love to explore on foot, you'll really enjoy your time here. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.
Public Transit: 
(great)
Walkability: (great)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $29 (€26) per person, per day, on local transportation in Chartres. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Chartres is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$29
€26
How much does it cost to go to Chartres? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Chartres will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Chartres
While the cuisine in Chartres is enjoyable, there are other things that usually bring in visitors. Still, you can discover some wonderful spots around the town. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Chartres can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Chartres is $73 (€67) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$73
€67
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Chartres is around $74 (€67) per person, with previous travelers spending from $32 to $151. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Chartres are as follows:
- Breakfast: $7 to $22
- Lunch: $11 to $29
- Dinner: $22 to $52
- Coffee: $6
- Fast Food or Street Food: $11
Chartres has some great local gourmet delights. The traditional baguette from this area is made from wheat flour with no additives. Known as a retrodor, it is especially appreciated for its light, fluffy texture and golden crust. Another one of the most famous delicacies from Chartres are mentchikoffs: praline chocolate sweets covered with Swiss meringue made from a 19th century recipe at the time of the Franco-Russian alliance.
There is an abundance of good restaurants in Chartres amongst which is La Reine de Saba which serves traditional French food with an exceptional view from the Cathedral terrace. Le Pichet has a busy bistro atmosphere where you can experience regional specialties throughout the day. The Estocade restaurant offers traditional fine dining with views along the river being located at la Porte Guillaume on the River Eure.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Instead of buying drinks, bring a water bottle. It's also an environmentally friendly option.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Chartres
Visitors find Chartres irresistible, especially for its museums and attractions, food, romance, and budget-friendly accommodations.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Chartres typically cost an average of $24 (€22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$24
€22
Some of the most popular sights include:
- The International Stained-Glass Centre for €7
- Maison Picassiette for €9
- Chartres Cathedral (Free)
- The Musée des Beaux-Arts (Free)
Chartres is known as a great weekend getaway location from Paris because of some of its beautiful cathedral and charming medieval city. Its most famous and popular sight is the Cathedrale Nortre-Dame, a UNESCO World Heritage Sight and one of the finest and best preserved Gothic Cathedrals in France. One of Western civilization's crowning architectural achievements, the 130m-long Cathedrale Notre Dame de Chartres is renowned for its brilliant-blue stained-glass windows and sacred holy veil. Built in the Gothic style during the first quarter of the 13th century to replace a Romanesque cathedral that had been devastated by fire – along with much of the town – in 1194, effective fundraising and donated labor meant construction took only 30 years, resulting in a high degree of architectural unity.
Another popular sight is the Place du Chatelet, a public square located on the River Seine. There is a large, beautiful fountain standing tall in the center and a bridge nearby. There are also two theatres located in the square.
A lot of the activities in Chartres include the famous cathedral. Climb the cathedral tower for a different experience and great view. Tour the crypts of the cathedral. Spend some time wandering through the labyrinths on the cathedral grounds, or even come back to the cathedral late at night when it is lit up with a colorful array of lights.
There is also a free self-guided walking tour of the city available using a free map of the tourist office. There is also a museum to explore, the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Chartres's fine Arts museum) as well as the unique monument, La Maison Picassiette, the extraordinary result of one man's work between 1938 and 1964. The monument he left behind is a house and garden covered with intricate mosaics of broken crockery, painting and sculpture. For something a little different, check out L'Odyssee, a water park with indoor and outdoor pools.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Chartres. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private tour of Chartres town from Paris for $580 details
- Cathedral and City Guided Tour for $264 details
- A half-day tour of Chartres Cathedral and Medieval City for $474 details
Nightlife Budget in Chartres
You'll find that the nightlife in Chartres is rather subdued and tranquil. There are a few bars where you can grab a drink while you're in town.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $13 (€12) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Chartres per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$13
€12
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Traveling in Chartres
Chartres, France
Chartres is a city in north-central France southwest of Paris. It is famed for its massive Cathedrale Notre-Dame. The well-preserved Gothic cathedral, completed in 1220, features 2 towering spires, Romanesque sculptures and elaborate rose windows. The cathedral is unique in that it has two very different steeples – one Gothic, the other Romanesque. Follow them to check out the cathedral's dazzling blue stained-glass windows and its collection of relics, including the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary when she gave birth to Jesus, which have lured pilgrims since the Middle Ages. The nearby Centre International du Vitrail has workshops and exhibits on stained-glass art. Chartres also had a carefully preserved old city, which is adjacent to the cathedral with staircases and steep streets lined with half-timbered medieval houses leading downhill to the narrow western channel of the Eure River, romantically spanned by footbridges.
Neighborhoods & Around
The main neighborhood in Chartres is the Old Town. This is where the cathedral and other sights are located as well as what the main walking tour focuses on. The Old Town was built into the hill leading to the Eure River and has some of the medieval charm the city is known for. It is surprisingly extensive and chocked full of classic, older buildings and sophisticated shops.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.