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

Should you visit Lisse or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Lisse 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.

Lisse

Lisse is a picturesque, stunning, and colorful town. Many visitors also come to Lisse because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Lisse travel costs.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums. See Chartres travel costs.

Lisse and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisse or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lisse than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lisse is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Lisse is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. Also, Lisse is famous for the Keukenhof Gardens. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Lisse different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Lisse and Chartres.

Lisse offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a handful of museums in the area, like the Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip), which showcases the history and art of the Dutch flower-growing industry, including exhibits on tulips, bulbs, and floral culture. And, of course, there's the Keukenhof Gardens, which is the main draw to the area during the spring season and one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

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 Lisse or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Lisse has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town has a variety of food options, from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. Local cafes and restaurants often serve classic Dutch dishes, such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bitterballen (fried meatballs), perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. In Keukenhof Gardens you'll find food stalls, trucks, and a cafe, but they can get crowded during peak times.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Lisse or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Lisse is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

If you're looking for night time activities Lisse has a few options to choose from. Most people don't think about nightlife when they visit town but there's a surprising number of thinks to do like cozy bars and charming cafes. Visitors can enjoy live music, great drinks, and a friendly atmosphere, especially in the town's central areas.

Most people don't head to Chartres specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. There are a few bars where you can grab a drink while you're in town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisse or Chartres?

Lisse is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lisse. The town offers a range of shopping opportunities, especially in its charming town center. You’ll find boutique stores, gift shops, and specialty shops selling local products, such as Dutch cheeses, flowers, and souvenirs.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Lisse or Chartres More Beautiful?

Lisse is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Chartres is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Lisse because of it's amazing beauty. Most visitors come for the Keukenhof Gardens, which are a breathtaking spectacle, renowned for their vibrant and meticulously arranged displays of millions of tulips and other flowers. The gardens are designed with picturesque pathways, tranquil ponds, and themed flower beds, making it feel like a living painting in every corner.

Chartres is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Lisse or Chartres Better for Families?

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

Lisse offers lots of family activities. The Keukenhof Gardens has a few things to keep the kids entertained, like a play area and boat rides. Some kids will also enjoy seeing the millions of colorful tulips and other flowers. For a more interactive experience, families can head to the Flowerstrip, where children can explore local farms and see how flowers are grown. Also near town is Lisse is the Duinrell theme park, which has thrilling rides and a water park that’s perfect for a family day out.

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 Lisse or Chartres Better for Couples?

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

Lisse is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy this area, especially during the spring when the Keukenhof Gardens come alive with vibrant tulip fields and flower displays. There are also boat rides through the nearby canals, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A visit to the nearby Keukenhof Castle provides a charming atmosphere, with its elegant gardens and tea room. perfect for relaxing together. Couples can also explore the local flower fields by bike.

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 Lisse or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Lisse and Chartres are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lisse. The entrance fee to Keukenhof Gardens can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy nearby, like cycling through the beautiful tulip fields or exploring the nearby countryside. Budget accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, can be found in Lisse or in nearby towns like Leiden, offering affordable options for travelers.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

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

Chartres is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Chartres can get you to some places 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.

Lisse has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel from Schiphol Airport and elsewhere in the country to Keukenhof Gardens. It's best to book your tickets in advance.

Is Lisse or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chartres is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

Chartres is a very walkable town. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

Lisse is a somewhat walkable town. Many visitors bike through the tulip fields outside of the Keukenhof Gardens. You could walk, but you'll cover more ground with a bicycle.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisse Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Lisse?

How long in Lisse or Chartres?

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

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

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

One day in Lisse or Chartres?

The beautiful town of Lisse offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lisse or Chartres?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lisse or Chartres?

Lisse 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Chartres. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lisse or Chartres?

Lisse 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.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, 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 Lisse and Chartres, we can see that Lisse 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 Lisse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisse 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisse or Chartres?

Chartres has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse or Chartres?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Lisse because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Lisse is cooler than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisse. Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Lisse during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lisse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Lisse is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisse in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Chartres. Many travelers come to Lisse for the museums, the shopping scene, 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 Lisse. In January, Lisse is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 2°C (36°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lisse usually receives more rain than Chartres. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisse or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Lisse in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

Lisse is cooler than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Chartres. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Lisse