The comparison at a glance
| Offer | Duration | Price "from" | What's included | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private cathedral and old town tour | About 8 h | About $630 to $650 per group (up to 4) | Guide, driver, pickup | Family or small group | See |
| Guided day with transfer | About 8 h | About $410 to $470 per person | Hotel transfer, cathedral, crypt, Maison Picassiette, old town, lunch | Full programme | See |
Private 8-hour tour
This private tour lasts about 8 hours, with pickup, for about $630 to $650 per group of up to 4. It is rated 5 out of 5, but from only 4 reviews: a good sign, not proof.
Guided day with transfer
This day lasts about 8 hours and starts at your hotel. It includes Chartres Cathedral, the 1,000-year-old crypt (official visit in French, with the guide explaining in English), Maison Picassiette, the old town and lunch in a local restaurant. In winter Maison Picassiette is open only Wednesday to Sunday; otherwise it is replaced by a champagne tasting.
Train or tour?
The train costs less and leaves free time, but the cathedral, its stained glass and the old town mean organising yourself. The tour handles transport and adds explanations on site. For train departures and times, see Paris train stations.
What's not included and the pitfalls
- Few reviews: both offers have few reviews. Check how recent the latest ones are.
- Per group or per person: the private tour is priced per group, the guided day per person.
- Crypt: the official visit is in French; the guide translates into English.
- Maison Picassiette: open Wednesday to Sunday in winter.
- Meals: included only in the guided day.
Which offer to choose?
- Budget and independence: the train from Montparnasse.
- Full programme, solo or as a couple: the 8-hour guided day.
- Family or 3-4 people: the 8-hour private tour.
