A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Geneva vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Geneva or Nantes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Nantes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a international, professional, and classy city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Geneva and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Nantes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Geneva than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights and attractions for tourists. Geneva is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Geneva is well known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. Also, Geneva is famous for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Geneva different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Geneva or Nantes?

Both Geneva and Nantes have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Is the Food Better in Geneva or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Geneva has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

Is Geneva or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Nantes know how to have a good time. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Geneva and Nantes.

Many visitors go to Geneva to see the historical old town. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nantes. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Nantes?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Geneva specifically to go shopping. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Geneva or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Geneva offers lots of family activities. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

Is Geneva or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a great destination for romance. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Geneva makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Is Geneva or Nantes Better for Students?

Geneva is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Geneva is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Is Geneva or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Geneva or Nantes a more walkable city?

Geneva and Nantes both are great when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

For even more information, also check out Is Geneva Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Geneva and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Geneva. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Geneva, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Geneva than Nantes 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 Geneva.

One day in Geneva or Nantes?

Geneva is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Geneva or Nantes?

Geneva is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Geneva or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Geneva or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the professional big city of Geneva. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Geneva. When comparing the sizes of Geneva and Nantes, 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 Geneva or Nantes?

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 Geneva or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Geneva in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 22°C (71°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Geneva this time of the year. In the summer, Geneva often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Geneva for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Geneva is around the same temperature as Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Geneva usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Geneva usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Geneva or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Geneva during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Geneva because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

The weather in Geneva can be very cold. In the winter, Geneva is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Geneva in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Geneva often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Nantes. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Geneva this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In April, Geneva is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 11°C (53°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Geneva usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes during spring. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Geneva usually receives more rain than Nantes. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Geneva