A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Isle of Skye vs. Nantes for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantes than Isle of Skye, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Isle of Skye is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Isle of Skye different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nantes. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Nantes is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Isle of Skye does not have a historic old town.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantes. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Nantes both great destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

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.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit in Nantes is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Isle of Skye and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye than in Nantes. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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 Nantes than Isle of Skye 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 Nantes.

One day in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Isle of Skye. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the hiking, 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Isle of Skye. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Isle of Skye and Nantes, we can see that Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye or Nantes?

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 Isle of Skye or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Nantes. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Isle of Skye during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the hiking trails 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.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Nantes. The winter months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. In the winter, Isle of Skye is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

Isle of Skye gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Nantes. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Nantes. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Isle of Skye