A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Leuven vs. Nantes for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Leuven or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Leuven or Nantes? 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.

Where Should I go: Leuven or Nantes?

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

Nantes

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Leuven?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €178, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Leuven and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Leuven 93
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Leuven 186
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Leuven and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Leuven or Nantes? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Leuven


Hotels in Nantes


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Leuven Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Leuven 61
    Nantes 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Brussels APT-HTL(BRU): $81
  • Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport : $109
  • Transfer from Brussels city (any hotel or address) to BRU Airport: $131
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport->Brussels MB E-CLASS 3 PAX: $109
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels MB V Class 7 PAX: $130
  • Transfer from Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB S-CLASS 3 PAX: $235
  • Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $130
  • Transfer from BRU Airport to Brussels city (any hotel or address): $109
  • Transfer From Brussels Airport to Charleroi Airport: $175
  • Transfer Brussels airport <-> Tomorrowland Boom (1 to 8 Places): $104
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Brussels MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $130
  • Transfer Brussels Airport -> Antwerp MB V-CLASS 7 PAX: $201

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Leuven change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Leuven 49
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Leuven.

  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $75
  • Mechelen Food Tour: $82
  • Vegan Walking Food Tour in Mechelen: $82

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Leuven 23
    Nantes 13

Tours and Activities in Leuven

Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $60
  • Escape Tour - Self-Guided Citygame: $32
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour with Offline Access: $5.99
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $52
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $229
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $63
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $52
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $288
  • Special Christmas Journey in Leuven - Walking Tour: $395

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Leuven 25
    Nantes 6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Nantes, we can see that Leuven 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven 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 Leuven Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Leuven or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Leuven 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 Leuven 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 Leuven or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Leuven as well as Nantes. Additionally, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Leuven is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Leuven in July average around 18°C (65°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Leuven gets 186 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Leuven gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Leuven 18°C (65°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Leuven are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Leuven is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Leuven average around 12°C (54°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Leuven gets 114 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Leuven usually receives less rain than Nantes. Leuven gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Leuven 12°C (54°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Leuven during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leuven can be very cold during winter. Leuven is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Leuven averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Leuven often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Leuven gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Leuven usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Leuven gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Leuven 3°C (38°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Leuven or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Leuven and Nantes. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the spring, Leuven is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Leuven in April average around 10°C (49°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Leuven usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Leuven gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Leuven usually receives more rain than Nantes. Leuven gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Leuven 10°C (49°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Leuven

Leuven Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)