A Travel Price Comparison for France Nantes vs. Biarritz for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nantes or Biarritz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Biarritz, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Nantes and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Biarritz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes. Although Nantes and Biarritz are both popular with visitors, Nantes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is known for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also home to The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Nantes different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Nantes is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Dining out in Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Biarritz. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a popular place for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Biarritz?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Nantes and Biarritz.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Biarritz is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for Families?

Nantes and Biarritz are both very good destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. 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.

Biarritz is a very family-friendly place to visit. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Nantes and Biarritz are both very good to visit as a couple.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Nantes or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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 Nantes or Biarritz Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

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

Public transit in Nantes can get you to some places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Nantes or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Nantes and Biarritz are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

Biarritz is very walkable. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Biarritz?

Both Nantes and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Nantes. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

One day in Nantes or Biarritz?

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nantes or Biarritz?

Nantes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nantes or Biarritz?

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nantes or Biarritz?

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Biarritz?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Biarritz, 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 Nantes or Biarritz?

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 Nantes or Biarritz in the Summer?

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

In July, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 19°C (67°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Nantes during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Nantes is cooler than Biarritz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Biarritz in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Nantes is much colder than Biarritz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Biarritz averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Nantes usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Biarritz. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Nantes is generally cooler than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Nantes