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

Should you visit Nantes or Bordeaux?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Bordeaux, 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a charming, romantic, and historical city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Bordeaux?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bordeaux. Although Nantes and Bordeaux are roughly the same size, Bordeaux has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bordeaux is more popular for its big city activities, while Nantes is known for its museums and nightlife. Bordeaux is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also home to Cathédrale Saint-André. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nantes different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux?

Nantes is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Bordeaux can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Many restaurants in Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Is Nantes or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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 Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Nantes or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Nantes and Bordeaux both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Many visitors go to Bordeaux to see the historical old town. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Bordeaux?

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

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.

Bordeaux is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Nantes or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Nantes or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Nantes and Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Nantes or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bordeaux is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Bordeaux Better for Students?

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

Bordeaux is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Nantes and Bordeaux.

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

Visitors to Bordeaux can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Nantes or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Nantes and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is very walkable. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Bordeaux?

In either Nantes or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Nantes because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Nantes or Bordeaux?

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

A weekend in Nantes or Bordeaux?

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.

Bordeaux 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 Nantes or Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Bordeaux?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Bordeaux. 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Nantes and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Nantes or Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Nantes during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 19°C (67°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Bordeaux, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nantes. In the summer, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bordeaux. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Bordeaux. 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 Bordeaux because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nantes is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Bordeaux. The winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the winter, Nantes is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bordeaux. Nantes usually gets less rain in January than Bordeaux. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Nantes