A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nantes vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Cairngorms National Park, 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 welcoming, friendly, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Nantes and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Nantes and Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Cairngorms National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Cairngorms National Park is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Nantes different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

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

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.


Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent 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.

Cairngorms National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.


Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent 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 Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

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 Cairngorms National Park Better for Students?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairngorms National Park 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.

Cairngorms National Park is not popular with students.


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

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

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

Nantes offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Nantes or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Nantes
Cairngorms National Park

Nantes is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

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

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Nantes Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Cairngorms National Park. 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 Cairngorms National Park. 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 Nantes than Cairngorms National Park 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.


  • How many days in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantes 2-3 
    Cairngorms National Park 3-5

One day in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and shopping around the friendly city of Nantes, there's plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Cairngorms National Park. 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.


A weekend in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and museums around the historical destination of Nantes, there's plenty to do. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical city of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One of the main draws to the area is the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cairngorms National Park. 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.

A week in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

Nantes is a great place to explore. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the beautiful destination of Cairngorms National Park. This national park 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.


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 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park or Nantes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantes is €108, while the average daily cost in Cairngorms National Park is €139. 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 Nantes and Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantes 60
    Cairngorms National Park 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantes 120
    Cairngorms National Park 130
Compare Hotels in Nantes and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nantes or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Nantes


Hotels in Cairngorms National Park


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: Nantes Hotel Prices and Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantes 36
    Cairngorms National Park 62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park and Nantes 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
    Nantes 27
    Cairngorms National Park 35

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.
    Nantes 13
    Cairngorms National Park 31

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

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

  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222
  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantes 6.43
    Cairngorms National Park 9.83

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 Nantes and Cairngorms National Park, we can see that Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cairngorms National Park 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 Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Nantes or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives less rain than Cairngorms National Park. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantes 19°C (67°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Nantes during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Nantes is a little warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantes 13°C (56°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Cairngorms National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. In January, Nantes is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantes 6°C (42°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Nantes is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantes 11°C (51°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Nantes

Nantes Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)


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