A Travel Price Comparison for France Nantes vs. Cannes for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Nantes or Cannes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Cannes, 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. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cannes

Cannes is a lavish, glitzy, and opulent resort city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes and Cannes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Cannes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Cannes than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Cannes, Cannes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Cannes is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums. Cannes is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its popularity with celebrities and its role as host for the international film festival. It is also well known for Boulevard de la Croisette. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nantes different from Cannes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Cannes 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.

Cannes does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Cannes 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 Cannes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is known for its fresh seafood and produce, local markets, and innovative chefs. There are also a number of traditional dishes that you should try in town including bouillabaisse, daube, and farcis niçois.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Cannes.

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.

Cannes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is all about the glamour and prestige that this city is known for. There are exclusive nightclubs and luxury cocktail bars where the goal is to see and be seen. Parties last late into the night and the glitz and glamour fill the streets.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Music?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

Cannes has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is famous for its music festivals, but there are also many bands, DJs, and performers who visit year round.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Resorts?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes is not a resort destination.

Cannes offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The city is filled with luxury resorts and elegant hotels. Among the best are Hôtel Martinez, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic, and Five Seas Hotel.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cannes is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cannes has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. You can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling trips from a few vendors in town. You might see sponges, sea slugs octopus, cuttlefish, lobsters and even stingrays.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cannes. You can choose from both public and private beaches in the area. You'll find more amenities and convenience at the private beaches which are closer to La Croisette (the main promenade in town). These beaches also come with a price tag attached. The public beaches have a more relaxed and natural vibe but are a little less convenient to get to.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for its Old Town?

Cannes is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Cannes to see the historical old town. Known as Le Suquet, the old town has many historic landmarks including the the Château de la Castre. There are also cobblestone streets and many great restaurants around town.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Cannes?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Cannes specifically to go shopping. With its many affluent visitors, the shopping scene in town is filled with luxury brands and posh boutiques. Perfume and porcelain are both popular things to buy in the area.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Families?

Nantes is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Cannes is a family-friendly city. Most people associate the city with the film festival and late night partying, but there are also kid-friendly restaurants, fun beach activities, and plenty of kid-friendly entertainment along La Croisette Boulevard. Make sure you check out the Grand Carousel and the many playgrounds around town.

Is Nantes or Cannes Better for Couples?

Cannes is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Cannes has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's grand hotels and luxury beach clubs make this a perfect romantic destination. There are world class restaurants, a vibrant nightlife scene, and many romantic spots around town that make for a memorable honeymoon or couple's 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 Nantes or Cannes Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for students. However, Cannes is not popular with students.

Nantes is a good city to visit for 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.

Cannes is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cannes is not as famous, but is still a good resort city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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).

Cannes has some public transit options. There are buses that travel around the city.

Is Nantes or Cannes a more walkable city?

Nantes and Cannes are excellent 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.

Cannes is very walkable. Many areas are easily explored on foot including the historic areas and the coastline.

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

Should I spend more time in Cannes or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Cannes?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantes or Cannes. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Cannes due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 2-4 days is enough time in Cannes.

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

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

One day in Nantes or Cannes?

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

Many travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Cannes. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nantes or Cannes?

Nantes 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.

Cannes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Cannes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cannes. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nantes or Cannes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the luxury destination of Cannes. This resort city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Cannes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Cannes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Cannes, 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 Cannes?

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 Cannes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Cannes. Most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Cannes because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Cannes in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Cannes fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Nantes usually gets more rain in July than Cannes. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Cannes in the Autumn?

Both Cannes and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cannes this time of year.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Cannes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Cannes averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cannes. In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Cannes. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Cannes in the Winter?

Both Cannes and Nantes during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cannes for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Nantes is generally much colder than Cannes. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Cannes fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Nantes usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cannes. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Cannes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Cannes. Many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Cannes in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Nantes is cooler than Cannes in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Cannes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Cannes. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cannes receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cannes and Nantes