A Travel Price Comparison for France Nantes vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Nantes or La Rochelle?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or La Rochelle, 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or La Rochelle?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Nantes is known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port.

How is Nantes different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both La Rochelle and Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into La Rochelle. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Is Nantes or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Nantes or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 Nantes or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or La Rochelle?

Nantes is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Nantes or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Nantes is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Nantes or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

Both Nantes and La Rochelle are good destinations for 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.

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

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

Nantes is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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).

La Rochelle has a few public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Nantes or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Nantes and La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle is very walkable. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Nantes or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Nantes or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Nantes. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Nantes. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle?

The historical city of Nantes offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

La Rochelle is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal town 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 comparing the travel costs between Nantes and La Rochelle, we can see that La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantes or La Rochelle?

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

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in La Rochelle this time of the year. In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Rochelle during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as La Rochelle. Most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Nantes is cooler than La Rochelle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

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

Nantes usually gets more rain in October than La Rochelle. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the winter, Nantes is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January average around 6°C (42°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as La Rochelle during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Nantes during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as La Rochelle. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as La Rochelle. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Nantes