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

Should you visit Nantes or Le Mans?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Le Mans, 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Nantes and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Le Mans?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nantes than Le Mans. Nantes is bigger than Le Mans, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is more popular for its small town charm. Nantes is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Le Mans is well known for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Nantes different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Nantes is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Nantes or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

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 Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Nantes or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Nantes is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Le Mans?

Nantes is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nantes or Le Mans Better for Families?

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

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Nantes or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Nantes is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Nantes or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans 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 Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

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 Le Mans Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

It's common for students to 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

Is Nantes or Le Mans 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, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Nantes is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Nantes or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Nantes is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantes and Le Mans. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nantes than Le Mans. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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.

One day in Nantes or Le Mans?

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nantes or Le Mans?

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

Nantes is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the small destination of Le Mans. This town 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nantes and Le Mans, we can see that Nantes is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Nantes would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nantes than you might in Le Mans.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Le Mans?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Le Mans. Most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nantes is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nantes in July average around 19°C (67°F), and Le Mans averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Le Mans this time of the year. In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Le Mans. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Le Mans in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Le Mans. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

In October, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 13°C (56°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Nantes or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Le Mans. Nantes is a little warmer than Le Mans in the winter. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Le Mans in the Spring?

Both Le Mans and Nantes during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Le Mans in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Nantes is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nantes in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Le Mans averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Nantes