A Travel Price Comparison for France Nantes vs. Lyon for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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Should you visit Nantes or Lyon?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Lyon, 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.

Where Should I go: Nantes or Lyon?

Nantes

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.

Lyon

Lyon, located within the region of Southeastern France, is France's third largest city in terms of population, with just over 500,000 inhabitants. This makes the city large, yet still small and personable enough to be explored properly in a short visit. Known as the gastronomic capital of Europe, your culinary needs are exceptionally well catered to here, and for those with historical and cultural interests, you will never be at a loss for new things to do and see.

Which city is cheaper, Lyon or Nantes?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantes is €87, while the average daily cost in Lyon is €100. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nantes and Lyon in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantes €48
    Lyon €42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantes €96
    Lyon €84
Compare Hotels in Nantes and Lyon

Looking for a hotel in Nantes or Lyon? 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 Lyon


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 Lyon Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantes €29
    Lyon €14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Private Airport Transfer: from Nantes to Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE): $50
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $75
  • Low Cost Private Transfer From Nantes Atlantique Airport to Nantes City - One Way: $78

Typical Local Transportation prices in Lyon

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Lyon:


  • Funiculaire
    €5.20
  • Hop-on Hop-off Tourist Bus
    €19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lyon

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Lyon:

  • Superior Private Transfer From Lyon City to Geneva City: $156
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Lyon Hotel to Lyon-Saint Exupery: $128
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Lyon Hotel to Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupéry: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport to Lyon Hotel: $128
  • Shared Arrival Transfer: Gare de Lyon Saint-Exupery to Lyon Hotel: $128
  • Round Trip Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) Transfer to Lyon City Center: $115
  • Private transfer: Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN) to Meribel: $765
  • Private transfer: Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN) to Les Deux Alpes: $744
  • Private transfer: Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN) to Chamrousse: $532
  • Private arrival OR departure transfer in Lyon (hotel OR airport pick-up): $75
  • Private Transfer: Lyon to Lyon–Bron Airport (LYN): $622
  • Private Departure Transfer: Lyon Hotel to Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport: $91

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantes or Lyon?

Prices for flights to both Lyon 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 €22
    Lyon €33

Typical Food prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of dining costs in Lyon are as follows:


  • Pastry
    €1.70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lyon

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Lyon.

  • Lyon Old Town Walking Guided Food Tour: $68
  • Lyon 2.5-Hour Dinner Cruise: $72
  • Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch: $93
  • Lyon Old Town Five Tasting Stops Walking Food Tour with Lunch: $108
  • Lyon Quais Saint Antoine Private Gastronomic Food Tour: $111
  • Private Tour: Secret Food Tours Lyon: $137
  • Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Tour: $217
  • Food tour in Lyon: $258
  • Secret Food Tours Lyon w/ Private Tour Option: $296
  • Lyon Food Tour: $880
  • Lyon Food Tour: $880

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantes €11
    Lyon €16

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $34
  • Between the Walls: 1-Hour Segway Tour: $36
  • Segway: "Inside the Historical Center of Nantes" - city tour Nantes - 1H00: $37
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $40
  • Segway: "Nantes's Patrimony" City tour Nantes - 1H30: $56
  • 2-Hour Segway Tour: $65
  • Segway: "The Great Escape" - city tour Nantes - 2H00: $68
  • Segway: "The Wide Angle" city tour Nantes - 2H30: $81
  • Nantes Private Walking Tour: $230
  • Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Nantes with official tour guide: $231

Typical Entertainment prices in Lyon

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Lyon are as follows:


  • Lunch for 2
    €45

Tours and Activities in Lyon

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Lyon are as follows:

  • 1 or 2-Hour Pedicab tour of Lyon: $31
  • Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $134
  • Beaujolais & Perouges Medieval Town - Private Day Tour: $858
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles - Afternoon - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Crus Wines & Castles - Morning - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Morning - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $108
  • Beaujolais Wine Discovery - Private Tour - Half Day: $280
  • Beaujolais Wine Route Private Tour: $641
  • Beaujolais Wine Route Small-Group Tour with Tasting from Lyon: $123
  • Beaujolais Wines & Castles - Private Tour - Half Day: $299
  • Beaujolais half day private tour: $280
  • Best Intro Tour of Lyon with a Local: $61

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantes €5.14
    Lyon €19

Typical Alcohol prices in Lyon

Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Lyon from other travelers:


  • Drinks for 2
    €6.80
  • Bottle of Wine
    €15

Sample the Local Flavors in Lyon

Also in Lyon, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Northern Rhône Valley Cheese & Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Lyon: $111
  • Lyon Old Town Food & Wine Tasting Tour including a Bouchon Lyonnais: $112
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour - Afternoon - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $114
  • The Original Syrah Wine Tour - Morning - Small Group Tours from Lyon: $114
  • Beaujolais Gourmet Wine Tour with Tastings from Lyon: $123
  • Macon & Beaujolais Wine Tour - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $147
  • Cotes du Rhone Wine Tour - Full Day - Small Group Tour from Lyon: $153
  • Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Burgundy South of Region Small Group Day Tour with Local Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Beaujolais Region Vineyard Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $160
  • Côte-Rôtie & Vienne Region Roman History with Wine Tasting from Lyon: $243
  • Rhône Valley Terroir Private Tour with Local Cheese & Wine Tasting from Lyon: $280

About these numbers

When comparing the travel costs between Nantes and Lyon, we can see that Lyon 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.


When is the best time to visit Nantes or Lyon?

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 Lyon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Lyon. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Lyon this time of year.

In July, Nantes is generally cooler than Lyon. Temperatures in Nantes average around 19°C (67°F), and Lyon stays around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lyon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In the summer, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 285 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in July than Lyon. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantes 19°C (67°F) 
    Lyon 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Lyon in the Autumn?

Both Lyon and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Lyon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Nantes is around the same temperature as Lyon in the autumn. The temperature in Nantes is usually 13°C (56°F) in October, and Lyon stays around 14°C (56°F).

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Lyon during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nantes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Lyon. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantes 13°C (56°F) 
    Lyon 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Lyon in the Winter?

Both Lyon and Nantes during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Lyon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lyon can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nantes is much warmer than Lyon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January are around 6°C (42°F), and Lyon is about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Lyon. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lyon receives 62 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in January than Lyon. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantes 6°C (42°F) 
    Lyon 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Lyon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Lyon. Also, most visitors come to Lyon for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Lyon. Temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and Lyon stays around 11°C (53°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Lyon during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Lyon receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Lyon. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Lyon receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantes 11°C (51°F) 
    Lyon 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Lyon and Nantes

Nantes Lyon
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)


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Nantes vs. Lyon Travel Comparison

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