A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Oxford vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Oxford or Nantes?

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

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

Oxford

Oxford is a collegiate, beautiful, and historic college town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nantes than Oxford. Nantes is bigger than Oxford, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nantes is better known for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is more popular for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Oxford is well known for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Nantes is well 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.

How is Oxford different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantes and Oxford. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Oxford or Nantes?

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Oxford or Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nantes. 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.

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

Nantes is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Oxford and Nantes.

Oxford has a large number of nightlife venues. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Oxford or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Oxford 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.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Oxford. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Is Oxford or Nantes Better for Couples?

Oxford and Nantes are both superb to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Nantes Better for Students?

Oxford is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Nantes is popular with 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.

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

Nantes is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Nantes a more walkable city?

Oxford and Nantes are superb when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Nantes?

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantes than Oxford 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 Oxford or Nantes?

Oxford might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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.

A weekend in Oxford or Nantes?

Oxford 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.

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.

Five days in Oxford or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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 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.

A week in Oxford or Nantes?

Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This college town 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 shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 79% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford and Nantes, 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 Oxford or Nantes?

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 Oxford or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In July, Oxford is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 17°C (63°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Oxford or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Oxford during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Oxford this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Oxford is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Nantes. Many travelers come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Oxford. In the winter, Oxford is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Oxford in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Oxford usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Oxford usually receives less rain than Nantes. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Oxford or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Oxford in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Oxford is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 9°C (48°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Oxford often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Oxford