A Travel Price Comparison for France Reims vs. Nantes for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Reims or Nantes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims 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.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Reims and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes than Reims. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Reims is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Reims different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Both Reims and Nantes offer amazing local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Is Reims or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Reims or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Reims does not have a historic old town.

Nantes offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Reims does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Nantes?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes and Reims.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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.

Is Reims or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Reims or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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 Reims or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims is not popular with students.

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.

Reims is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is well known for its public transit. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular 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).

While Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Reims or Nantes a more walkable city?

Reims and Nantes both are superb when exploring on foot.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Reims?

How long in Reims or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Reims and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Reims than in Nantes. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Reims. 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.

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

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

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Reims or Nantes?

Reims 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Reims or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nantes. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Reims or Nantes?

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

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Reims or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Reims 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 Reims or Nantes?

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 Reims or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Reims as well as Nantes. The summer months attract visitors to Reims because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Reims is around the same temperature as Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 19°C (65°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In the summer, Reims often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Reims is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Reims in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Reims usually receives less rain than Nantes. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reims or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Reims during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Reims 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 Reims. In January, Reims is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 3°C (37°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Reims often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Nantes. Many visitors come to Reims in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

Reims is cooler than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 9°C (49°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Reims usually receives less rain than Nantes. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Reims