A Travel Price Comparison for France Saint-Tropez vs. Nantes for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Nantes? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a luxurious, glamourous, and opulent resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Saint-Tropez. Although Saint-Tropez and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Saint-Tropez has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Saint-Tropez is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Nantes is known for its museums, food, and historical sights. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. It is also home to The Old Port. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

The Old Port

How is Saint-Tropez different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Nantes is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Saint-Tropez is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes is not a resort destination.

Saint-Tropez offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to enjoy its famous scuba diving and snorkeling areas. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Saint-Tropez. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a popular place for its old town. However, Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nantes to see the 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.

Saint-Tropez does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Saint-Tropez specifically to go shopping. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

Nantes is 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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Saint-Tropez has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

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 Saint-Tropez or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for students. However, Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nantes can get you around easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

While Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Saint-Tropez or Nantes a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Saint-Tropez. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Tropez and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez than in Nantes. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saint-Tropez, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Nantes. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Saint-Tropez, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Saint-Tropez than Nantes. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Saint-Tropez that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this welcoming city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Saint-Tropez 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the extravagant destination of Saint-Tropez. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Luxury Tours to France, and The Best Budget Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Tropez or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saint-Tropez as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Saint-Tropez for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Tropez in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Nantes averages at about 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 Saint-Tropez this time of the year. In the summer, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Saint-Tropez gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Saint-Tropez gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saint-Tropez is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Saint-Tropez average around 17°C (63°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Saint-Tropez gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Saint-Tropez. In October, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Nantes. Saint-Tropez gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Saint-Tropez during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Tropez is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Tropez averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Saint-Tropez often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Saint-Tropez gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nantes. Saint-Tropez gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Tropez or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Tropez and Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the spring, Saint-Tropez is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Tropez in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saint-Tropez usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Saint-Tropez gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saint-Tropez usually receives more rain than Nantes. Saint-Tropez gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Saint-Tropez