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

Should you visit Southampton or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Southampton 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.

Southampton

Southampton is a dynamic, up-and-coming, and waterfront port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes. Although Southampton and Nantes are about the same size, Nantes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantes is more touristy than Southampton and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also home to The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Southampton is popular for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nantes has something for everybody. 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 Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

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

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nantes. 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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Nantes?

Nantes is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. 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.

Southampton is a family-friendly place to visit. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

Is Southampton or Nantes Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Nantes make for a very good place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Southampton or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Southampton 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.

Southampton is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a great city for times when you don't have a car. However, Southampton is not known for its public transit.

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).

Public transit is generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Nantes?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Southampton. 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 Southampton. 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Nantes?

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly city of Nantes. Most people visit for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Nantes?

Southampton 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Nantes. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Nantes?

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

The welcoming city of Nantes offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Nantes?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people visit for the food. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, 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 Southampton and Nantes, we can see that Southampton 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 Southampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Southampton 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 Southampton Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Southampton. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Nantes. Many travelers come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Southampton is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Southampton in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. Southampton usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Southampton 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 Southampton or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Southampton 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, Southampton is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Southampton 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 Southampton or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Southampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Southampton can be very cold during winter. Southampton is cooler than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

In January, Southampton usually receives less rain than Nantes. Southampton 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 Southampton or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Southampton during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Southampton because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the spring, Southampton is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Southampton in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Southampton 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 Southampton