A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a park-filled, charming, and historic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. It's also popular because of the food and theater.

Nantes

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Nantes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is known for its theatre productions and small town charm. Nantes is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon 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. Stratford-upon-Avon is popular for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is an unbeatable place for its shows and theatre. However, Nantes is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Nantes is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon 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. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantes than in Stratford-upon-Avon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Stratford-upon-Avon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

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

In Nantes, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the theater, 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.

Many people visit Nantes for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. Don't miss the theater, 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.

The beautiful destination of Nantes offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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. This city offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

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

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Stratford-upon-Avon during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Nantes. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter for the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stratford-upon-Avon can get quite cold in the winter. Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Nantes. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

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

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon