A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulon vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Toulon 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 Toulon and Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a off-the-beaten-path, real world, and industrial port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Toulon and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantes than Toulon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling and beaches. Nantes is more touristy than Toulon and is popular 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. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

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).

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Toulon is a decent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Toulon is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its old town.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical 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.

You can check out the historic old town in Toulon. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Nantes?

Both Toulon and Nantes are excellent shopping destinations.

Toulon is an extremely popular place for shoppers. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a well-known place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Toulon 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 Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

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 Toulon or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

Nantes is a good city to visit for 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.

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nantes is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Toulon has some public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

Is Toulon or Nantes a more walkable city?

Toulon and Nantes both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Toulon is very walkable. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Nantes?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Toulon. 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 Toulon. 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.

One day in Toulon or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulon. 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 Toulon or Nantes?

Toulon 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 Toulon or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. 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 Toulon or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the industrial destination of Toulon. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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 Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Nantes, we can see that Toulon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Toulon Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Toulon or Nantes?

Toulon has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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 Toulon 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 Toulon or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Toulon during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Toulon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 24°C (75°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Toulon. In the summer, Toulon often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Toulon gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Toulon usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Toulon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulon and Nantes. Many travelers come to Toulon for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Toulon is a little warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Toulon averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Toulon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Toulon gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Toulon usually receives more rain than Nantes. Toulon gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Toulon or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Toulon as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Toulon in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Toulon is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Toulon in January average around 7°C (44°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

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

Toulon usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Toulon gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Toulon or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Toulon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Toulon for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In April, Toulon is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Toulon average around 13°C (56°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Toulon. Toulon usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Toulon gets 245 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Toulon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Toulon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Toulon