A Travel Price Comparison for France Toulouse vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Toulouse or Nantes?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Toulouse and Nantes can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Toulouse

Toulouse is a dynamic, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Toulouse and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Toulouse or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Toulouse than Nantes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Toulouse is very popular for its historical sights and big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Nantes is more touristy than Toulouse and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Toulouse is famous for its impressive old town, many museums, and delicious local cuisine. It is also well known for Basilique Saint-Sernin.

How is Toulouse different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Toulouse
Nantes

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Nantes and Toulouse.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Toulouse. There is a long running history with countless landmarks and museums. Highlights include Basilique Saint-Sernin, Place du Capitole, Muséum de Toulouse, and Fondation Bemberg.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nantes. 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.


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

Toulouse
Nantes

Both Toulouse and Nantes offer a number of first-rate restaurants to choose from.

Many restaurants in Toulouse have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many unique regional recipes that make use of poultry, cold meats, and foie gras. Toulouse sausage, cassoulet, Poulet à la Toulousaine, and Foie gras d’oie are all popular local dishes.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Toulouse or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Toulouse
Nantes

The vibe at night is high quality in both Toulouse and Nantes.

Many people head to Toulouse for the nightlife scene. You'll find a large number of students in town so the nightlife scene is active and fun. For the most lively atmosphere head to Carmes, Saint-Cyprien, or Place Saint-Pierre.

Nantes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Toulouse or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Toulouse
Nantes

Toulouse is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Toulouse to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with terra-cota buildings and pedestrian walkways. The area flows out around the Capitole and is crossed by the Garonne.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Toulouse or Nantes?

Toulouse
Nantes

If you're looking to go shopping, Toulouse and Nantes both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Toulouse. There are many great shopping districts around town including Place du Capitole, The Saint Georges district, and Rue Alsace Lorraine.

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 Toulouse or Nantes Better for Families?

Toulouse
Nantes

Both Toulouse and Nantes are high quality to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Toulouse. The city's known for its space industry so the La Cite de l’Espace (Space Museum) is a favorite attraction for kids and adults alike. You can also visit Aeroscopia, the airplane museum. La Halle de la machine is a truly unique and impressive playground. The city also has many other museums and outdoor spaces to explore.

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 Toulouse or Nantes Better for Couples?

Toulouse
Nantes

Both Toulouse and Nantes are high quality destinations for a couple's getaway.

Toulouse is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many beautiful parks, gardens, and walking paths. Make sure you take a stroll along the Canal du Midi and visit Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis. This is also a great city for visiting a spa.

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 Toulouse or Nantes Better for Students?

Toulouse
Nantes

For students, both Toulouse and Nantes are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Toulouse. You'll find a diverse student population with many international 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.

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

Toulouse
Nantes

Nantes is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Toulouse is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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).

Toulouse has a few public transit options. There are a large number of bus routes that travel both locally and regionally.

Is Toulouse or Nantes a more walkable city?

Toulouse
Nantes

Toulouse and Nantes are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Toulouse is a very walkable destination. Within the city center it is very walkable and easy to explore on foot.

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 Toulouse Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Toulouse?

How long in Toulouse or Nantes?

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

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


  • How many days in Toulouse or Nantes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Toulouse 2-4 
    Nantes 2-3

One day in Toulouse or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Toulouse. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Toulouse or Nantes?

Toulouse 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.

Nantes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. 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 Toulouse or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulouse. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Toulouse or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Toulouse. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


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.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Toulouse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Toulouse is €125, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Toulouse and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Toulouse 67
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Toulouse 134
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Toulouse and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Toulouse or Nantes? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Toulouse


Hotels in Nantes


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Toulouse Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Toulouse 41
    Nantes 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Toulouse

Also for Toulouse, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from BLAGNAC Airport to all other destinations in Toulouse: $54
  • Transfer Toulouse to Carcassonne center: $243
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse city centre to Toulouse Airport: $66
  • Toulouse Private Transfer from Toulouse Airport to City centre: $67
  • Private transfer from or to Toulouse Airport: $88
  • Departure Private Transfer: Toulouse to Toulouse Airport TLS in Luxury Van: $93
  • Arrival Transfer Toulouse Airport TLS to Toulouse by Car or Van: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $176
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $89
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $89
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $66
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $66
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $53
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Toulouse or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Toulouse change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Toulouse 34
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Toulouse

For Toulouse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • No Diet Club - Best food tour in Toulouse !: $53
  • Bakeries, Chocolate & Patisseries Food Tour: $77
  • Traditional Toulouse Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $105
  • Victor Hugo Market Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $106
  • Marché Victor Hugo Small Group Food Tour: $108

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $105
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $147

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Toulouse 15
    Nantes 13

Tours and Activities in Toulouse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Toulouse.

  • Aeroscopia Admission Ticket: $17
  • Day Trip to Carcassonne Cite Medievale and Comtale Castle Tour from Toulouse: $35
  • Private 3-hour Walking Tour of Toulouse with Official Tour Guide: $257
  • Private tour of Toulouse in an electric Tuk Tuk: $66
  • Toulous: Glory of Occitania Audio Tour: $15
  • Toulouse : Electric Tuk-Tuk Tour with Photo Stops and Audio: $76
  • Toulouse : Must-see Private Walking Tour: $38
  • Toulouse : Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guide: $9.67
  • Toulouse : Self-guided Reading Tour: $2.16
  • Toulouse E Bike Tour: $50
  • Toulouse E-Bike Tour: $49
  • Toulouse Food & History Tour with a Chef: $119

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $42
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $52
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $53
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $312
  • Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $273
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.61
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $103
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.52
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.26
  • Photoshoot Experience: $163

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Toulouse 7.50
    Nantes 6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Toulouse

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Toulouse:

  • Pub Crawl Toulouse: $20
  • From Toulouse Cite de carcassonne et wine tasting: $539

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Toulouse and Nantes, we can see that Toulouse 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 Toulouse Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Toulouse or Nantes?

Toulouse has a larger population, and is about 56% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Toulouse 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 Toulouse 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 Toulouse or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Toulouse and Nantes. Most visitors come to Toulouse for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Toulouse, it's very sunny this time of the year. Toulouse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes during summer. Toulouse gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Nantes. Toulouse gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Toulouse 22°C (72°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Toulouse as well as Nantes. The autumn months attract visitors to Toulouse because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the autumn, Toulouse is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Toulouse in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Toulouse often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Toulouse gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Toulouse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Toulouse 15°C (60°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Toulouse are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Toulouse this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Toulouse is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Toulouse average around 6°C (44°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Toulouse usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Toulouse gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Toulouse usually receives less rain than Nantes. Toulouse gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Toulouse 6°C (44°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Toulouse or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Toulouse during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Toulouse for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

Toulouse is a little warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Toulouse averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Toulouse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes. Toulouse gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Toulouse usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Toulouse gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Toulouse 12°C (54°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Toulouse

Toulouse Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (44°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (60°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (67°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 22°C (72°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 20°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 10°C (50°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)