A Travel Price Comparison for France Versailles vs. Nantes for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Versailles or Nantes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Versailles or Nantes, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Versailles

Versailles is a beautiful, grand, and ornate palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Versailles or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nantes than Versailles. Nantes is bigger than Versailles, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nantes is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. Nantes is well known 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.

How is Versailles different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Versailles is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Versailles has many famous sights for visitors. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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 Versailles or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Versailles or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Versailles or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Nantes is a good destination for visiting its 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Versailles or Nantes?

Nantes is a great city for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantes. 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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Versailles or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Versailles or Nantes Better for Couples?

Versailles and Nantes are both superb to visit as a couple.

Versailles is a great palace if you're traveling as a couple. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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 Versailles or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not popular with students.

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

Versailles and Nantes both offer superb public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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

Is Versailles or Nantes a more walkable city?

Versailles and Nantes are superb when it comes to walkability.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Versailles?

How long in Versailles or Nantes?

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

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the historical city of Nantes, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Versailles or Nantes?

Versailles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nantes, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Versailles or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, 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.

Nantes, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Versailles or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Versailles or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Versailles 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 Versailles 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 Versailles or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Versailles and Nantes. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In July, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 20°C (68°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Versailles gets 239 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Versailles usually receives more rain than Nantes. Versailles gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Versailles or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Versailles as well as Nantes. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Versailles is around the same temperature as Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Versailles averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Versailles gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Versailles gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Versailles or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Versailles are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In the winter, Versailles is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Versailles in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Versailles usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Versailles gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Versailles or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Versailles during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Versailles is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Versailles average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Versailles often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Versailles gets 173 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Versailles usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Versailles gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Versailles