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

Should you visit Windsor or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes. Although Windsor and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Nantes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantes is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Windsor is known for its small town charm and impressive beauty. Windsor is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Nantes is popular 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.

How is Windsor different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Windsor and Nantes.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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.

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

Nantes is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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).

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the good old towns in both Windsor and Nantes.

Many people head to Windsor to see the old town. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. 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 Windsor or Nantes?

Nantes is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Nantes is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Is Windsor or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for students. However, Windsor is not popular with students.

Nantes is popular with 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is well known for its public transit. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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).

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Nantes a more walkable city?

Windsor and Nantes both are very good when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Nantes?

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

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

Windsor 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, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Windsor or Nantes?

Windsor 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.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Windsor or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Windsor. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Nantes?

Windsor 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, 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 Windsor and Nantes, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Nantes?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nantes. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Windsor in the autumn for the small town atmosphere 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, Windsor is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Nantes. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Windsor or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

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

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Nantes. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Windsor