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

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

Zermatt

Zermatt is a charming, stunning, and iconic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife.

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.

Zermatt and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Zermatt than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Zermatt is better known for its skiing, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, and historical sights. Zermatt is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. Also, Zermatt is famous for The Matterhorn. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Nantes Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for skiing and snowboarding. However, Nantes is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Zermatt is among the best in the world. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Nantes is not a skiing destination.

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town 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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

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

Nantes is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town 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).

Zermatt has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

Is Zermatt or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Both Zermatt and Nantes are excellent when it comes to partying.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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.

Is Zermatt or Nantes Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes is not a resort destination.

Zermatt is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Zermatt draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Nantes?

Both Zermatt and Nantes are excellent shopping destinations.

Zermatt is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

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 Zermatt or Nantes Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Zermatt or Nantes.

Zermatt is a very family-friendly place to visit. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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.

Is Zermatt or Nantes Better for Couples?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Zermatt has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Zermatt or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zermatt is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Zermatt. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for students. However, Zermatt 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

Is Zermatt 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, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Zermatt has some public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

Is Zermatt or Nantes a more walkable city?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Zermatt. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zermatt and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zermatt than in Nantes. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zermatt, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Couples should spend more time in Zermatt than Nantes. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zermatt that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zermatt than Nantes 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 Zermatt.

One day in Zermatt or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting the destination of Zermatt. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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 Zermatt or Nantes?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. 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 Zermatt or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Zermatt. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Nantes, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Zermatt during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 23°C (73°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 Zermatt. In the summer, Zermatt often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Nantes. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, 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.

Zermatt is around the same temperature as Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Nantes. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zermatt or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the winter for the skiing, 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.

Zermatt can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zermatt is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zermatt in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Zermatt usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Nantes in the Spring?

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

In April, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 13°C (55°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Zermatt usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Nantes during spring. Zermatt gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Zermatt. In April, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Nantes. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Zermatt