Travel Budget for Nantes Visit Nantes on a Budget or Travel in Style

Nantes, Pays de la Loire, France

Nantes is a vibrant city known for the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. This will help you plan the best trip to Nantes and stay within your ideal travel budget, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife.

How much does it cost to travel to Nantes?

You should plan to spend around $139 (€128) per day on your vacation in Nantes. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $51 (€47) on meals
  • $39 (€36) on local transportation
  • $131 (€120) on hotels

A one week trip to Nantes for two people costs, on average, $1,953 (€1,792). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $139
    128
  • One Week Per person
    $976
    896
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $1,953
    1,792
  • One Month Per person
    $4,185
    3,840
  • One Week For a couple
    $1,953
    1,792
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $3,906
    3,584
  • One Month For a couple
    $8,369
    7,680
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Nantes cost?

A one week trip to Nantes usually costs around $976 (€896) for one person and $1,953 (€1,792) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Nantes on average costs around $1,953 (€1,792) for one person and $3,906 (€3,584) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Nantes will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Nantes on average costs around $4,185 (€3,840) for one person and $8,369 (€7,680) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Nantes expensive to visit?

Nantes is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

Nantes can certainly rack up expenses, but there are strategies to minimize costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

On average, budget travelers spend $61 (€56) per day, mid-range travelers spend $140 (€128) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $268 (€245) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Nantes.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Nantes is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Saaremaa or Almeria.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Nantes Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Nantes?

The average Nantes trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Nantes travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Nantes cost?

Nantes on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$29
(26)
$65
(60)
$125
(115)
Local Transportation 1 $17
(16)
$39
(36)
$74
(68)
Food 2 $22
(21)
$51
(47)
$98
(90)
Entertainment 1 $6
(5.78)
$14
(13)
$28
(25)
Alcohol 2 $2-5
(1-4)
$4-11
(3-10)
$7-20
(6-18)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Nantes, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.

What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?

You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $61 per day that backpackers typically manage.

Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.

Luckily, Nantes has plenty of hostels, including CISN Le Spot. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited. The city features reliable public transit, making it possible for budget travelers to avoid expensive taxis or rideshare options. Food also plays a significant role in a visitor's experience to Nantes, yet budget travelers might stick to street food or hostel meals, resulting in less exposure to the wonderful culinary scene.

What Makes You an Average Traveler?

If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. When visiting Nantes, you'll want to see the Machines of the Isle of Nantes, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, or the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $140 per person, per day.

The range of hotels and vacation rentals in Nantes is impressive. If you're traveling with others, sharing your hotel with a partner, friend, or kids allows you to split the costs and save money. Families will want to find hotels and restaurants that accommodate children. Oceania Hotel de France Nantes is a solid choice for families, while Okko Hotels Nantes Chateau also offers great options. For additional family and couple-friendly hotels, refer to our hotel guide for Nantes here.

Looking to Travel in Luxury?

If you want an all encompassing getaway with top-notch amenities and exceptional service, get ready for a daily cost around $268. Staying in upscale hotels, dining at acclaimed restaurants, indulging in lavish activities, and using taxis or private drivers to navigate the city will require a more luxurious budget. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Nantes

Hotel prices in Nantes can really fluctuate, especially between budget and luxury options. Expect higher costs during peak summer season, when rates climb from an off-season average of $76 up to around $142. From $54 for budget options to $239 for luxury hotels, there's something for everyone. Hostels, particularly dorms, are typically cheaper. Book early or travel in the low season for better prices.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Nantes for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $131 (€120). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (€60) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $65
    60
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $131
    120

Hotels in Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Nantes? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Nantes

The average hotel room price in Nantes based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $76 in the low season and $142 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Nantes include:

  • Oceania Hotel de France Nantes starting at $95
  • Okko Hotels Nantes Chateau starting at $93
  • Sozo Hotel starting at $134
  • Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites starting at $94
  • BEST WESTERN Plus Hotel de la Regate starting at $76
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Nantes

The great public transit system in Nantes gives you the option to stay outside the city, but keep in mind that while it may save you on lodging, it could cost more in transit.

In a family-friendly destination like Nantes, it's best to find an apartment with more room when traveling with children.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than during summer, will give you cheaper lodging options and fewer tourists to navigate around.

Walking is a common way to explore Nantes, so look for a place right in the heart of the action. This might, however, come at a higher price.

The city's attractive old town is a popular destination for visitors. Hotels in this area can be expensive, but they frequently have unique character and are conveniently located near everything.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Nantes

Nantes has a very efficient public transit system. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise). If you want to save some money while getting around quickly, public transportation is the way to go. Taxis and rideshares can also be found all around the city.

If you're someone who enjoys discovering a place on foot, you'll love it here. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (great)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $39 (€36) per person, per day, on local transportation in Nantes. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Nantes is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $39
    36

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes for $56 details
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport for $67 details
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer for $27 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Nantes
How much does it cost to go to Nantes? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Nantes
The price of renting a car in Nantes will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Nantes

You definitely don't want to miss the incredible cuisine in Nantes. Take some time to explore local dining options and enjoy their unique dishes. 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).

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Nantes can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Nantes is $51 (€47) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $51
    47

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Nantes is around $51 (€47) per person, with previous travelers spending from $22 to $98. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Nantes are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $5 to $15
  • Lunch: $8 to $21
  • Dinner: $15 to $36
  • Coffee: $4
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $8

Nantes, like much of France, has some excellent dining options. With fresh seafood coming in daily from the river and nearby Atlantic coast and fresh vegetables, dairy, and meant from local farms, there is not shortage of fresh, delicious options on the local menus. There are a few local dishes to watch for that are native to the area: fish in beurre blanc sauce, which is a light, creamy sauce made of butter, vinegar, wine and spices, and Gateau nantais, a delicious cake made with butter and sugar and flavored with almonds and rum.

A few restaurant ideas include: Creperie Heb-Ken, which offers a variety of both sweet and savory crepe options, La Civelle, which offers some great local seafood dishes, and Brasserie La Cigale, which offers great traditional French cuisine.

Food in Nantes

Food & Dining Tips

If you're traveling with kids, search for restaurants that offer a children's menu. This can save you a lot of money since these dishes are usually cheaper. Keep in mind that some places may not list their kids' options, so make sure to ask the server.

Many hotels provide breakfast at no additional cost, while others charge extra. The quality and price can vary widely from hotel to hotel. Knowing this ahead of time can help you decide if you should budget more. You might find the hotel's buffet is a worthwhile investment, or perhaps a nearby bakery or cafe could be a cheaper alternative.

Make a picnic for a budget-friendly way to enjoy the scenery. Visit a nearby grocery store or market, stock up on fresh goodies, and find a beautiful park or scenic spot to have your meal.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

Thinking about a tour? Check which meals are included beforehand. You might need to budget for some meals on your own, which can add to your expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Nantes. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide for $153 details
  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience for $106 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Nantes

It's clear why Nantes attracts visitors, considering its food, museums and attractions, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Nantes typically cost an average of $14 (€13) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $14
    13

Here are a few of the most popular sights with their prices:

  • The Machines of the Isle of Nantes for €10
  • Château des Ducs de Bretagne for €9
  • The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes (Free)
  • The Jardin des Plantes de Nantes (Free)
  • The Musée d'Arts de Nantes for €9

The Chateau des ducs de Bretagne is one of the biggest sights in Nantes. It is a powerful symbol of Nantes' place in Breton history. The dukes having chosen Nantes for capital made the castle a real town within the town. The contrast between the exterior fortifications and the Renaissance-inspired inner buildings is unique. The castle was the last ducal residence of Brittany before the nation was merged with the Kingdom of France. It was also the birthplace and home of Anne of Brittany, who became twice Queen of France. Here in the heart of the city, you can retrace five centuries of history, admire the finely executed facades and terraces and walk the castle walls. Today the castle also houses the fascinating Nantes History Museum.

Another popular sight is the Nantes Cathedral or the Cathedral of Saint Pierre and Saint Paul. It is a Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral that took 457 years to complete.



Nantes has many different attractions and things to do with the great museums and beautiful gardens just barely scratching the surface. Come visit during the summer to experience the Le Voyage a Nantes, which encourage art and culture in the city, and invites artists from all over the world to use Nantes as a playground for their creativity. Come experience this fantastic event and enjoy a 10 km long itinerary with surprising installations from artists, great exhibitions and playgrounds.

For something incredibly unique and original, check out the Machines of the Isle of Nantes: an artistic, touristic and cultural project in the old covered buildings of the former shipyards that were at one time used for ship construction and later used as business sites. The projects were created by two artists and aim to promote the city's image and build an identity as a creative metropolis of dream and of fantasy. One of the most popular of the machines is The Great Elephant, which is 12 meters high and 8 meters wide, and made from 45 tons of wood and steel. It can take up to 49 passengers for a 45-minute walk around town. Other machines include The Marine Worlds Carousel, and The Heron Tree.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in NantesNantes boasts some of the world's most well-known museums and landmarks. 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.

Shopping:
Shopping in NantesMake sure to check out the shopping here, as it's a fun experience. 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.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Nantes. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes for $29 details
  • Nantes Must-see Attractions Walking Tour With A Guide for $43 details
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike for $56 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Nantes

Visitors to Nantes find the nightlife exhilarating, enjoying nights filled with fun at the local bars, clubs, and parties. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $7.01 (€6.43) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Nantes per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $7.01
    6.43

Nightlife in Nantes

Nightlife Tips

While nightlife can be a blast, skipping a few rounds can significantly lower your travel expenses.

Enjoy the nightlife, but stay cautious, especially if you're drinking. Thieves or criminals may target you, so stay close to trusted friends and avoid wandering off alone.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Nantes. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

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

Recommended


Budgeting and Travel Tips for Nantes

  • Look for free activities to help you save money. A few of the most popular include:
    • The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes
    • The Jardin des Plantes de Nantes
  • Prices generally surge and the city fills up during the peak season in summer. To enjoy some savings and a less crowded atmosphere, aim to visit during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young kids means you might want to go for a private vehicle or taxi. Sometimes it's just easier to sidestep the complications of public transportation, but it can also be more expensive.
  • Nantes doesn't really have a thriving hostel scene, so if you're counting on staying in a low-cost dorm, you may want to change your plans. Instead, check out budget hotels or apartment rentals.
Traveling in Nantes
Nantes Nantes, France

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.



Neighborhoods & Around

Nantes is pretty large, so there are a few different neighborhoods. One of the main neighborhoods is the city center, which is mostly pedestrianized, where most of the art, attractions, and shopping is located.

There is also the historic center, where the castle and fortified city within a city can be found as well as some of the other historic buildings and monuments. You can also check out the medieval district, which is lined with many boutique style shops.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.