Which city is for you? Toulouse or Nantes
Toulouse or Nantes – which of these French cities will get crossed off your travel list? Will it be the lively, pink-hued charm of Toulouse, steeped in history and culture? Or the vibrant art scene and stunning riverside setting of Nantes? In this post, we’ll compare the pros and cons, costs, and top attractions of both cities and hopefully help you decide which one your fancy visiting the most!
Toulouse
Toulouse is a charming city in southwestern France that is often overlooked by tourists. We’re not too sure why, to be honest! It’s a beautiful city that is bisected by the Garonne River. Filled with amazing restaurants to try, and interesting architecture. It is also located close to a lot of other interesting places.
Nantes
Not far from France’s west coast, Nantes is the sixth largest city in France. Not as well known as some other French cities like Paris, Bordeaux and Marseille it doesn’t make it any less interesting. There’s plenty of culture to take in here, alongside some amazing food!
Pros and Cons of Toulouse and Nantes
Toulouse:
Pros:
- Rich history: Toulouse boasts a range of historical sites and museums, like the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Musée des Augustins.
- Vibrant food scene: Toulouse is famous for its local dishes like cassoulet and duck confit.
- Garonne River: The picturesque Garonne River provides a scenic backdrop for walks, picnics, and boat tours.
- Aerospace industry: Toulouse, known as the European aerospace capital, is home to the popular Cité de l’espace.
- University town: With multiple universities, Toulouse has a vibrant student scene.
- Underrated destination: Toulouse is a bit underrated and isn’t as busy as other major tourist destinations in France.
- Access to the Pyrenees: Toulouse’s location offers easy access to the Pyrenees for skiing and hiking adventures.
- Canal du Midi: The picturesque Canal du Midi runs through Toulouse, perfect for scenic walks and boat trips.
Cons:
- Distance from the coast: Toulouse is not a coastal city and lacks immediate access to beaches.
- Limited shopping options: Toulouse may not offer as many high-end shopping experiences as other French cities like Paris or Cannes.
- Parking: Toulouse can be difficult for parking like most major cities.
- Expensive: The average cost of food, drink and accommodation is more than in Nantes.
Best for: History buffs, food enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those who prefer a less crowded, underrated destination.
Nantes:
Pros:
- Rich cultural heritage: Nantes has a diverse history, with attractions such as the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Passage Pommeraye.
- Unique attractions: Nantes is home to the Machines de l’Île, an artistic project featuring massive mechanical animals and structures.
- Green spaces: Nantes has numerous parks and gardens, like the Jardin des Plantes and Parc de la Beaujoire.
- Proximity to the Loire Valley: Nantes is near the Loire Valley, offering access to beautiful châteaux and vineyards.
- Vibrant arts scene: Nantes has a lively arts scene, with events like the Voyage à Nantes and numerous galleries.
- City of innovation: Nantes is known for its focus on sustainable development and innovation, earning the title of the European Green Capital.
- Strong public transportation: Nantes has an extensive public transportation network, including trams, buses, and a bike-sharing system.
- Coastal location: Nantes is closer to the Atlantic coast, providing easier access to beaches than Toulouse.
Cons:
- Weather: Nantes has a more temperate oceanic climate, with more rainfall and cooler summers than Toulouse.
- Smaller food scene: Nantes’ cuisine may not be as renowned as Toulouse’s.
- Less historical depth: Although Nantes has historical sites, it may not offer the same depth of history as Toulouse.
- Limited nightlife: Nantes’ nightlife may not be as vibrant as Toulouse’s due to its smaller student population.
Best for: Art and culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those seeking a green and innovative city with easier access to the coast.
How long to stay in Toulouse
Toulouse may not be a big city, but there’s plenty to see and do. You could cover most of the city in a day, but you’d miss out on the best parts. Toulouse is a city best enjoyed at a slow pace. Take your time to explore and discover all that it has to offer.
Toulouse is Frances’s fifth biggest city, so there is a lot to see and do. We feel like most people would happily spend two to three days here and not get bored. If you really wanted an interesting holiday though, you could use Toulouse as a base to explore the region. There are plenty of amazing towns and cities nearby like Albi or Carcassonne, you could even hire a car and drive to Andorra!
There are plenty of museums and galleries like the Muséum de Toulouse, Georges Bemberg’s Foundation — Hotel of Assézat and even a scientific discovery centre that focuses on spaceflight called the Cité de l’Espace.
How long to stay in Nantes
As it’s not a particularly big city, you could easily see most of the attractions in two days. But for a more relaxing stay, we recommend staying for three days. Especially if you fancy visiting some local vineyards.
How much is food and drink in Toulouse?
Toulouse is home to a diverse culinary scene, and you can find everything from traditional French cuisine to international dishes. Here are some estimated average prices for food and drink in Toulouse:
Beer: A beer in a typical bar or restaurant in Toulouse will likely cost between €5 and €7.
Glass of wine: As Toulouse is located in the heart of the Occitanie wine region, wine is readily available and is often a better value than beer or cocktails. A glass of wine in a typical bar or restaurant can range from €3 to €10, depending on the quality and rarity of the wine.
Coffee: A cup of coffee in a typical café in Toulouse will likely cost between €1.50 and €3.
Meal at a midrange restaurant: A meal at a midrange restaurant in Toulouse will likely cost between €15 and €30 per person, depending on the restaurant and the menu.
How much is food and drink in Nantes?
Nantes is known for its delicious food and drink, and there are plenty of great places to eat and drink throughout the city. Here are some estimated average prices for food and drink in Nantes:
Beer: A pint of beer in a typical bar or restaurant in Nantes will likely cost between €5 and €8.
Glass of wine: The Loire Valley is famous for its wines, and you’ll find plenty of great local wines to try in Nantes. A glass of wine in a typical bar or restaurant can range from €4 to €10, depending on the quality and rarity of the wine.
Coffee: A cup of coffee in a typical café in Nantes will likely cost between €2 and €4.
Meal at a midrange restaurant: A meal at a midrange restaurant in Nantes will likely cost between €20 and €40 per person, depending on the restaurant and the menu.
How much is it to stay in Toulouse?
The cost of accommodation in Toulouse can vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose. Here are some estimated average prices for accommodation in Toulouse:
Luxury hotel: A room in a luxury hotel in Toulouse can cost anywhere from €150 to €500 per night, or even higher for the most exclusive properties.
Midrange hotel: A room in a midrange hotel in Toulouse will likely cost between €70 and €150 per night, depending on the location and the amenities.
Budget hotel: A room in a budget hotel in Toulouse will likely cost between €40 and €70 per night, depending on the location and the quality of the hotel.
Hostel: A bed in a hostel in Toulouse will likely cost between €20 and €40 per night, depending on the location and the amenities.
How much is it to stay in Nantes?
The cost of accommodation in Nantes can vary depending on the location and the type of accommodation you choose. Here are some estimated average prices for accommodation in Nantes:
Luxury hotel: A room in a luxury hotel in Nantes can cost anywhere from €150 to €400 per night, or even higher for the most exclusive properties.
Midrange hotel: A room in a midrange hotel in Nantes will likely cost between €70 and €150 per night, depending on the location and the amenities.
Budget hotel: A room in a budget hotel in Nantes will likely cost between €40 and €70 per night, depending on the location and the quality of the hotel.
Hostel: A bed in a hostel in Nantes will likely cost between €20 and €40 per night, depending on the location and the amenities.
When is the best time to visit Toulouse?
Toulouse has mild weather year-round, making it a great destination to visit at any time of the year. Here are some things to consider:
Weather: The weather in Toulouse is relatively mild throughout the year. Summers can get hot. Winters can be wet and mild. We recommend visiting in Spring or Autumn when the weather is mild and there aren’t too many tourists.
Festivals: Toulouse hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Like the Festival de Rio Loco (one for music lovers) and the Violet Festival which celebrates the city’s emblematic flower.
Crowds: Like most places, the summer months can get pretty hectic, so avoid July and August if you can. You’ll find a much more relaxed vibe in the off-season.
When is the best time to visit Nantes?
When planning any trip, timing is always important. But, we’re sure whenever you visit you’ll have a good time.
Weather: Nantes has a mild oceanic climate, which means it’s generally quite temperate year-round. But let’s be honest, the weather can be a bit unpredictable. You might be basking in the sun one minute, and then running for cover from the rain the next. But hey, that’s all part of the fun, right?
Festivals: Nantes is renowned for its cultural scene, and there are several festivals throughout the year that make it a good time to visit. Le Voyage à Nantes is very popular with over 500,000 people flocking to the city to be there. The festival features live music performances, food and art installations. It’s held from July to September and definitely worth a look!
Crowds: Summer is great for catching one of Nantes’ many outdoor events or festivals. But, it can get very busy. If navigating bustling streets isn’t for you, try visiting between September and November.
Average Monthly Temperatures
The average monthly temperatures for Toulouse are:
January: 7°C
February: 8°C
March: 10°C
April: 12°C
May: 16°C
June: 20°C
July: 22°C
August: 22°C
September: 19°C
October: 14°C
November: 9°C
December: 7°C
The average monthly temperatures for Nantes are:
January: 6°C
February: 6°C
March: 8°C
April: 10°C
May: 14°C
June: 17°C
July: 19°C
August: 19°C
September: 17°C
October: 13°C
November: 9°C
December: 6°C
Getting around
Getting around Toulouse:
Toulouse is very easy to get around, with regular buses, trams and a metro system there are plenty of options. The public transport system is clean and well-maintained. You’ll find it easy to get around the city when using it. The Toulouse city pass is well worth getting if you plan on using public transport a lot.
If you want a more active holiday, the city is very walkable. You could even hire a bike if you wanted to get around a bit quicker. As with any city, taxis and Uber’s are readily available.
Getting Around Nantes:
Nante has a good public transport system that covers most of the city’s major sights and attractions. But, due to the size of the city, you’d be better off walking most of the time. You’ll be able to experience the city properly and see all the interesting little things you miss when you’re on a bus or a tram.
If you do plan on making the most of public transport, the trams and buses are clean and reliable. Getting a Nantes City Pass is a good way to save money and hassle. Renting a bike is a nice way to see the city at a quicker pace. A ride down the river is a nice way to spend an afternoon too.
Top things to do in Toulouse
Visit the Basilique Saint-Sernin: One of the most visited landmarks in Toulouse. This was once part of the Abbey of Saint-Sernin, but unfortunately, only the church remains. Take a guided tour to learn more about the history of this amazing building.
Explore the historic city centre: Wander around the city, take in cultural sights, admire the architecture and eat some good food. Is there a better way to experience a city?
See the Canal du Midi: Considering it is 240 kilometres long, you won’t be able to see it all. But, you could go for a nice walk along its relaxing banks or even hire a bike!
Visit the Musée des Augustins: Housed in a former Augustinian convent this museum possesses an impressive collection of European art from the middle ages to the early 20th century.
See the Cité de l’Espace: Toulouse might not be the first place you think of when you think of space. But, this space museum is well worth a visit. The planetarium presents shows throughout the day, there are plenty of exhibits to keep you busy too.
Take a food tour: Food tours are always a great way to experience a city’s cuisine and learn about its history. You’ll often get to visit restaurants most tourists won’t know about. You’ll get to try cassoulet, a hearty bean stew, and other delicious dishes.
Check out the Musée Saint-Raymond: Opened in 1892 this archaeological museum went through various transformations before becoming a museum. It was even a prison at one point! It features exhibits from prehistory to the middle ages, history buffs don’t miss out.
Visit the Jardin des Plantes: Not to be confused with the Jardin des Plantes in Paris. This botanical garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax.
See the Capitole de Toulouse: This iconic building located in the heart of the city is home to the offices of the local government. Free to enter, it’s full of artwork and impressive interiors.
Take a day trip to Carcassonne: Located about an hour’s drive away from Toulouse. This medieval fortified city will take your breath away. Even if you’re not interested in history it’s very impressive and well worth a visit.
Top things to do in Nantes
Visit the Château des Ducs de Bretagne: Once home to the Dukes of Brittany, this beautiful castle is now a museum. Its rounded walls and moat are particularly impressive. You can walk around the walls for free. But, if you want to go into the museum you have to pay.
Explore the Île de Nantes: The island of Nantes is a former industrial area that has been transformed into a cool and trendy district. There are some very impressive art installations to see like ‘The Rings’ by Daniel Buren.
Take a Vineyard tour: Nantes is located in the Loire Valley, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. So it would be rude not to tour some of the local vineyards! Well, that’s our excuse.
Walk through the Passage Pommeraye: This three-tiered shopping arcade is stunning and a must-see when visiting Nantes. Its beautiful architecture and elegant shops are great for wandering around.
Visit the Musée d’Arts de Nantes: One of the largest museums of its type in the region, it has an extensive collection of over 12,000 works of art. Including works by famous artists like Monet, Picasso and Kandinsky.
Take a boat tour on the Erdre River: Known as the most beautiful river in France, is there a better way to see it other than being on it? Some of the countryside and chalets along the river are stunning.
Walk along the Quai de la Fosse: This promenade along the river is perfect for an afternoon stroll. You can enjoy the views and look at all the boats.
Visit the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle: Filled with skeletons of animals. You’ll marvel at the impressive collection of specimens on show here. There’s even a whale skeleton that’s over 18 meters in length.
Go to Les Machines de l’île: The Machine de l’île is an experience you won’t forget! A park featuring giant mechanical creatures, it’s not something you see every day. Great for kids and adults alike!
Explore the Musée de l’Imprimerie: Take a tour of this impressive museum and learn all about Nantes’ long history with printing. You’ll never appreciate how much work used to go into printing until you’ve visited here!
How to spend three days in Toulouse
Day 1:
Morning: Start your day at the Place du Capitole, a stunning square in the heart of Toulouse. Try and get there early so you can enjoy a coffee overlooking the square whilst the city wakes up. Have a wander into the Capotiole building to see the artwork and lavish rooms.
Afternoon: Visit the Musée des Augustins to learn more about the history and art of the region. The museum has a brilliant collection of sculptures and paintings.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Saint-Cyprien district, once one of Toulouse’s roughest areas. It’s now one of the coolest parts of the city. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you busy for the evening.
Day 2:
Morning: Get the train to Carcassonne, an amazing fortified medieval city about an hour away by train. It almost looks like something out of a Disney film. Walk around the castle and visit the Basilica of Saint-Nazaire. Opt for a guided tour to fully immerse in the city’s history.
Afternoon: Get the train back to Toulouse and spend a relaxing afternoon seeing the Canal du Midi. Either walk along the banks or hire a bank if you want to see more of it.
Evening: Go and find a nice French restaurant and try some of the local cuisines such as a cassoulet or saucisse de Toulouse. Once you’re suitably full go and explore the Carmes neighbourhood. It’s the perfect place to wander around aimlessly stopping off for drinks and exploring the little side streets.
Day 3:
Morning: Start the day with a visit to the Cité de l’Espace, a space museum not too far from the city centre. An interesting place for adults and kids alike.
Afternoon: After lunch let your food settle with a relaxing afternoon in the Jardin des Plantes, one of Toulouse’s most beautiful parks.
Evening: Go and see a performance at the Théâtre du Capitole, one of France’s most prestigious opera houses. Or if opera isn’t your thing, go and see some live music at La Dynamo, a small club that hosts a variety of different live performers.
How to spend three days in Nantes
Day 1:
Morning: Grab a coffee then head to Château des ducs de Bretagne. This 15th-century fortress is very impressive. Walk around the walls for nice views of the city, or visit the museum if you want to learn more about its history.
Afternoon: After a morning of history, why not visit the Musée d’arts de Nantes and see some artwork from renowned artists? Even the building itself is very beautiful so it’s definitely worth visiting.
Evening: Head to Bouffay, a great neighbourhood full of bars and restaurants. Grab some traditional French food and local wine and relax for the evening.
Day 2:
Morning: Head to Les Machines de l’île nice and early to avoid the crowds. This crazy art project combines sci-fi with real-world engineering. Make sure to reserve a ticket in the high season.
Afternoon: After a morning of watching a robotic elephant walk around, head to the Jardin des Plantes and have a relaxing afternoon. There are so many interesting plants and trees to see and even a herbal garden.
Evening: Go for a walk down the Loire River. It runs through the heart of Nantes and there are plenty of bars and restaurants on its banks. Is there a better way to spend an evening than watching the sunset whilst eating amazing food and drinking good wine?
Day 3:
Morning: Head out of the city and visit a local vineyard. There are plenty of local wine tours that will take you. It’s a great way to see how the wine is made and sample some of the local produce.
Afternoon: After lunch, visit the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle. This natural history museum will keep adults and kids entertained for a while! Theres plenty of exhibits featuring a wide array of animals. There’s even a vivarium with live snakes!
Evening: Wander around the Graslin district, this beautiful part of Nantes is full of chic shops, amazing restaurants and cool bars. Make sure you try some seafood dishes and indulge in some local wines and beers.
Toulouse Rating
Attractions: 8
Accommodation: 7
Food and drink: 9
Safety: 8
Transportation: 7
Shopping: 6
Culture and history: 9
Nightlife: 7
Total score: 61
Nantes Rating
Attractions: 8
Accommodation: 7
Food and drink: 8
Safety: 8
Transportation: 6
Shopping: 6
Culture and history: 7
Nightlife: 6
Total score: 56