Are you planning to explore France beyond the lights and energy of Paris, but don’t know which of the many great French cities to visit? Well, two places to narrow your search down to are the cities of Lyon and France, and each of these destinations offers compelling reasons as to why they should be your next French getaway.
Whether you’re a lover of food culture, a history buff, or just in search of a new adventure, this comparison guide will help you decide for yourself which city is more suited to what you want out of your trip. We’ll help you out by exploring five key categories including; cost, the ease of getting around, nightlife, cant-miss activities, and of course, the food.
Cost
When it comes to budgeting for your trip, both Lyon and Nantes have advantages and disadvantages in terms of their overall cost. Lyon is the larger city of the two and is also a commercial hub in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Because of this, it tends to be slightly more expensive in regards to accommodations and dining options. However, it does offer a wider range of price options.
Nantes, on the other hand, is generally more affordable, which could make it more of an attractive option for traveling on a dime, especially if you plan on visiting multiple places while you’re in Europe. Its compact geographical size also means that you can most likely find reasonably priced lodging close to the city center, even during peak travel seasons. Many of its attractions have low or no entry fees as well.
Getting Around
As typical of most large and mid-size European cities, both Lyon and Nantes offer efficient and well-designed public transportation systems. Lyon boasts an extensive network of metros, trams, and buses, so it’s very easy to explore both the city and its outskirts. The city is also extremely bike-friendly and has numerous bike-sharing stations along with 98 dedicated bike lanes.
Nantes is equally accessible and has its own innovative tram system. Bikes are also a common way to get around here too, with the Bicloo bike-sharing service ensuring that nearly every major attraction in the city is just a ride away. While both cities are easy to navigate, Nantes just might be the better option for those who prefer a more compact city that can be easily explored on foot or by bike, but the differences are fairly negligible.
Infographic: Lyon vs Nantes
Nightlife
The nightlife scene in Lyon definitely does the city justice and includes a plethora of bars, clubs, and live music venues catering to all tastes. The city’s historic Vieux Lyon quarter is a notable nightlife hotspot and features establishments ranging from traditional French bistros to trendy rooftop bars.
Not to be outdone, Nantes also offers its own variety of top-tier nightlife options. The unique Île de Nantes area, which used to be an industrial wasteland, has made a successful transformation into a hub of culture and entertainment and is the perfect area to experience the city’s dynamic nighttime recreation.
Things To Do
Lyon has a very rich history and therefore offers a wide variety of ways to experience French culture. The city is a treasure trove of ancient architecture with sights such as the ancient Roman Theatre of Fourvière allowing visitors to gain insight into European history. There are also a ton of fascinating museums such as the Musée des Confluences and the Institut Lumière.
Nantes is known for its quirkier, and more artistic vibe, and is home to such art installations as the Les Machines de l’Île community art project. Nantes also provides a glimpse into French history with the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a medieval castle that provides a glimpse into the history of France’s Loire-Atlantique region.
Food
No comparison of French cities would be complete without discussing food. Lyon is often hailed as the gastronomy capital of France if not the world. With its bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) and renowned chefs like Paul Bocuse, the city is close to being the Mecca of food lovers.
Nantes, while less famous gastronomically, still offers a strong culinary scene. Its location near the Atlantic Coast makes it home to many restaurants that emphasize the region’s seafood and local produce. The city is also home to a burgeoning scene of young, and creative chefs that are known for adding contemporary twists to traditional French dishes, so it can also be the perfect place to discover a few hidden gems of French cuisine.
Our Decision
Without a doubt, deciding between visiting Lyon or Nantes is a tough choice, but your final decision should ultimately be based on what you’re looking for in your journey through France. If you’re a person who’s more drawn to a diverse nightlife, ancient historical sites, and world-class dining, then Lyon is the clear choice. But, if you prefer a city that’s just a bit easier to navigate, slightly cheaper, and still provides a unique blend of activities, then Nantes will certainly not disappoint.
If we could only choose one, for us, the decision would have to be Lyon. As food lovers, the unmatched culinary scene, situated against the backdrop of its ancient history and culture, makes it a city that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Nonetheless, Nantes still holds a special place for those who seek a place that’s a little less traditional, and it should be a worthy contender for future visits.
