Experience in Nantes, France by Aziliz

What is it like to live in Nantes? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Nantes is a beautiful city with an architecture from the 17th and 18th century in the city center. It ain't a huge city, which makes it easy to navigate in. Plus, the city center is currently being renewed. The cultural life is also very dense.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nantes?

Nantes is a great city for students. Accomodation are though a little expensive as well as the expenses for every day life and parties. However, cheap places exist, you just have to look for them and you can spend great time!

How much does it cost to live in Nantes?

Accomodation is expensive and in a wide cercle around the city center. However, some distrcits are less expensive than others (Dalby, Procé, Tortière, Petit Port...). For drinks, the city center is expensive but some bars make low prices on some products (Le Vestiaire, 3€ the pint)

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Nantes? Is there any advice you can give?

Try to find your accomodation as soon as possible because from the end of August to the beginning of October, you can bearly find anything to rent... tha market is really saturated. You can look on the Facebook group "Etudiants de Nantes", many people are looking for roomates, and you can always ask for an accomodation, you will probably have several answers.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food is delicious, as you're coming in France ;) you can eat foods from all over the world (you'll find mostly kebabs and Asian food, but also Italian, African, tacos...). For the French food, there are many restaurants (crêperies mostly) but it will be a bit more expensive.

What places would you recommend visiting in Nantes?

I would recommend the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Musée des Arts, l'Île de Nantes (with the Royal Deluxe elephant, the giant carousel...), the Botanical Garden is a nice place too, and of course the riverside of the Erdre.

Is it good to eat out in Nantes? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Best kebab would probably be "La Rose des Sables" in Bouffay district (very center of the city), delicious tacos in Dalby distrcit called "Gratiné Ô four". For a crêpe, "Le Vieux Quimper" is definitely the best place to eat (a little bit expensive but it's worth it).

Is the nightlife good in Nantes? Where is good to go?

Nightlife in Nantes is great, but some places are best to avoid in late night. The Hangars à Banane is most common place for partying at night in Nantes, there are lots of clubs and bars but don't go alone there, manage to get several friends with you (I personnaly never had any troubles out there, though). The Warehouse is one of the best and biggest clubs in Nantes, it is situated on the docks of the Hangar à Bananes. Else, you have the Lieu Unique (LU) that organises free parties (mostly techno) almost every weekend (and it's always free!), and the atmosphere and the people are relly nice!

What advice would you give future students heading to Nantes?

Be carefull about you budget but apart from this, you're going to love Nantes ! Enjoy :)