Experience in Nantes, France by Barnabé

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

It's a great place to live, especially for a student, because even if the city itself is quite big, it offers many places to visit, discover and enjoy. It's the only city in France where you have a park or a green place at less than 1000 meters wherever you are. The riverside of "l'Erdre" is also a great place to run, walk, chill, ... Find a bicyle.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nantes?

I'm not a big fan of partying but even a student like me knows that the city center is a great place to party, with many bars, restaurants, ... On a more "student studying" point of view, there are many places to study, the different universities are well located and offer many libraries (free access).
The city is also a great place to practice sports (on the water: kayaking, rowing, swimming, climbing, running, ..., many options and installations, with the faculty also (SUAPS)).

How much does it cost to live in Nantes?

It's not as expensive as Paris, Lyon or other big cities but it isn't cheap. But if you pay attention to your food (check the RU -restaurant universitaire-), it should be ok!

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

There many accomodations for students, and many erasmus students so i think it quite easy. (Sites to look at: Le CROUS, LE BON COIN, ...)

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

The food is delicious! Cheese of course! There are also a great variety of food, with specialties from all around the world. Every thing is good in France, your taste might just be an issue with some specialties ;)

What places would you recommend visiting in Nantes?

Le Nid for it's view, le big fernand for it's burger, the castle for it's history, les bords de l'erdre for running, the city center for the life, the architecture, and everything else.
A great place to begin with is Le passage pommeraye. Find a bicyle.

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

YES!
Le Big Fernand, La Cigale (expensive!), Le select, la dinette, le rital, Le Taj Mahal, Youna!
Just try, and enjoy :)

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

See above :)
(find a bike)

What advice would you give future students heading to Nantes?

Find a bicycle!Try to discover the city, it's surrending, Bretagne, the sea, it's culture, ...
And bring something for the rain, but also the heat.
And maybe the most important, buy, rent or borrow a bicycle (you can found some easily with the faculty, or in le bon coin), it's the easiest way to move around :D