Experience in Nantes, France by Christian

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

Nantes is a lovely village in the North-West area of France.

The city itself is not that big, but not boring at all if you're an international student. In fact, the size of this city is one of its point of strengths, as it is big enough to find different places where you can enjoy your stay, living the French culture and having fun a lot but, at the same time, it is small enough to easily get in touch with the several exchange students coming from all the universities. For this reason I really recommend it.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Nantes?

Probably the 40% percent of Nantes' population is composed by students. This information gives an idea on how active is the lifestyle for students in Nantes.

How much does it cost to live in Nantes?

It's less expensive than Paris. In general, it is not that expensive if you consider that Nantes is a French city. However, for those like me who are from cheap countries, Nantes could be pretty expensive.

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

It's not difficult at all. There are many students accommodation both in downtown and close the main universities.

I would advice to live in a student accommodation, possibly close to the downtown. Public transports stop working at 2 am (or maybe before). Therefore, it's better living close to the downtown area and farer from the university.

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

Crepes have been invented in Nantes. Therefore, crepes restaurant are pretty famous and good in Nantes. When I was there, I really loved having breakfast with le pain au chocolat... there's a boulangerie at every corner of Nantes where you can get one.

What places would you recommend visiting in Nantes?

Of course you have to visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Then, there's L'Île de Nantes where you can see the mechanical elephant and enjoy the big area next to the river where you can play sports and relaxing on the grass.

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

I preferred eating at my place as I didn't really see a good price-quality relationship. Of course, I advice to try crepes in one of the restaurants in downtown. However, it was better for me saving money to spend for drinking out after dinner: there are many bars and pubs where you can do it.

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

The nightlife in Nantes is pretty good. You could go out in downtown almost every day and find always students chilling around. However, if you want to party a lot, it is better your university has a good association for exchange students, otherwise, there are not so many clubs. You can enjoy more Nantes just going out through pubs and bars.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Nantes?

Save money as much as you can in order to enjoy your experience in Nantes at 360°. It is really important to be part of a group in order to have fun more, otherwise, Nantes does not offer so many things to do. Nantes is good because it is completely given to the students. However, groups are pretty close, therefore, you have to get your one in order to enjoy the time there.

I'm pretty sure you will never forget your experience. Great choice!