France : Safety by City
- Bordeaux
- Le Havre
- Lille
- Lyon
- Marseille
- Martinique
- Montpellier
- Nantes
- Nice
- Nimes
- Paris
- Reims
- Rennes
- Strasbourg
- Toulon
- Toulouse
Nantes is the capital of the north-western French region of Pays de la Loire.
Located close to the Atlantic ocean while being two hours away from Paris by train, it provides a very good quality of life and is at the heart of one of the most dynamic French regions in terms of economy/innovation and demography.
There are many schools and a big university, providing a huge amount of students with decent nightlife.
Also, the downtown area is fairly pretty, especially around the “Château des Ducs de Bretagne”, located at the heart of the city and surrounded by medieval streets in a lively area known as “Quartier Bouffay”.
Warnings & Dangers in Nantes
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Nantes is overall safe to travel to, with considerably low crime rates where tourists are free to explore without having to worry about street crime. However, it is advised that you remain vigilant at all times.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transportation and taxis are generally safe and reliable in Nantes, though many pickpockets are cramming in other forms of public transport. Taxis are usually your safest bet.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Pickpockets are a problem like in the majority of destinations in France. Be careful, keep your eyes open in public, crowded areas such as train stations and airports, and keep your valuables close by your side.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
There are no natural disasters in Nantes, so you can relax completely in this aspect.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
It is not likely you will get mugged in Nantes. Crime rates are very low, and violent crime against tourists is highly unlikely.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Since this country has been targeted by terrorists numerous times, (as well as some countries near France, such as Denmark or Belgium) there is a reason to believe that this country can be targeted again. This is why it is important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The risk of getting scammed in Nantes pretty low, though you should still negotiate everything in advance, double check your change and never pay anything upfront.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Nantes is somewhat safe to travel to if you are a female traveling solo. Apply all the general precaution rules such as not walking alone in poorly lit and deserted areas, not finding yourself in the strange company at night.
So... How Safe Is Nantes Really?
Nantes is a very safe city in comparison to most major French and European cities.
Except for cases when Nantes makes the headlines about demonstrations that sometimes go bad, it is a quiet and nice city.
When it comes to a bit more dangerous areas, some neighborhoods where some violence exists (usually due to drug dealing, etc.) are around the eastern part (Bottière) or western (Dervallières).
As for the good neighborhoods, most companies are located in the North of Nantes so your best bet in terms of the neighborhood could be Orvault, La Chapelle Sur Erdre or Saint Joseph.
L’ile de Nantes is also a very vibrant area.
It is slightly cheaper than the center city and has several other advantages like proximity to the city center, a big shopping mall, the fact that it’s linked to two main city transportation lines, etc.
Another major issue in France is the terrorist attacks that have been happening during the last couple of years.
Due to this, police and France’s military units are patrolling the important landmarks, train stations, and airports.
It is not uncommon and almost expected, to see armed patrols in those areas.
However, this is a good thing for tourists, since their presence scares away any pickpockets or bag snatchers that might be in the vicinity.
How Does Nantes Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Nantes | 56 |
| Marseille | 59 |
| Lyon | 70 |
| Paris | 68 |
| Nice | 75 |
| Toulouse | 57 |
| Strasbourg | 74 |
| Niagara Falls (Canada) | 87 |
| Calgary (Canada) | 82 |
| Buenos Aires (Argentina) | 60 |
| Vancouver (Canada) | 82 |
| Cordoba (Argentina) | 61 |
| Toronto (Canada) | 81 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do not need a visa to enter France, for any stays shorter than 90 days. Any longer than that, you might need to acquire a visa. EU nationals can stay (and work) in France for as long as they like. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your planned date of return. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local French embassy.
Currency
Euro is the official currency for Nantes. You can find ATMs at every airport, most train stations and on every other street corner in all towns and cities. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.
Weather
The climate in Nantes is mild and generally warm and temperate. The is a great deal of rainfall in Nantes, even in the driest month, with the temperature averaging around 11.6 °C.
Airports
Nantes Atlantique Airport is an international airport serving Nantes, France. It is located 8 kilometers southwest of the city.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Nantes, since it covers not only medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Nantes Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 8 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 9 |
| Low °C | 3 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 10 | 6 | 4 |
| High °F | 46 | 48 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 70 | 77 | 75 | 72 | 63 | 54 | 48 |
| Low °F | 37 | 37 | 41 | 43 | 48 | 54 | 57 | 57 | 54 | 50 | 43 | 39 |
France - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Bordeaux | 63 |
| Le Havre | 63 |
| Lille | 56 |
| Lyon | 70 |
| Marseille | 59 |
| Martinique | 71 |
| Montpellier | 48 |
| Nantes | 56 |
| Nice | 75 |
| Nimes | 65 |
| Paris | 68 |
| Reims | 68 |
| Rennes | 65 |
| Strasbourg | 74 |
| Toulon | 64 |
| Toulouse | 57 |
Nantes
I have never really thought about visiting Nantes. The nightlife is very appealing. Like most places, you really need to be aware of your surroundings, other than that, it seems pretty safe which is great information to know. I am loving all of the great information here. Thank you for sharing.
Boheme city of my dreams
It has a low crime rate so I would classify it as generally safe with emphasis on generally. Keep your distance if you decide to use public transportation. Pickpockets are a huge drawback but if you have a keen eye you will spot them from a mile away.
Completely wrong
Everything wrong, Nantes is one the worst city for criminality in Europe and the worst in France. Especially if you are a woman.
Absolutely not the dangerous city as reported
I have been leaving in Nantes for 3 years. The mayor belongs to the Labour Party, a systematic smear campaign on the issue of security has been carried out by the Conservatives. Facts are that Nantes has a risk of being a victim of a crime of 74.66 per 1000 inhabitants, i.e. 7.5%. The ratio number of inhabitants, number of crimes ranks Nantes as the 18th most dangerous city in France in 2023 (behind Paris 2nd, Lyon 5th, Bordeaux 6th, Cannes 7th…).
safe and amazing
Life in Nantes is a delightful blend of cultural richness, historical charm, and modern vibrancy. Nestled along the Loire River in western France, Nantes captivates with its picturesque streets, adorned with elegant architecture and lush greenery. The city’s dynamic arts scene, highlighted by its annual Voyage à Nantes festival, celebrates creativity in all its forms, from street art to contemporary exhibitions. With its bustling markets, quaint cafes, and Michelin-starred restaurants, Nantes offers a gastronomic journey that delights every palate. Beyond its urban allure, Nantes boasts easy access to the serene countryside and the stunning Atlantic coast, inviting residents to embrace a balanced lifestyle of leisure and adventure. Indeed, life in Nantes is as good as its famed Muscadet wine—full of flavor, warmth, and joie de vivre.