How Safe Is Nantes for Travel?

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?

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