Living in Nantes: the ultimate expat guide

Nantes has emerged as one of France's most dynamic employment hubs, ranking 5th nationally for job creation in 2024. The Pays de la Loire region enjoys the lowest unemployment rate in mainland France at 5.9%, well below the national average of 7.5%. Major corporations and innovative startups alike have established operations here, creating diverse opportunities across multiple sectors.

Key Industries and Employers

The local economy thrives on several pillars. Aerospace and manufacturing anchor the industrial base, with Airbus and Spirit Aerosystems maintaining significant facilities. The food industry remains historically strong, home to brands like LU, BN, Saupiquet, and research leader Eurofins Scientific. The tech sector has exploded, with startups such as Doctolib, iAdvize, Akeneo, and Lengow raising significant venture capital. Marine renewable energy positions the Saint-Nazaire corridor as France's leading offshore wind hub, with GE, Naval Group, and Chantiers de l'Atlantique driving growth.

Work Permits and Employment

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in France. Non-EU nationals typically require a Talent Passport visa for skilled positions, requiring a minimum annual salary of approximately €42,000 (1.5× minimum wage) and a qualifying job contract. The visa allows stays up to four years and includes family reunification provisions. Employers in tech and international sectors often use English, though French proficiency significantly improves career prospects.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators:

Sources: INSEE, EURES

Nantes ranks among France's top five student cities, hosting over 60,000 students across its universities and grandes écoles. The city offers world-class education at accessible tuition rates, attracting approximately 5,000 international students annually from over 140 countries. English-taught programs are increasingly available, particularly at the graduate level.

Major Universities

Nantes Université stands as the region's flagship institution, enrolling over 43,000 students across 11 faculties. It offers more than 200 master's programs, including several taught in English, spanning sciences, humanities, law, medicine, and engineering. The university participates in numerous Erasmus Mundus joint degrees recognized for excellence. Annual tuition for non-EU students ranges from €2,770 to €3,770 for standard programs.

Centrale Nantes is a prestigious engineering school offering MSc programs in marine technology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, and robotics. Five Erasmus Mundus joint master degrees are available. Audencia Business School holds triple accreditation (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA) and offers internationally recognized MBA and master's programs with tuition ranging from €15,000 to €35,000 depending on the program.

Admission and Practical Information

International students from countries in the Campus France procedure must apply through the Études en France platform. EU students apply directly to institutions. Most programs require French proficiency (B1-B2 level), though English-taught tracks accept IELTS or TOEFL scores. The Guichet Unique welcome center assists international students with registration, housing, and administrative procedures.

Sources: Nantes Université, Centrale Nantes, Audencia

Nantes provides diverse schooling options for expatriate families, from excellent public schools to bilingual and international programs. The French education system is compulsory from ages 3 to 16, progressing through école maternelle (preschool), école primaire (elementary), collège (middle school), and lycée (high school). Public education is free, while private and international schools charge tuition.

International and Bilingual Schools

The Lycée International Nelson Mandela is a public school offering international sections with instruction in English and Spanish alongside the French curriculum. Students work toward the Baccalauréat Français International (BFI), a demanding bilingual qualification. Admission is competitive, requiring language proficiency tests. Fees apply only for international sections, approximately €5,000 annually in senior years.

The International School of Nantes (ISN) offers fully bilingual education (50% French, 50% English) from nursery through middle school. Following both French and English curricula, the school maintains small class sizes and emphasizes personalized learning. Annual tuition ranges from €4,000 to €7,000 depending on grade level. École Montessori Bilingue de Nantes provides an alternative approach for younger children seeking bilingual Montessori education.

French Public Schools

Public schools in Nantes maintain high standards and are free for residents. Enrollment requires proof of address and is handled through the Mairie (city hall). Foreign language instruction begins in elementary school, with intensive options available. Many schools offer European sections with enhanced language learning.

Sources: Lycée Nelson Mandela, International School of Nantes, Nantes Métropole

Nantes offers significantly more affordable housing than Paris while providing diverse neighborhood options. The rental market is active, though competition for central apartments can be intense. Expats typically rent initially before considering purchase, allowing time to discover the city's distinct districts.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

The city center (Centre-Ville), including Bouffay and Graslin, offers historic charm, walkability, and proximity to cultural venues. Expect to pay €700-€900 monthly for a one-bedroom apartment. Île de Nantes represents modern urban living with contemporary architecture, creative spaces, and the famous Machines de l'Île. Rents range from €750-€1,200 for one bedroom.

Families often prefer Saint-Félix and Hauts-Pavés, quiet residential areas with excellent schools, parks, and riverside walks. The bohemian Trentemoult district, a former fishing village with colorful houses, attracts those seeking artistic atmosphere. Budget-conscious renters find value in Rezé and Chantenay, offering lower rents while remaining well-connected by tram.

Rental Process and Costs

Landlords typically require proof of income (three months' pay slips), employment contract, ID, and previous landlord references. A garant (guarantor) earning 3× the rent may be required. Deposits equal one month's rent for unfurnished units. Agency fees, when applicable, can reach one month's rent.

Sources: SeLoger, Numbeo

Nantes pulses with creativity and cultural energy, offering world-class attractions alongside intimate neighborhood discoveries. The city's identity interweaves industrial heritage with contemporary art, making exploration endlessly rewarding. From mechanical elephants to Gothic cathedrals, Nantes surprises at every turn.

Must-See Attractions

Les Machines de l'Île ranks among France's most extraordinary attractions. Located in the former shipyards, this artistic project features the famous 12-meter mechanical elephant that walks, trumpets, and carries passengers. The Marine Worlds Carousel and Gallery of Machines showcase remarkable kinetic sculptures inspired by Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a magnificently restored 15th-century fortress, houses the Nantes History Museum and offers free access to its ramparts and gardens. The Musée d'Arts de Nantes, renovated in 2017, displays nine centuries of art from medieval to contemporary, including works by Monet, Kandinsky, and Picasso. The elegant Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century shopping arcade, showcases stunning neoclassical architecture.

Parks, Events and Nightlife

The Jardin des Plantes, one of France's finest botanical gardens, offers 7 hectares of plants and whimsical sculptures. Île de Versailles provides a tranquil Japanese garden escape. Each summer, Le Voyage à Nantes transforms the city with temporary art installations along a 12-kilometer trail. La Folle Journée classical music festival draws international performers each February, while Les Rendez-vous de l'Erdre brings free jazz concerts riverside.

Nightlife centers on Bouffay for bustling bars and restaurants, Hangar à Bananes on Île de Nantes for clubs, and Place Graslin for elegant evenings. The Théâtre Graslin hosts opera and dance performances in a stunning 18th-century venue.

Sources: Le Voyage à Nantes, Nantes Tourisme

Daily life in Nantes moves at a comfortable pace, balancing urban convenience with relaxed rhythm. The city's compact size, excellent public transport, and cycling infrastructure make car ownership optional for many residents. Weekend markets, riverside cafés, and abundant green spaces shape the local lifestyle.

Public Transportation

The Naolib network operates three tram lines, over 50 bus routes, two busway lines, and river ferries (Navibus). A single ticket costs €1.70 and is valid for one hour across all modes. Monthly passes run €32.80 for those under 26 and approximately €68 for adults. Notably, public transport is free on weekends, a policy introduced to encourage sustainable mobility. The network runs from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, with night services on weekends.

The Bicloo bike-sharing system provides 1,000+ bicycles at 123 stations throughout the city. Cycling paths extend over 500 kilometers across the metropolitan area. The TGV connects Nantes to Paris in under two hours, while Nantes Atlantique Airport serves over 100 domestic and international destinations.

Lifestyle and Culture

Markets are central to Nantes life, with Marché de Talensac operating daily as the city's largest covered market. The pace of life encourages long lunches, outdoor activities, and cultural engagement. French remains essential for daily interactions, though English is increasingly spoken in business and tourist areas. Shops typically close Sundays and many close Monday mornings. Banking, utilities, and administrative procedures require patience and proper documentation.

Sources: Naolib, Nantes Métropole

Nantes offers exceptional value compared to major French cities, with costs running 30-50% below Paris while maintaining comparable quality of life. The average monthly cost of living for a single person is approximately €1,300-€1,600 excluding rent, while a family of four should budget €3,500-€4,500 including rent.

Single Person Monthly Budget

The following breakdown reflects typical monthly expenses for one adult living in Nantes:

Family of Four Monthly Budget

A family with two children should anticipate the following monthly costs:

Sources: Numbeo, Centrale Nantes