Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Nantes is a vibrant city located in the west of France, known for its rich history, culture, and proximity to the Loire River. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population of 320,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 150 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.05 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Orange, SFR, and Bouygues Telecom. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International banks like HSBC and online banks such as Revolut and N26 are popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Spotahome, and local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services are abundant. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Gîte le Bô in the city center for budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Bouffay district is popular for its historic charm. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center offers co-working spaces and community vibes, especially near Place Graslin. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Cantine Numérique, a hub for digital workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | L'Atelier des Initiatives, known for its great coffee and workspace. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups are common at La Cité des Congrès. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Nantes Expats is a Facebook group for networking and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in Nantes but local taxis can be booked via G7. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Nantes has a bike-sharing system called Bicloo. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Baule Beach is about an hour away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air France operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | EasyJet and Ryanair offer international routes from Nantes Atlantique Airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to A11 and A83 highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Nantes Railway Station is the main transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Tan offers day passes and monthly subscriptions for trams and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Train services to nearby cities like Rennes and Angers. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | CHU de Nantes, a reputable healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga & Co. offers various classes for fitness and relaxation. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit has multiple locations throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laverie automatique near Place Royale for self-service laundry. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Deliveroo and UberEats operate in Nantes. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the 'Nantais cake,' a local sweet treat. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | L'Artichaut is a popular vegan restaurant. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Banette for delicious pastries and breads. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Talensac Market offers local fresh produce and more. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local online shops like Fnac. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Leclerc and Carrefour offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Graslin area is vibrant with numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brasserie du Bouffay produces locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Vin au Comptoir is a popular spot for wine enthusiasts. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food trucks gather at Place du Commerce for diverse street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Various international options in the city, including Italian and Asian cuisines. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is a must-visit historical site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Machines of the Isle of Nantes celebrates the city's industrial history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Les Machines de l'île showcases unique mechanized creatures. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Nantes Jazz Festival occurs every summer. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Ile de Nantes is a creative and cultural hub. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Théâtre Graslin hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Talensac market is vibrant and frequented by locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Les Machines hosts live music events regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Art on the walls of the Ile de Nantes showcases murals and installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Atelier des Chefs offers culinary workshops. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Domaine de la Garenne offers contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Gothic-style Nantes Cathedral is impressive. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Nantes is known for its maritime heritage and the historic port. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parc de Procé provides scenic green spaces and trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parc Naturel Régional de Brière is a beautiful nearby national park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Loire à Vélo path offers cycling routes along the river. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The rooftop of the Château provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Brière Marsh is excellent for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain designated areas near the river are allowed for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Colissimo and DHL provide reliable delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | L'Atelier des Réparateurs specializes in electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Paddle Club Nantes has dedicated table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | L'école de langue Nantes offers French courses for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Nantes' bibliotheque offers quiet spaces for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | La Maison de Quartier hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | The Game Lounge has a variety of video games available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Nantes offers gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €96,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = €75,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €175,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = €210,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,200 per m² (e.g., 70 m² = €154,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate in France is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Tax rate applied to dividend distributions is 30%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | France taxes on worldwide income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on rental value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | The standard rate is around 7%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Some schemes available for startups and location-independent income tax benefits. |