Language. In 1981 adult linguistic and cultural exchanges began between the twinned cities of Cardiff and Nantes. They continue to provide opportunities for participants to improve their linguistic skills in French and English as well as offering opportunities to visit Nantes and further afield. A limited language level is not seen as a barrier to taking part and participants at all language levels are welcome on the Exchange.
Publicity. Advertising flyers are displayed and booking forms issued for the following year’s visits once participant costings and Exchange dates are confirmed.
The relevant details are then placed on the Cardiff-Nantes.org website and our Facebook page.
Bookings. To make an initial application to participate in the Exchange, you will need to submit;
- An application form to become a member of the Association for Cardiff-Nantes Exchange for 12 months.
and
- An application form to join the Cardiff-Nantes Exchange to be submitted as early as possible but no later than 19 December 2025.
You will be asked to pay:
- An Association Annual membership fee of £10.
- A £50 deposit.
- The final balance for the Exchange costs will usually be payable about 7-8 weeks before the journey to Nantes.
- There will be a supplement payable for individuals who choose sole use of a 4 berth cabin.
You will be asked to confirm that you have / will obtain :
- A valid passport (i.e a passport issued within the last 10 years , which will be valid for at least 6 months after the date you intend to leave France)
- A valid EHIC /GHIC Card
- Additional holiday insurance sufficient to cover the cost of medical repatriation (this is a French government requirement)
Entry/Exit System (EES) is being rolled out from 12 October 2025 at airports and ports for all travellers to Europe’s Schengen areas. There will be automated self-service kiosks to speed up this process for travellers.
European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will not be introduced before late 2026 so will not affect our June Exchange visit to Nantes.
The final balance for the Exchange will usually be payable mid February before our Exchange trip to Nantes.
| 2026 COSTS | ||
| Association for the Cardiff-Nantes Exchange annual membership fee: | £10.00 | |
| Subsidised Exchange cost: This figure includes: return coach and ferry travel between Cardiff City Centre and Nantes use of the coach during the time in France. entry fees for trips in Nantes (It does not include entrance fees for hosts to join excursions in Cardiff but they are very welcome to do so. the welcome evening dinner for participants and their French guests in Cardiff a festive dinner in Nantes | £625.00 | |
| Cabins must be used for overnight ferry crossings which is a requirement of the ferry company For 2 people sharing a 4 berth cabin these costs are included in the Exchange Costs Individuals wanting sole use of a 4 berth cabin will pay a supplement which will be partially reduced by a subsidy | Nil Currently £84.00 | |
| Costs of taking part in trips organised in Cardiff (Not obligatory, but hosts are welcome to join their guests on visits.) | Variable | |
Matching. The application form for the Exchange asks for details of participants, including level of French/English and leisure interests. This enables the organisers to match Cardiff and Nantes people with similar interests. The ‘matching’ is carried out by the Cardiff side.
Couples are welcome on the Exchange and will be hosted together.
Information Meeting. A few weeks before the French visitors travel to Cardiff, an Information Meeting is held in Cardiff where participants will be given details of their French guests and other information about their visit including an itinerary.This Information Meeting is also a good opportunity to meet other participants.
Stage 1 in Cardiff. The group from Nantes (about 20 -25) travel to Cardiff by coach and ferry, staying with Cardiff hosts living across the city. The guests arrive late on a Saturday evening, in King Edward VII Avenue at the end closest to Corbett Road. The guests depart early the following Saturday morning.
Hosts are expected to provide breakfast, a packed lunch (if necessary), a main meal in the evening and transport to/from the pick–up point for daily excursions.
Pick up points will be from the Asda supermarket at Coryton where specific free parking areas will be available.
If you are using public transport then the National Museum for Wales may suit you.
Programme of visits to local places of interest. This is arranged by the Cardiff organising committee, using the French coach. Hosts organise their guest’s journey to/from the departure point and are encouraged to join the excursions, where they can.
The events include a formal dinner held during the week which all hosts and visitors attend.
Stage 2 in Nantes. The Cardiff participants (usually between 20-25), travel to Nantes, staying with Nantes hosts across the city. A programme of visits is organised by the French committee, using the Welsh coach.
As in Cardiff, hosts organise their guest’s journey to/from the departure point and join the excursions, where they can. This visit always includes a formal reception at the Mairie in Nantes and also a dinner.
Arrangements for travel to and from France. The coach departs from the National Museum for Wales in Cardiff City Centre, early afternoon on the Saturday heading for Portsmouth An overnight ferry is taken from Portsmouth to St Malo, arriving in Nantes at midday on the Sunday morning. The ferry company insists all passengers must hire cabins for overnight crossings.
The return journey involves a (very) early start from Nantes, taking a daytime ferry from St Malo, arriving about 22.00h (10.00pm) outside the National Museum for Wales in Cardiff City Centre.
For general queries: Email: nantes.exchange@yahoo.co.uk
Data Protection. Association for Cardiff – Nantes Exchange has a document setting out actions the organisation follows in relation to personal information A copy of this is available on request or can be seen on the Cardiff/Nantes.org website .