Walking Nantes is best done through organized tours that efficiently cover this historic French city’s highlights. The most worthwhile options include small-group historical walks focusing on the medieval quarter and French Revolution sites – these are consistently informative and well-paced.
Self-guided routes using local apps offer good value, while food-focused tours through the Bouffay district provide authentic tastings at family-run shops.
I particularly recommend the 2-hour “Secret Passages” tour for its off-the-beaten-path exploration of hidden courtyards and architectural gems that most visitors miss.
The “Maritime History Walk” along the Loire River gives fascinating context about Nantes’ seafaring past while hitting major waterfront sights.
Let’s look at our top-rated walking tours in Nantes.
Key Points
- Nantes offers a variety of private walking tours that highlight the city’s Celtic origins, French Revolutionary history, and iconic landmarks like the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
- Small-group walking tours led by knowledgeable local guides provide an intimate experience and feature top attractions like the Giant mechanical Elephant and Passage Pommeraye.
- Culinary walking tours offer a 3.5-hour immersive experience with at least 5 food stops, showcasing traditional Galettes, seafood snacks, and local Muscadet wine.
- Self-guided scavenger hunt and walking tours allow visitors to explore Nantes’ history and culture at their own pace, discovering hidden gems and cultural connections.
- Themed walking tours, such as the First Discovery Walk and Literary Landscape Tour, cater to diverse interests and provide engaging discussions on the city’s rich heritage.
Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
Nantes, the historical capital of Brittany, beckons travelers with its captivating private walking tour.
Explore the city’s highlights along the picturesque Loire River, delving into its Celtic origins, French Revolutionary history, and the Battle of Nantes.
Led by a professional guide, the tour showcases iconic landmarks like the grand St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the charming Place Royale, and the enchanting Passage Pommeraye.
Enjoy the city’s rich heritage as you discover Les Machines de l’île, a unique mechanical wonderland.
This personalized experience allows for on-the-spot customization, ensuring a tailored adventure for you and your group.
With wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as proximity to public transportation, this tour provides a seamless and enriching exploration of Nantes.
Read our full review: Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Nantes 1.5-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour With Local Guide
Explore the charming city of Nantes on a captivating 1.5-hour small-group walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
This surprise walk showcases the city’s highlights, including the Giant mechanical Elephant, Iles de Machines, Passage Pommeraye, and the gardens of Ile de Versailles.
Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a local perspective, the tour has a maximum group size of 8 people, ensuring an intimate experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and a lowest price guarantee, this tour offers excellent value.
Operated by LocalBini, a platform for local experiences in Europe, the tour is easily accessible by public transportation, making it inclusive for most travelers.
Read our full review: Nantes 1.5-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour With Local Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Private 3-Hour Walking Tour of Nantes With Official Tour Guide
This private 3-hour walking tour of Nantes with an official guide provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and captivating landmarks.
Operated by Tour Travel & More, the tour offers a personalized experience where only your group participates.
You’ll be picked up from your centrally located hotel or the Nantes Cathedral main entrance, ensuring convenience.
The tour includes an official guide for the full 3 hours, with local taxes covered.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
You can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Private 3-Hour Walking Tour of Nantes With Official Tour Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour
With the St. Peters and St. Pauls Cathedral as the meeting point, this private guided walking tour takes visitors on a 1.5-hour journey through Nantes’ rich history.
Priced at $303.04 for up to 15 participants, the tour explores the city’s evolution from the Gaulish period to the French Revolution, including its roles in the Roman and Carolingian Empires, the French Wars of Religion, and the Atlantic slave trade.
Highlights include learning about the Edict of Nantes and the Battle of Nantes.
Offered in English and French, the tour provides a customizable experience with a local guide and includes all gratuities and entrance fees.
Travelers have praised the guide’s friendliness and knowledge, resulting in a 5/5 overall rating.
Read our full review: Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour
The Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive culinary experience, exploring the city’s historic and modern gastronomic scene.
Priced at $100.14 per person, the 3.5-hour tour includes at least 5 food stops with a local guide. Travelers can expect to taste traditional delicacies like galettes and surprise seafood snacks paired with local Muscadet wine.
The tour also showcases unique seafood sandwiches, local cakes, and other sweet treats.
Operating from Tuesday to Saturday at 10:30 am, the tour requires a moderate fitness level for walking.
With a maximum of 12 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience.
Read our full review: Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Nantes: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour
Exploring Nantes through a self-guided scavenger hunt and walking tour, visitors can uncover the city’s rich history, architecture, and local culture.
This unique experience allows travelers to discover hidden gems at their own pace, using provided clues and maps.
With no set duration, participants can tailor the tour to their interests, whether it’s exploring Nantes’ stunning cathedral, uncovering the city’s connection to Jules Verne, or stumbling upon charming cafes and artisan shops.
Rated as a new activity, the self-guided tour offers an immersive and flexible way to experience the highlights of this vibrant French city.
Read our full review: Nantes: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Nantes: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour
For those seeking an immersive introduction to Nantes, the First Discovery Walk provides an engaging stroll through the city’s historic heart.
This 2-hour guided tour explores the city’s top attractions, including the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and the Cathédrale de Nantes.
Visitors can expect a well-rounded experience, with the guide offering insights into Nantes’ rich cultural heritage and architectural gems.
The Reading Walking Tour offers a unique perspective, guiding participants through the city’s literary landscape.
Visitors will discover hidden bookstores, learn about Nantes’ influential authors, and even have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions about their favorite literary works.
Both tours cater to diverse interests, providing an excellent introduction to Nantes’ multifaceted charm.
Read our full review: Nantes: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour
Nantes’ must-see attractions offer visitors an immersive journey through the city’s storied past and vibrant present.
The 2-hour “Nantes: Must-see Attractions Walking Tour” guides guests through the city’s highlights, including the whimsical Les Machines de l’île. For €45 per person, the private tour allows for personalization, with optional stops at landmarks like the Passage Pommeraye and Place Royale.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the experience showcases Nantes’ evolution from a Breton capital to an artistic hub, complemented by feedback praising the tour’s informative and engaging nature.
With flexible booking and free cancellation, this walking tour provides an accessible and customizable way to discover Nantes’ treasures.
Read our full review: Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Break Down
Nantes offers a variety of walking tours, from private guided tours to self-guided scavenger hunts. Visitors can explore the city’s historic landmarks, discover local cuisine, or embark on a first-discovery walk. With options to suit different interests and group sizes, there’s a walking tour in Nantes to fit any traveler’s needs.