Walking through Nantes is like flipping through a beautifully illustrated history book—only you can smell the roasted coffee wafting from cafés, hear the tram bells in the distance, and feel the cobblestones under your feet. I’ve exploring this vibrant city in western France, and no matter how many times I return, I find new corners, hidden alleys, and stories waiting for me.
This time, I decided to focus on guided walking tours—both the ones I personally joined and others I now recommend to fellow travelers. Some of these tours were long and leisurely, others intense and packed with information, but all offered something unique about Nantes’ history, culture, and everyday life.
Below, I’ll share three tours I personally experienced (with all the raw details—good and bad) and four more that I wholeheartedly recommend for your own trip. Along the way, I’ll give you booking tips, transport advice, and personal insights so you can enjoy Nantes entirely on foot, just as I did.
My Personal Walking Tour Experiences
1. Historic Heart of Nantes: Château des Ducs to the Old Quarters
Tour Operator: Nantes History Walks
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: €20 per person
Starting Point: Château des Ducs de Bretagne (tram line 1, stop: Duchesse Anne – Château des Ducs)
If Nantes had a crown, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne would be the jewel in the center. I joined this tour on a crisp spring morning, with the sun bouncing off the white stone walls of the castle. The guide, a lively woman named Claire, greeted us with a wide smile and an umbrella decorated with the Breton flag—our “moving landmark” so no one got lost.
We began with the castle’s history, learning how it transitioned from a ducal residence to a military fortress, then later into a symbol of the city’s resistance and pride. Claire had a way of telling stories as if she had lived them—when she described Duchess Anne walking the ramparts, I could almost hear the rustle of silk skirts in the wind.
From there, we wandered into the Bouffay District, a maze of medieval streets where crêperies and vintage bookshops sit shoulder-to-shoulder. I loved how the tour balanced history with present-day culture; we stopped at a tiny shop selling kouign-amann, and Claire insisted we each try a slice before moving on.
What I Loved:
- The perfect blend of history, architecture, and local treats.
- Claire’s passion—she made every stone and street corner come alive.
- Small group size (just eight of us), so it felt intimate.
Minor Downsides:
- We didn’t have much time inside the castle museum itself—if you’re a history buff, plan to return after the tour.
Insider Tip: Book through GetYourGuide or the Nantes Tourism Office website. If you’re visiting in summer, book at least a week ahead.
2. Island of Machines: From the Shipyards to the Elephant
Tour Operator: Les Machines de l’île Walking Experience
Duration: 2 hours
Price: €15 per person (walking tour only; entry to Machines gallery €9 extra)
Starting Point: Les Machines de l’île (tram line 1, stop: Chantiers Navals)
If you’ve never seen a giant mechanical elephant walk through a city, Nantes will change that. This tour focused on the Île de Nantes, once the city’s industrial shipyard area and now a hub of creativity and public art.
Our guide, Marc, had worked in the shipyards in the 1980s before they closed. He spoke about the transformation with a mix of nostalgia and pride—how the cranes gave way to open parks, how the rusted warehouses became artist workshops.
The highlight, of course, was the Grand Éléphant, a 12-meter-high mechanical creature that carries passengers along the riverbank. As it passed us, spraying water from its trunk, Marc grinned like a proud uncle.
We also explored smaller art installations, riverside gardens, and a market space where locals were selling handmade jewelry and organic cider. It was less about ticking off “sights” and more about feeling the city’s creative pulse.
What I Loved:
- Unique insight from a guide who lived through the area’s transformation.
- Combination of industrial history and playful modern art.
- Ending near great cafés for a late lunch.
Minor Downsides:
- If you want to ride the elephant, you must book separately and far in advance.
- Some sections had little shade—bring a hat in summer.
Insider Tip: Combine this with the Machines de l’île gallery visit for a full afternoon. Book tickets for both online to avoid queues.
3. Nantes Foodie Walk: Markets, Bakeries, and Cider Houses
Tour Operator: Nantes Gourmet Trails
Duration: 3 hours
Price: €45 per person (includes tastings)
Starting Point: Talensac Market (tram line 2 or 3, stop: Commerce, then a short walk)
Food tours are my weakness, and in Nantes, it’s practically a requirement to explore its Breton culinary heritage. This walking tour was pure indulgence.
We began at Marché de Talensac, Nantes’ oldest covered market, where the air smells of fresh bread and sea salt. Our guide, Isabelle, introduced us to vendors she clearly knew personally—every handshake came with a joke or a warm smile.
We sampled oysters from the nearby Atlantic coast, served with just a squeeze of lemon, and a galette-saucisse fresh off the grill. At a small bakery, we tried gâteau nantais, a rum-infused almond cake that melts in your mouth.
The tour also included a cider tasting at a cozy Breton tavern, where Isabelle taught us how to pair dry cider with salty buckwheat crêpes. I left full, happy, and carrying a bag of cheese I swore I’d “save for later” (I didn’t).
What I Loved:
- Generous portions—come hungry!
- Warm connections between guide and local vendors.
- Perfect mix of food history and hands-on tasting.
Minor Downsides:
- Price is a bit high, but worth it for the quality and quantity.
Insider Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking between food stops, and cobblestones are unforgiving after three hours.
Four Recommended Walking Tours
4. Street Art of Nantes
If you think Nantes is only about castles and cobblestones, this tour will completely rewrite that picture in your mind—often in spray paint, bold colors, and unexpected places. Nantes has a thriving street art culture, with work ranging from large-scale murals to hidden miniatures tucked into brick walls.
The route usually begins in the Bouffay district, where you’ll spot quirky stencil work and paste-ups among the medieval façades—a striking contrast. From there, it heads to Île de Nantes, where old warehouse walls serve as giant urban canvases. You’ll also pass through underpasses and quiet backstreets in Hauts-Pavés, areas tourists rarely find on their own.
What you’ll see:
- Massive political murals that change every year.
- Playful trompe-l’œil paintings that seem to open windows into another world.
- Sculptural street installations that use recycled materials from the city’s industrial past.
Best For: Art lovers, photographers, and urban explorers who like to get off the “postcard” route.
Pros:
- Constantly evolving—locals say you can do the same route twice and spot something new each time.
- Guides often have direct connections with artists, meaning insider stories about creation and controversy.
Cons:
- Some areas can feel gritty—wear good shoes and be comfortable with a bit of urban atmosphere.
Nearby Breaks: After the tour, stop at Le Lieu Unique, a converted biscuit factory that now serves great coffee and exhibits.
Booking Tip: Search “Nantes Street Art Tour” on Viator or Airbnb Experiences; private sessions start around €20–€25 per person.
5. Literary Nantes: From Jules Verne to Modern Authors
For bookworms and dreamers, this is a walking tour that makes you slow down and look at the city through the eyes of its writers. Nantes was the birthplace of Jules Verne, and the tour treats the city itself as an open book.
Route highlights include:
- Musée Jules Verne, where you can see first editions, letters, and whimsical models of his fictional machines.
- The Passage Pommeraye, where 19th-century architecture sets the scene for stories about literary cafés and secret meetings.
- Quiet courtyards where old printing presses once operated.
Many tours also include a stop at Librairie Coiffard, an independent bookstore founded in 1919, where you might find a vintage French edition of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
Best For: Book lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys slow-paced exploration.
Pros:
- Ideal for rainy days—many stops are indoors or under cover.
- Guides often carry photocopies of manuscripts or maps to bring the stories to life.
Cons:
- Not as visually dynamic as other tours; more about atmosphere and storytelling.
Nearby Breaks: The Ernest Café near the museum serves excellent hot chocolate—perfect if you’re visiting in winter.
Booking Tip: Check nantes-tourisme.com for tour dates; English-language tours are usually twice a month.
6. Evening Lights & Legends
There’s something magical about Nantes after sunset—landmarks glowing against the dark sky, streets quieter, and the Loire reflecting golden light. This tour blends that atmosphere with folklore and ghost stories, taking you through the city’s most photogenic evening spots.
Expect to visit:
- The illuminated façade of the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, its Gothic spires glowing in soft white light.
- Place Royale, where the fountain sparkles under lamplight.
- Narrow backstreets where guides whisper tales of duels, secret lovers, and restless spirits.
The tour often ends at a cozy wine bar or crêperie, where the group shares a final toast (included in some versions).
Best For: Couples, storytellers, night photographers, and anyone who likes a touch of mystery.
Pros:
- Cooler temperatures make it more comfortable for summer travelers.
- You’ll see familiar sights in a completely different light—literally.
Cons:
- Harder to photograph without a good night-mode camera.
- Some stories lean toward the spooky—not ideal for young kids.
Nearby Breaks: Before the tour, have dinner at La Cigale, the city’s most famous Art Nouveau brasserie—close to many starting points.
Booking Tip: Reserve early in summer; group sizes are small (8–12 people). Look for “Nantes Night Walking Tour” on GetYourGuide.
7. Nantes Gardens and Green Spaces
If you think of Nantes as purely urban, this tour will change your mind—it’s a city deeply in love with its parks. This guided stroll focuses on botanical beauty, peaceful waterways, and the city’s commitment to green living.
The itinerary usually begins at Jardin des Plantes, home to over 10,000 species of plants, whimsical sculptures, and a palm-filled greenhouse. Next stop: Île de Versailles, a Japanese-style garden on a small island in the Erdre River, complete with koi ponds and wooden bridges. The tour often ends with a riverside walk along the Loire, where wildflowers frame the view.
Best For: Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a slower pace.
Pros:
- In spring and summer, the colors and scents are unforgettable.
- Great mix of formal gardens and more relaxed, untamed spaces.
Cons:
- Weather-dependent—less appealing in heavy rain.
- Some areas are quite spread out; the walking can be longer than expected.
Nearby Breaks: There’s a small teahouse on Île de Versailles—perfect for a matcha break.
Booking Tip: The city offers free garden walks through its volunteer guide program (check the Nantes municipal website). Paid private tours usually start around €18 per person.
Practical Tips for Booking & Enjoying Walking Tours in Nantes
- Footwear Matters: Cobblestones are charming but brutal—choose cushioned sneakers or walking sandals.
- Book Ahead: Summer weekends fill quickly. Use platforms like GetYourGuide, Viator, or the official Nantes Tourism Office.
- Check the Language: Not all tours are in English—always confirm before booking.
- Weather Plan: Nantes gets sudden showers—pack a compact umbrella.
- Stay Hydrated: Especially on longer tours like the food walk or garden route.
Walking Nantes is like peeling an onion—layer after layer reveals something new, sometimes making you cry (but usually in awe). Each guided tour gave me a different lens: history that whispered through castle walls, creativity that strutted in the form of a mechanical elephant, flavors that told stories of land and sea.
If I had to pick one tour for a first-timer? The Historic Heart walk—it gives you the foundation to understand everything else in Nantes. From there, you can dive into food, art, or gardens depending on your interests.
And here’s the truth: the best part of a walking tour isn’t just what you see—it’s the connections. The guide who remembers your name, the fellow traveler who shares an umbrella, the local baker who insists you take the last croissant “for the road.” Those moments make Nantes not just a place to visit, but a place to belong.
