The historic French city of Nantes deserves a proper guided introduction. Several excellent walking tours make sense of this city’s complex past, from its Celtic roots through its maritime glory days. My favorite is the private walking tour, which expertly covers the magnificent St. Peter and Paul Cathedral while providing rich historical context about the French Revolution. The customizable private tours earn top marks for flexibility – you can start right from your hotel and focus on what interests you most. Photography buffs will appreciate the Instagram tour’s knack for finding hidden corners perfect for memorable shots. Most impressive is the comprehensive historical tour, which honestly addresses everything from Roman times to the city’s role in the slave trade. Let’s look at the standout tours that make the most of your time in Nantes.
Key Points
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Private walking tours focus on iconic landmarks, offer in-depth commentary on Celtic origins and the French Revolution, and end at a unique mechanical art installation.
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Customizable private tours allow itinerary personalization, hotel pickup, and language options, providing insights into local culture and activity recommendations.
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Instagram photo stop tours explore off-the-beaten-path locations for photography enthusiasts, with a maximum group size of 8 for personalized attention.
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Comprehensive private guided tours cover historical significance, including the Roman Empire, French Wars of Religion, and the Atlantic slave trade, with customizable experiences.
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Tours are highly rated, emphasize guide expertise and storytelling skills, offer wheelchair accessibility, and cater to diverse traveler interests in Nantes.
Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
Although Nantes is known for its rich history and cultural significance as the former capital of Brittany, exploring the city’s highlights can be made more engaging and insightful with a private walking tour led by a professional guide.
This 3-hour private walking tour takes visitors along the Loire River, showcasing the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, the picturesque Place Royale, and the impressive Passage Pommeraye.
Along the way, the knowledgeable guide provides in-depth commentary on Nantes’ Celtic origins, its role during the French Revolution, and the significant Battle of Nantes.
The tour culminates at the innovative Les Machines de l’Île, a unique mechanical art installation in the Parc des Chantiers.
Customizable to suit individual interests, this private tour offers a personalized experience, with the guide dedicated solely to your group.
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the tour is also near public transportation, making it a convenient and inclusive option for exploring the best of Nantes.
Read our full review: Nantes Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide Review
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Nantes: Private Custom Tour With a Local Guide
For those seeking a more personalized exploration of Nantes, the private custom tour with a local guide offers a tailored experience. Priced from $48.33 per person, this tour allows you to choose the duration, from 2 to 8 hours, that best fits your schedule and interests.
Your local guide will contact you beforehand to customize the itinerary, ensuring you see the main sights and uncover hidden gems aligned with your preferences.
The tour includes pickup from your hotel, if located in Nantes, and provides the flexibility of private group experience. Language options in French and English cater to diverse travelers, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.
Along the way, you’ll gain invaluable insights into local life and culture, as well as recommendations for other activities in the city.
With a 4.4/5 rating based on 19 reviews, this private custom tour is an excellent choice for an immersive and personalized discovery of Nantes.
Read our full review: Nantes: Private Custom Tour With a Local Guide Review
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Nantes Instagram Photo Stop Tour With a Local Guide
Ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Nantes, the Instagram Photo Stop Tour with a Local Guide offers a chance to discover the city’s lesser-known treasures.
Led by a knowledgeable local, this small group tour takes visitors to notable spots like the Passage Pommeraye, Place Royale, and the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, providing opportunities to capture Instagram-worthy photos at each location.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour ensures personalized attention and insider tips from the guide. While entry tickets aren’t included, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.
Priced at $103.62 per person and with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, this tour is a flexible and budget-friendly option for those eager to explore Nantes beyond the typical tourist trail.
Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply seeking a unique city experience, the Nantes Instagram Photo Stop Tour is a compelling choice.
Read our full review: Nantes Instagram Photo Stop Tour With a Local Guide Review
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Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour
Stepping away from the Instagram-focused tour, the Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Priced at $295.65 for up to 15 participants, the 1.5-hour experience is led by a local guide who delves into Nantes’ pivotal role in the Roman and Carolingian Empires, the impact of the French Wars of Religion, and the city’s connections to the French Atlantic slave trade.
Participants will also uncover the story of the Battle of Nantes.
With the tour available in both English and French, guests can choose their preferred language. Flexibility is also a key feature, as the guide will customize the experience on the spot based on the group’s interests.
Rounding out the tour are included gratuities and entrance fees, plus the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews highlighting the guide’s expertise and engaging storytelling, this private walking tour promises an enriching journey through Nantes’ captivating past.
Read our full review: Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour Review
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Recap
Nantes offers a range of guided tour options to suit different interests and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a private walking tour with a professional guide, a custom tour with a local, or an Instagram-focused tour, there’s something to fit your needs. These guided tours provide an engaging and informative way to explore the city’s historic sites, architecture, and cultural attractions.