Top 5 Nantes Historical Tours: Reviews & Recommendations

Okay, so you are planning a trip to Nantes and want to soak up all that rich history? That is such a amazing choice! This French city really has stories hiding around every corner. We’re going to take a look at five of the top historical tours in Nantes to maybe help you find just the right one for you.

1. Nantes City Center Walking Tour

First off, a walking tour that just focuses on the city center might be a amazing start. This usually provides you a great way to become acquainted with the heart of Nantes. As you wander around, you get to discover many things, from the architecture to maybe hidden spots you won’t see otherwise.

What to expect: Many walking tours will generally take you to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. So you can explore its moats and ramparts and consider the location in the history of Nantes. They usually move on to the Bouffay district. Its narrow, cobblestone lanes could make you seem like you have traveled back in time! Also, you’ll probably make a stop at the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. The flamboyant Gothic architecture would definitely leave you with that impressed look.

Why it’s a solid option: Going with a walking tour, it’s almost perfect if you want to explore at your own pace and take some breaks along the way to maybe enjoy a pastry or coffee. Plus, you get the benefit of having a local guide providing insights that aren’t typically found in travel guides. Arguably, if you are new to the city, this could be a nice introduction.

Read our full review: Nantes City Center Walking Tour Full Review and Details

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2. The Secrets of Nantes Old Town Explored

Okay, now let’s focus on the Old Town specifically, the goal to explore its many secrets. So, that tour should be very interesting to folks wanting a more intimate look into the history and culture of Nantes.

What to expect: The tour of Old Town, yet it usually goes beyond the typical tourist spots, where you’ll get to hear local legends, so, historical anecdotes, and unusual insights into Nantes. As a matter of fact, a great guide is likely to take you by specific homes that tell of old leaders, inform you of where popular gatherings once took place, and overall, just explain the area from its origins.

Why it’s a solid option: Tours of Old Town could be nice, especially, if you are someone that likes to get off of those well-worn routes and learn about a place from a different angle. You’ll basically explore what it has been like to reside in Nantes, from both the good and not-so-good times, therefore, you’re likely to leave feeling far more linked to its land and folks.

Read our full review: Nantes Old Town Explored Full Review and Details

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3. Nantes Castle and Medieval History Tour

Yet, if castles and medieval days are what you’re into, tours that circle around Nantes Castle (the Château des Ducs de Bretagne) should be interesting to you. This spot acted as both, home and fort over the centuries, and to listen to that is certainly like visiting olden days.

What to expect: It may come as no shock, however, tours focus sharply on the castle and talk of its old leaders, political happenings, and defensive layout. But that’s only a fraction of what is talked of, many great trips, yet, tend to weave in the broader medieval days of Nantes, talking of lives, marketplaces, and places of religion throughout that time.

Why it’s a solid option: Many like to hear of days in olden times, when brave leaders dominated and great homes were built for kings and queens. A castle tour is generally designed for that sort of history buff. Thus, should that be you, it might be tough to pass up.

Read our full review: Nantes Castle and Medieval History Tour Full Review and Details

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4. Nantes Industrial Heritage and Jules Verne Tour

Now, moving away from the castle scene, Nantes actually possesses a great background in industry. Tours targeted at it may give you another glimpse into this French area.

What to expect: So, you might find many spots to see throughout town from previous factories to old shipyards, but they usually contain the words and work of Jules Verne, a person that grew up in Nantes. A few tours talk of the author, his ideas, his stories, and how he may have been influenced by a working area such as this.

Why it’s a solid option: For many wanting to get to know the real roots of a location, an industry tour is really amazing for understanding where they’ve came from, what their battles were, and even just what drove folks that were from there. Add in the mix of literature, and also you should get something really cool!

Read our full review: Nantes Industrial Heritage and Jules Verne Tour Full Review and Details

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5. Nantes Gourmet History Tour

And, finally: Food! Most love it. Why don’t you eat as you tour?! The target may revolve around tasty dishes that show where Nantes has been.

What to expect: Obviously, you’ll likely be touring, not exclusively through kitchens, but maybe stopping by marketplaces, confectioners, and food spots throughout city. And along with eating, you can listen to where a lot of well-known meals began, learn how chefs got creative throughout past eras, and see how dishes improved to what we have now.

Why it’s a solid option: It goes without saying; this really should be the obvious tour of option should you like both food and Nantes heritage. As a matter of fact, what better method could there be, to understanding a place, than with taste?!

Read our full review: Nantes Gourmet History Tour Full Review and Details

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