Nantes tours

Things to do in Nantes

Nantes is a city where creativity thrives, echoing the legacy of its famous son, Jules Verne. It’s a dynamic canvas of art and progress, with the Loire River murmuring stories of seafaring exploits. Private tours in Nantes with a local guide reveal the city's secrets—from the mechanical marvels of Les Machines de l’île to the quiet allure of the Japanese Garden. Walking through the medieval Bouffay district, you become part of the city's narrative, tasting its essence during a food and wine tour or capturing its spirit on a relaxed stroll. The city's vitality leads you beyond conventional sightseeing. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Nantes. Explore Nantes your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Nantes tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Nantes for every interest, including: History tours: Trace the dukes of Brittany at the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, walk the ramparts, and hear how the Loire shaped trade. Wander the Bouffay neighbourhood’s medieval lanes, see the 18th-century façades on Île Feydeau, and pause at the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery along the quay. Layover tours: Get pickup at Nantes Atlantique Airport or meet at the TGV station for a timed two to four hour loop that covers the château courtyard, Passage Pommeraye, and a quick crêpe stop on Place Royale before your return. Your guide watches traffic and security times so the tour fits your schedule. Museums tours: Compare old masters and modern works at the Musée d’arts de Nantes, then follow city history exhibits inside the château. Add the Jules Verne Museum on Butte Sainte-Anne for models and manuscripts tied to the author’s Nantes years. The compact centre is walkable, and TAN trams, buses, and Navibus river shuttles link the airport, train station, château, and Île de Nantes. If you prefer not to use transit, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Nantes inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Explore Nantes with a private walking tour that takes you through its charming neighborhoods, guided by a local who knows the city best. - Bouffay: This lively medieval district is bustling with life and character, ideal for history enthusiasts and families seeking interactive street performances and cozy eateries. The narrow lanes are filled with history, making it an engaging stop for any itinerary. - Île de Nantes: A hub of creativity and innovation, this area is perfect for those interested in the arts and modern urban projects. The Machines of the Isle of Nantes provide a unique spectacle that fascinates visitors of all ages, making it a fun visit for mixed age groups. - Trentemoult: A former fishing village turned bohemian paradise, Trentemoult is great for cultural tourists and those looking for a laid-back vibe. Enjoy colorful houses and riverside cafes that offer a glimpse into the laid-back local lifestyle. - Dobrée-Bon Port: Known for its grand mansions and cultural venues, this neighborhood attracts visitors keen on art and history. It's an excellent place to wander and explore Nantes’ rich cultural offerings. Day trip ideas from Nantes You’re in a great spot to branch out from the city and sample the coast, islands, and wine country nearby; day trips and private tours from Nantes stay easy, and your tour can lean toward wine, history, or sea air. - Clisson and the Muscadet vineyards: A compact riverside town with Italian-style streets and a hilltop ruin, set beside Muscadet country; if you love wine, focus on cellar stops and vineyard views, and if you prefer town time, walk the market and riverside paths for simple photos and snacks. - Guérande and La Baule: A walled town next to broad salt marshes and one of the region’s longest beaches; food fans can learn how fleur de sel is harvested and try local butters, while beach lovers stretch out time on La Baule’s sand or take an easy shoreline stroll. - Île de Noirmoutier: Whitewashed villages, salt pans, and calm beaches on a low-island that’s tide-touched; your tour can time the Passage du Gois crossing or use the bridge, cyclists get flat paths through the salt fields, and food lovers can track down island potatoes and oysters. - Pornic: A classic harbour town south of Nantes with stone quays, a small château view, and coastal paths; if you like light walks, follow the Sentier des Douaniers for coves and old villas, and if you want a simple lunch, seafood shacks and crêperies keep it low-key. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Nantes most travellers miss.