Nantes never lets its past sit still: a biscuit factory became an arts venue, and the old shipyards now build a giant mechanical elephant. This self-guided walking tour traces that constant reinvention through the city's essential landmarks, from the medieval Chateau des ducs de Bretagne to the mechanical wonders of Les Machines de l'Ile.
Everything runs from your smartphone, no app needed. Follow a clear route with simple directions, listen to a short audio story at each stop, and answer an interactive quiz to unlock the next location. Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore at your own pace, no groups, no fixed schedule, and no physical guide required. Audio and text are available in 7 languages.
What's included
Self-guided tour on your smartphone, APP not needed!
Available in: English, Deutsch, Italiano, Français, Español, Português, 中文
Audioguide with quizzes about each point of interest along the tour
A physical guide (the tour is accessible on your smartphone)
Access offline. Internet needed on your phone
What to expect
Le Lieu Unique
Pass by
Spot the iconic and colorful tower of La Tour LU, a vibrant symbol of Nantes's industrial biscuit-making heritage. The former factory is now Le Lieu Unique, a cultural venue where this self-guided route begins.
Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne
Pass by
Explore the historic Chateau des ducs de Bretagne, the medieval castle that once guarded the city and now anchors Nantes's story of reinvention.
Cathedrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes
Pass by
Admire the soaring white limestone facade and Gothic portals of the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Nantes rising steeply above the square.
Pass by
Wander into the Bouffay quarter, Nantes's medieval heart, where the Eglise Sainte-Croix rises above the square with its distinctive belfry.
Place Royale
Pass by
Take in Place Royale, Nantes's monumental central square, anchored by its grand fountain of the Loire and its tributary rivers.
Passage Pommeraye
Pass by
Step into the Passage Pommeraye, Nantes's historic covered passage, a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade with sweeping staircases and glass-roofed elegance.
Memorial to the abolition of slavery
Pass by
Pause at the Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery on the banks of the Loire, a moving tribute reflecting on Nantes's history as a major slave-trading port.
Les Machines De L'ile
Pass by
Finish your walk at Les Machines de l'Ile, home to the giant mechanical elephant and Nantes's fantastical world of steampunk-inspired machines.
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
Start your self-guided tour at La Tour LU (Le Lieu Unique). Open your Ciceru experience nearby and follow the route on your smartphone.
End point
The tour ends near Les Machines de l'Ile. Take a moment to enjoy the area before finishing your walk.
Additional information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
