When visiting a new city, most holidaymakers look to explore on foot to experience its scenery, history, and rich culture authentically. 

France is a popular holiday destination, with most travellers visiting Paris due to its famous monuments, art and cuisine. However, the city is often overpopulated and very expensive to explore. 

According to The Travel, which listed France’s ten most walkable cities, Nantes was named first, beating Paris in the ranking. 

Nantes is renowned as one of France’s most pedestrian-friendly cities. Tourists and locals relish the opportunity to stroll through its picturesque streets. There’s a wealth of sights to discover on foot, from cathedrals and castles to museums and churches.

Experts at The Travel shared that the city has “one of the richest cultures in the country and a fantastic food scene. The city offers its unique charm through beautiful strolls along its cobblestone streets and local restaurants and cafes.”

Within the city centre lies the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, a magnificent fortress and one of Nantes’ main attractions that is a testament to France’s medieval heritage. According to Islands, the city was the birthplace of the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted Protestants religious freedom and ended the French Wars of Religion.

Once there, visitors should walk just 250 metres west of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany to Bouffay. Bouffay is the oldest district of downtown Nantes. Holidaymakers should visit Place du Bouffay, a cobblestoned square where they can have lunch or a drink at one of the local cafés or restaurants. 

Nantes is also known for its incredible art scene. The city transformed from an industrial port to an artsy cultural hub in 1989 when Mayor Jean-Marc Ayrault wanted to evolve the city through the arts. “This initiative has blossomed into a diverse and dynamic cultural scene that permeates every corner of the city.

“Visitors can marvel at the Great Elephant, a mechanical masterpiece that roams the former shipyards, or explore the Marine Worlds Carousel, an incredible mechanical aquarium that earned the 2014 Thea Award for Unique Art Installation Worldwide,” reported Islands. 

Talensac market is located near the city centre for those who love exploring new foods. This market is the largest in Nantes and hosts over 200 stalls. According to Go Guides, you will find mostly anything from fresh vegetables and fruits to meat and fish to clothing and artisanal products. 

Nantes has been transformed into a green city. Travel experts Islands revealed that the city has become a model of urban innovation and sustainability, earning recognition as the European Green Capital in 2013.

A tourism project called Le Voyage à Nantes features a temporary green line drawn on the ground that stretches nearly 14 miles to encourage visitors to walk the Green Line route through the city, taking them past the installations, art, and various sites.

Nantes is significantly cheaper than Paris. Budget Your Trips revealed that the average daily cost per person in Paris is €262, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. These costs include accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. 

One happy holidaymaker gave the city five stars on Trip Advisor: “I have been in Nantes for one week, and I can now tell with firm conviction that it is one of the most beautiful towns in the world.

“The transport facilities allow a fluent movement in the town and a tourist can visit a large variety of place such as the cathedral, churches, castles, port, museums and benefit from the rich culture and food of France.”

Another said: “Nantes gives you its soul through beautiful walks, cobblestone streets, and hundreds of small creperie restaurants and cafes.

“Every street offers you something more beautiful, something unique and so wonderful. Take the mini train tour, and decide what to see…Nantes also has amazing condominiums and modern urban buildings that are breathtaking and super unique on this matter.

“You walk around and want to live in any of them instantly. Numerous bakeries are there for you to try typical Bretagne delicious pastries, as well as traditional croissants or chocolatines.”

They continued: “It is easy to walk around and to take city buses or trams (1.5 Euro). People are friendly and ready to help you if you are lost, or looking for some street. It is city to walk and walk and walk, endlessly and stop on occasion to relax and have delicious coffee and pastry.

“To rent a bike is super easy and to too expensive. Must see city. Amazing city squares. And Cathedrals, city attractions and numerous restaurants with delicious food. Love it.”

Nantes is an underrated city that combines history and art while remaining green and innovative. It has become a must-visit, with breathtaking sites within walking distance.