If you’re planning a visit to Nantes and want to experience the city beyond the usual sightseeing, this smartphone-based treasure hunt offers a fresh, engaging way to explore. While we haven’t personally done this tour, the reviews and details paint a promising picture of a playful, flexible way to uncover Nantes’s hidden gems.
What we love about this experience is its interactive nature, which invites you to participate actively rather than passively listen to a guide. Plus, the flexibility to choose your own route means you can tailor your adventure to your interests—whether that’s admiring monuments, snapping photos, or just wandering at your own pace.
A potential consideration is that the tour relies heavily on your smartphone’s 3G/4G/5G network, so if you’re in a spotty area, that could slow things down. Also, it’s designed for a group of up to six, making it an intimate outing, but less ideal if you’re traveling solo or with larger groups.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy interactive games, are curious about the city’s quirks and history, and want a flexible, cost-effective activity that doubles as sightseeing and fun. Families, small groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a lively urban challenge will find this particularly appealing.
Key Points
- Flexible Route: You can choose your own path through Nantes’ historic center, making the experience adaptable to your pace and interests.
- Interactive and Fun: The game involves answering questions, completing challenges, taking photos, and filming videos, making it engaging for all ages.
- Cost-Effective: At just $46.95 for a group of up to six, it offers good value for a personalized, self-guided activity.
- Includes Everything You Need: A free app, a unique game code, and instructions are provided—no additional guides needed.
- Requires Only a Smartphone: All you need is your device, comfortable shoes, and a willingness to explore.
- Time-Dependent: While the official duration is about 2 hours, many reviews suggest you might want to allocate extra time for sightseeing, snacks, or spontaneous discoveries.
A Detailed Look at the Nantes Treasure Hunt Experience
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nantes.
How the Tour Works and What to Expect
This tour is essentially a city-wide scavenger hunt using your smartphone. Upon booking, you’ll receive a unique game code that unlocks an interactive scenario. Starting at the Park Building on Boulevard Léon Bureau, your group will set off on a 2-hour adventure that is completely flexible: you can choose the order of stops and how long you spend at each point.
The core of the experience is geolocated points around Nantes’ historic center. Each point presents a challenge or question—some timed, others requiring observation or a bit of daring. The game takes you to places where you’ll learn about local gastronomic records, historical professions, regional news, or notable landmarks.
The game encourages creative participation, such as taking photos and videos or answering unusual questions. This interactive format makes the tour appealing not just for history buffs but for anyone wanting a lively, engaging way to see Nantes.
The Benefits of a Self-Guided Digital Tour
Unlike traditional guided tours or large group excursions, this activity offers total autonomy. You’re not tied to a schedule or a guide’s pace, so you can linger at spots you find fascinating or skip those that don’t interest you. Plus, it’s perfect if you want a private experience—it’s a private activity just for your group.
The convenience of using your own smartphone means you avoid the cost of hiring a guide, yet you still get a guided-like experience. The only equipment needed is your device and comfortable shoes—ideal for exploring the cobblestone streets of Nantes.
How Long Is It and How Much Does It Cost?
Priced at $46.95 for a group of up to 6, this activity offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional guided tours, especially considering it includes a scenarii designed for two hours. It is booked well in advance on average—about 71 days ahead—indicating both popularity and the need for planning.
While two hours is the official duration, the reviews suggest that many participants allow extra time to admire sights, grab a snack, or take extra photos. The tour’s flexibility makes it easy to extend your experience.
Authenticity and Authenticity
The reviews praise the experience as “varied, fun, and complete”—not just a quiz, but a well-rounded walk through Nantes. Participants also appreciated the opportunity to explore at their own pace, with one reviewer noting you might want to allow more time if you plan to linger at points of interest like the elephant of the island machines or the memorial to the abolition of slavery.
Another reviewer highlighted how perfect the activity was for families or teenagers, as it combines learning with play, keeping everyone engaged. This makes the tour especially appealing for those traveling with kids or teenagers who prefer active, game-like experiences over traditional sightseeing.
Practical Tips and Considerations
- Network connectivity: Since the tour relies on geolocation and app features, ensure your phone has a reliable connection.
- Comfortable shoes: Since you’ll be walking around the city, wear comfortable footwear.
- Timing: Think about extending your visit if you want to explore specific sites more thoroughly.
- Booking: Reserve your spot early, especially during peak travel seasons when it’s booked an average of 71 days in advance.
What’s Missing?
You won’t find a physical guide or audio commentary, so if you prefer a more narrated experience or detailed historical storytelling, this may not be ideal. It’s also not suitable for large groups over six, or for travelers who dislike using smartphones for navigation.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re curious, love interactive experiences, or want a flexible way to explore Nantes’ core, you’ll probably enjoy this treasure hunt. It’s particularly good for small groups of friends, families, or solo travelers who want to blend sightseeing with entertainment. The activity’s nature makes it suitable for people of most ages, especially those comfortable with smartphones.
It’s perfect if you’re on a budget, dislike rigid tours, or want to discover hidden corners of the city that larger tours might overlook. But remember, it’s an active, game-based outing—so if you prefer sitting in a bus or listening to a guide, this might not be your best fit.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children? Many reviews suggest it’s fun for families, especially with teenagers who enjoy games and challenges. Just ensure your children are comfortable with using a smartphone for navigation.
Do I need my own smartphone? Yes. The tour uses a free app, and you’ll need your device to participate actively in the game.
What if my connection drops? The experience relies on an internet connection, so a good coverage area is important. If the signal is weak, some features may be difficult to access.
Can I do this tour alone? While the activity is designed for groups up to six, solo travelers can participate—they just won’t be able to take advantage of the group pricing.
How long should I set aside for the tour? Officially, it takes about 2 hours, but many reviewers suggest planning for extra time for sightseeing, photos, or breaks.
Is there a refund policy? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start, making it flexible for planning.
This discover Nantes through play experience offers a blend of exploration, learning, and fun at a reasonable price. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the city from a different perspective, actively participate, and enjoy a personalized adventure without the constraints of a traditional guided tour.
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