Castles · MEDIEVAL OLD TOWN TOURS IN FRANCE
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 10 medieval old town tours in France worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Review of Nice Old Town and Castle Hill walking tour, with market stops, local history, sea views, guide tips, price, and practical advice.
“Excellent tour with super knowledgeable and entertaining guide. Highly recommended if you are in Nice for a short visit. Well worth the price.”
See Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, the Alsace Wine Route, and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle on a small-group day trip from Strasbourg.
“What a wonderful day! We had the amazing Pauline as our guide/driver. She was super friendly, very knowledgeable and a great driver, navigating all the narrow roads with ease. Colmar was definitely my favourite stop, however the castle was impressive and we were lucky to have clear views as the sun was beginning to set. Highly recommend this tour. Thank you for a wonderful day Pauline! X”
Explore Nice’s Old Town, Cours Saleya, Place Massena, and Castle Hill with a lively guide on this 150-minute walking tour.
“The tour guide’s energy, enthusiasm for Nice and knowledge were incredible! Due to the Seas conference in Nice, we weren’t able to visit castle hill or the waterfall. It would have been great to see Nice from there.”
Review of Nice’s 2.5-hour walking tour through Place Masséna, Cours Saleya, Old Town, and Castle Hill, with practical tips and honest value advice.
“This was a really entertaining and educational tour to learn about the history of Nice. I was not feeling very well that day due to jet lag and lack of sleep, so this ended up being the only activity I did in Nice, and it was perfect to get a feel for the city and its history. Nejib was very funny and kind.”
Explore Carcassonne’s medieval fortress with a private guide, historic streets, castle entry, rampart views, and practical tour advice.
“Jacqueline was wonderful! She was knowledgeable about the history of Carcassonne and entertaining as well. Taking a tour with Jacqueline is definitely the best way to see the old city! She was also very accommodating when she worked with us to fit our tight schedule! I really appreciated her graciousness! I would highly recommend her.”
Review of a private St Emilion wine tour from Bordeaux, with three chateau visits, tastings, medieval streets, expert guides, and hotel pickup.
“Our guide Kim was fabulous. Very knowledgeable and a local. Places selected were unique. Had best time Thank you”
Explore 30,000-year-old cave paintings and Beynac Castle on a private half-day tour from Sarlat, with transport, a guide, and prehistoric demonstrations.
“David was an outstanding guide! We learned alot from him. Excellent tour! Highly recommend!”
Review of a private Bordeaux to Dordogne tour with Sarlat, Domme, Castelnaud, river villages, transport, costs, and practical tips.
“The prehistoric caves in Lascaux and particularly Ruffinac were outstanding sites to visit. Our guide Christian is one of best we've ever toured with. He is kind, knowledgeable, and went out of his way to make our experience perfect.”
Explore Nice with a private local guide, from Cours Saleya and Sainte-Réparate Cathedral to Castle Hill and the harbor.
“Our guide,Aram, was very informative about the history of Nice, shared some of his favourite places which we’d not even normally notice. He shared some great stories about the local cultures and the cultural history of Nice. We especially loved Aram’s passion about the city he loves. We’d highly recommend this tour! Thanks Aram!”
Tour Château de Buranlure near Sancerre with a private medieval castle visit, Loire wine tasting, and an intimate dinner by the chimney.
“Une très belle expérience hors du temps. La visite nocturne du château de Buranlure, imposant et chargé d’histoire, offre une experience à la fois magique et authentique. Parfaitement conservé, le lieu impose autant qu’il séduit. Grâce à l’accueil d’un couple attentionné, le château prend vie, entre récits vibrants et anecdotes savoureuses. Le repas délicat, accompagné de plusieurs vins dont un chasselas particulierement bon. Le service intimiste et chaleureux viennent sceller cette parenthèse. Une expérience intense et précieuse, à vivre absolument.”
A keep, a citadel, a palace with battlements, or a day trip to reach one.
