Meet Mathieu, a Frenchman who has called Venice home for several years. For him, Venice goes far beyond being a famous tourist destination. It's a living, breathing work of art where centuries of history blend seamlessly into everyday life. We sat down with Mathieu to talk about what drew him to become a Lokafyer, the moments on tours that have stayed with him, and his philosophy on what makes an experience truly memorable. His approach is simple but profound.
If you're planning your first visit or your tenth, Mathieu's insights offer a fresh perspective on one of the world's most iconic cities and a reminder that the best travel experiences happen when you slow down, wander off the main path, and let a place reveal itself to you.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to become a Lokafyer
My name is Mathieu. I’m French and I’ve been living in Venice for several years. I’ve always felt a deep connection to this city, its history, its artistic intensity, and the unique atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else.
Art and culture are central in my life, and here beauty is present in everyday moments. Becoming a Lokafyer felt natural because I love sharing this relationship with the city. For me, guiding is not just about pointing at landmarks, it’s about helping people feel the place and understand its spirit. What I value most are real encounters, conversations, and those moments when Venice suddenly becomes clear and meaningful to someone.
What do you love most about Venice?
What fascinates me most is the poetic dimension of Venice. The reflections on the water, the silence of a small calle at night, the way history and daily life coexist, everything feels like a living painting.
Venice invites you to slow down and observe. Beyond the famous monuments, it offers subtle atmospheres and details that can completely transform the way you experience the city. Personally, it’s a place of strong emotions and discoveries, where every neighborhood has its own personality. I love helping visitors perceive those differences.
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your tours?
One of my favorite memories took place in a small local bar, away from the tourist routes. I stopped for a coffee with a couple I was guiding, surrounded by Venetians in the middle of their daily routine.
We tasted a few local specialties at the counter while waiters called orders and conversations flowed around us. Nothing monumental but completely real. We ended up talking about life in Venice today, its beauty and its challenges. For a brief moment, my guests were not just visiting; they were sharing a fragment of the city’s everyday life. To me, that’s what makes an experience meaningful.
In your opinion, what makes a tour truly exceptional for travelers?
A truly exceptional tour is built on dialogue and shared wonder. I love when curiosity leads the way and when we can experience amazement together in front of a detail, a story, or an unexpected view. When a walk becomes a shared discovery rather than a simple explanation, it naturally becomes unforgettable.
What is your favorite part of being a Lokafyer?
Without hesitation: sharing my passion. I love meeting people from different backgrounds, creating a genuine connection, and spending a beautiful moment together within the Venetian wonder. If, at the end, we feel we have truly lived something and not just visited, then I am happy.
What hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path spots you love sharing with visitors?
One of my favorite hidden places is a small vegetable garden tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac near the Church of Il Redentore on Giudecca. It’s quiet, almost unknown, with an open view on the lagoon. It’s the perfect spot to pause, enjoy a coffee, and feel far from the crowds while still being fully in Venice.
Is there a local tradition, neighborhood, or experience you always recommend and why?
I often suggest walking through quieter residential areas such as parts of Dorsoduro or Cannaregio, where you can sense everyday Venetian life. And of course, I encourage everyone to taste local specialties; cicchetti, pasta al nero di seppia, or fegato alla veneziana. Food is one of the most direct ways to enter a culture.
What’s one piece of advice for someone visiting Venice to help them make the most of their visit?
Don’t be afraid to get lost. Leave the main routes, dive into the small labyrinthine streets, explore without a precise goal. Venice reveals itself to those who wander.
And if you can, go out again at dusk, when the city empties. The evening lights, the reflections on the canals, the silence and calm within such a magnificent setting create unforgettable emotions.
Ready to experience Venice through Mathieu's eyes?
Join Mathieu for a walk through the city and discover its hidden corners, quiet neighborhoods, and everyday magic through the eyes of a local.
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