Rennes

Rennes, the capital of Brittany, is a city where medieval timber-framed houses stand alongside cutting-edge architecture, and crêperies buzz with the clatter of cider glasses. Its vibrant student population keeps the streets lively, while the city’s deep Celtic roots and independent spirit give it a distinct personality. Whether you’re exploring its half-timbered old town, tucking into a buckwheat galette, or soaking up the atmosphere at the sprawling Marché des Lices, Rennes rewards those who linger.

Highlights & What to See

• Vieux Rennes (Old Town) – Wander the maze of cobbled streets lined with colourful, crooked half-timbered houses. Don’t miss the Place des Lices, home to one of France’s largest markets every Saturday morning.
• Rennes Cathedral – A neoclassical masterpiece with an ornate interior; the adjacent Place de la Cathédrale is perfect for a coffee break.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts – An excellent art museum with works by Rubens, Picasso, and local Breton artists, plus a collection of Egyptian antiquities.
• Parc du Thabor – A sprawling 19th-century garden with a rose garden, aviary, and sweeping lawns – ideal for a picnic or lazy afternoon.
• Château de Rennes (Palais du Parlement de Bretagne) – This imposing 17th-century building was the seat of the Breton parliament; its opulent interior and guided tours reveal the city’s political history.
• Marché des Lices – A sensory feast on Saturday mornings: piles of oysters, crêpes sizzling, local cider, and produce from across Brittany.

Suggested Time to Spend

Two full days gives you enough time to explore the old town, visit the museum and cathedral, and enjoy the market if you time it right. With a third day, you can take a side trip to the medieval town of Dinan or the pink granite coast. Rennes is compact and walkable, so you won’t waste time on transport.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dinan – A perfectly preserved medieval town with a port on the Rance River, about 45 minutes away by car or train.
• Saint-Malo – The fortified corsair city with dramatic ramparts and beaches, an hour’s drive or train ride north.
• Mont Saint-Michel – The iconic tidal island abbey, about 1.5 hours east – best visited early to avoid crowds.
• Brocéliande Forest – The legendary forest of King Arthur, Merlin, and the Lady of the Lake, an hour west – ideal for hiking and myth lovers.
• Rennes to Nantes via the Canal d’Ille-et-Rance – A scenic cycling route that passes through sleepy villages and along waterways; great for a multi-day bike trip.

Please check official sources for current details.