A city on a human scale, Rennes is easily discovered on foot. For a weekend or for several days, you will not be bored! The beauty of its center is enchanting and the possibilities for visits are numerous. Discover this extraordinary city and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Brittany. What to see in Rennes? Follow the leader !
Stroll through the historic center
This is Rennes' major asset: the hyper-center has incredible charm. With its cobbled streets and its many colorful half-timbered houses, you will be amazed! The prettiest are rue du Chapitre, rue de la Psalette, rue du Saint-Sauveur and rue St Melaine. What to see in Rennes in the center? Start at the Place de la Mairie where the town hall faces the opera house, before visiting Saint-Pierre cathedral and going to see the Portes Mordelaises, the last vestiges of the town's ramparts.
The town hall square
Stroll through the Lices market
Don't miss the Place des Lices market, the second largest in France. In a magnificent setting, nearly 300 local producers come together for this unmissable event. And if you're a little hungry, do as the Rennes people do: stop for a sausage pancake! A walk not to be missed and to be seen in Rennes, on Saturday morning.
Place des Lices
Go to Champs Libres
What to see in Rennes to learn more? At Les Champs Libres, there are three distinct spaces:
- The Brittany Museum which traces the history of the region, from Prehistory to the present day, thanks to a vast collection of objects.
- Espace des Sciences which offers a wide variety of temporary exhibitions. From the life of ants to the mysteries of magic, they are always fascinating! Adjoining, the Planetarium takes you on a discovery of the Universe.
- The library on six floors including the glass facades to admire the whole city.
The Brittany Museum
Visit the Museum of Fine Arts
Created in 1794 from works seized after the Revolution, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must. Over the years its collection has grown: from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art, you will A journey through time during this cultural parenthesis!
Museum of Fine Arts
Enjoy the Rennes evenings
Experience the Rennes nights is something not to be missed! Known to be revelers, the Bretons know how to do it. Where to go ? Direction rue Saint Michel, also called “Rue de la Soif”, You can not make that up ! Bars with different atmospheres, terraces set up on cobblestones, improvised concerts… everything is there for you to have an unforgettable evening!
Saint-Michel street
Take a walk in the Thabor park
Place of walk, relaxation and meeting, the Thabor park is a bit Rennes Central Park. On more than 10 hectares, it is composed of French and English gardens, a mysterious cave, ponds, waterfalls, a botanical garden, an aviary, a bandstand as well as than a rose garden. Sit on a lawn while the children have fun in a playground and let yourself be carried away by the song of the birds… a must-see place in Rennes!
Thabor park
Walk along the quays of the Vilaine
Another curiosity to see in Rennes: the Vilaine. Crossing the city, its banks have been developed to be able to enjoy it throughout the year. Start with a walk or bike ride on the Mail François Mitterrand and continue along the quays: beautiful buildings, barges, locks ... a country walk in the city! Along the way, you can rest your legs by sitting on a bench.
The villain
Feel in the countryside at the Ferme des Gayeulles
What to see in Rennes if you are in need of nature? La Ferme des Gayeulles welcomes you to spend a moment in contact with animals: rabbits, chickens or geese frolic quietly in this special place. The farm offers many activities linked to biodiversity : permaculture workshops, animal care, making butter or local apple juice, etc.
The Gayeulles farm
Feast on Breton gastronomy
After a visit, nothing like a good restaurant where to taste local specialties ! The city is dotted with creperies offering savory pancakes or sweet pancakes. Most establishments offer Kouign Amann for dessert, washed down with a bowl of farmhouse cider!
The Kouign Amann
Take a tour of the Halles Centrales
In the historic center, do not miss this beautiful building with a crazy look ! To see in Rennes, the central halls are in fact a food market where Rennes come to stock up on fresh produce. Open daily, this is a place not to be missed if you need to refuel!
The central Halls of Rennes (the Criée)
Useful information
Here is some additional information to help you organize your stay:
- Rennes is only 1h25 from Paris thanks to the LGV (High Speed Line).
- The Tourist Office offers guided tours to discover all the places to see in Rennes. Reservation required on their site!
- La Star, which manages Rennes buses and metros, offers passes ranging from 1 to 7 days. Convenient for getting around the city easily!
- The weather can be very changeable in Rennes. Plan to support it all the time!
The essentials of Rennes and after?
So many wonders to see in Rennes! If you have time, do not hesitate to visit the surroundings: the region is full of incredible places that it would be a shame to miss. Forests, coastal towns, magical gardens… there is plenty to do for a holiday under the Breton sun!
