Rennes, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ready to find the hidden city gems of Rennes? It's the lively capital of Brittany in northern France. You can explore its rich history, visit fascinating museums, enjoy green parks, and discover famous food stands. Rennes offers many attractions like the Parlement de Bretagne and its local food. So, why should you visit this place filled with culture?

Key Takeaways

• Rennes, the capital of Brittany, offers a wealth of historic monuments, museums, and cultural experiences.
• The city's walkable old town, featuring half-timbered houses and 18th-century mansions, provides a glimpse into its storied past.
• Rennes' expansive green spaces, such as the Parc du Thabor and Parc des Gayeulles, offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• The city's vibrant markets, including the famous Marché des Lices, showcase the best of Breton cuisine and local specialties.
• Rennes' cultural attractions, from the Cathédrale St-Pierre to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, cater to a range of interests.

Exploring Historic Rennes

The charming old town of Rennes survived a big fire in 1720. It's perfect for a walk. You'll see old buildings, some are more than a hundred years old. Don't miss the Rue de la Psalette, Rue du Chapitre, and Hôtel de Blossac. These places show Rennes' long and rich history.

Duchesne Tower

The Duchesne Tower from the 15th century is in good shape today. It's part of Rennes' old city walls. This tower was key for Rennes' defense. Historians think it was the house of Jehan du Chesne, a gatekeeper. So, it's a special place to see.

Parlement de Bretagne

The Parlement de Bretagne was Brittany's court from 1554 until 1790's French Revolution. It's known for its impressive 17th-century design. Today, it's still a court and you can visit. Join a tour to see its beautiful architecture up close.

Porte Mordelaise

The Porte Mordelaise is part of the old city walls, built in the 15th century. It has a special entrance look. This gate was where important city ceremonies happened. The gate has Montfort Dukes' signs. They were important in Brittany from the 14th to 16th centuries. So, it's a real connection to medieval times.

Rennes' Green Spaces

Rennes is known for its rich green areas, a stark contrast to its bustling streets. You can visit the various parks like Parc du Thabor, Parc des Gayeulles, and Parc Oberthür. Each one has something special to offer, making them perfect for leisure and outdoor activities.

Parc du Thabor

The Parc du Thabor is situated in Rennes' northeast. It spans 10 hectares and dates back to the 19th century. Known for its beautiful gardens and fountains, it's a peaceful spot. The park lights up during the Tombées de la Nuit festival, giving visitors a chance to enjoy art in nature.

Parc des Gayeulles

The Parc de Gayeulles is a vast area in the same direction of Rennes. It's over 100 acres big and filled with fields, forests, and lakes. Plus, you can find fun spots like a zoo, a skating rink, and boats for rent. This park is well-loved by people who want to exercise or simply enjoy the outdoors in the heart of Rennes.

Parc Oberthür

Located in central Rennes, the Parc Oberthür was a private place in the 18th century. It’s 3 hectares and was originally designed for a local businessman. The park boasts impressive trees and a pretty pond. Despite being in the city center, it's a peaceful escape from urban life.

Cultural Attractions in Rennes

Rennes is the capital of Brittany. It's full of culture seen in its museums and historic sites. The city has everything from the grand Cathédrale St-Pierre to the modern Les Champs Libres. These places show Rennes' variety of culture and are fun for everyone.

Cathédrale St-Pierre

The Cathédrale St-Pierre shines with neoclassical beauty. It was built in 1845 but stands where a cathedral existed since the 6th century. It's important to Rennes' Roman Catholics. Everyone is welcome to see its amazing design and the grand organ.

Les Champs Libres

Les Champs Libres is a modern spot in Rennes. It has a library, a science center with a planetarium, and the Musée de Bretagne. This glass building is a new addition to Rennes' scenery and has many exhibitions and events.

Musée des Beaux-Arts

The Musée des Beaux-Arts tells its story since 1794. It started during the French Revolution. People can see art from ancient times to today, made by artists like Leonardo da Vinci. This museum, in a 19th-century building, is great for art lovers.

Musée de Bretagne

The Musée de Bretagne lives in Les Champs Libres. It shows Brittany's culture and history with over 300,000 items. It takes visitors on a journey through Brittany's past. It helps people understand Brittany's unique identity.

Vibrant Markets and Squares

Located near the heart of Rennes, the La Place des Lices dazzles with its Breton-style buildings. Every Saturday, the market here comes alive. This market has been a local favorite since 1483 and is the second biggest in France.

There, you can find over 300 vendors selling local goods, arts, and tasty foods. The mix of the bustling market and historical architecture gives the area a special vibe.

Marché des Lices

The Marché des Lices is a standout among Rennes' many markets. It's the biggest and most well-known, drawing over 300 businesses. This makes it the third largest in all of France.

Foodies should not miss it. The market offers Breton favorites like galette-saucisse, along with fresh foods, cheeses, and more. Strolling through the market is a top way to get to know Rennes' food scene.

Rennes, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Rennes is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning nature. It's found in the beautiful Brittany region of France. You can dive into the city's past by wandering through its Rennes old town and medieval architecture.

If you love exploring markets and green spaces, Rennes won't disappoint. It's also home to top-notch Rennes museums. These spots offer a look into the city's Gallo-Roman and medieval history. But that's not all.

Rennes is also alive with a contemporary cultural scene. This includes everything from music to art. No matter what you're into, Rennes is sure to charm you. Our guide showcases all the best spots in this Rennes travel guide.

Rennes is packed with attractions and landmarks steeped in history. For anyone visiting the Brittany region of France, it should be at the top of your list. The city is compact and easy to walk around.

It feels young and full of life, with something cool to see at every turn. Rennes truly captures the heart of northern France with its charm and energy.

Historic Architecture

At the edge of Parc du Thabor stands the L'Eglise Notre Dame en Saint-Melaine church. It was built from the 6th to the 19th centuries, showing different architectural styles. These include Roman, Gothic, and neoclassical designs.

This church was used as a temporary cathedral when St-Pierre was under construction. Inside, you'll find a 15th-century painting of Christ's baptism. This adds to the church's historical and artistic importance.

The Opéra de Rennes in Rennes is a remarkable opera house. It was built in 1836 and is a historic monument in France. Inside, there's a concert hall adorned with paintings by Jean-Julian Lemordant from the early 20th century.

Besides operas, the Opéra de Rennes also hosts different events. They have heritage days and open days for people to see rehearsals and join workshops. This lets visitors get to know the city's lively performing arts scene better.

Art and Photography

The Eleven Art Gallery in Rennes is special because it shows photos from new and well-known artists worldwide. Michel-François Salmon started it with a lot of love. It has pictures by Ian Sanderson, Gwenaëlle Gonzalez, and other photographers from Brittany.

If you love art and photos, you can't miss the Eleven Art Gallery in Rennes. It's a great place to see what's happening in Rennes' art and photography world.

Outdoor Activities in Rennes

Rennes is perfect for those who love outdoor recreation. It balances well its rich history and culture with nature spots. You'll find large Rennes parks and gardens everywhere, like Parc du Thabor and Parc Oberthür. These areas are great for outdoor fun such as hiking or cycling. You can visit lakes and zoos in the city's Rennes green spaces for a close-to-nature experience.

The Parc du Thabor is a beautiful, 10-hectare park in northeast Rennes. It has several gardens and areas for relaxing, like the rose garden. This park really comes alive during outdoor art festivals. It becomes a quiet place to escape from the city's noise.

The Parc de Gayeulles is a huge 100-acre park northeast of the city. It offers a lot, from open fields to walking paths. You can also find a zoo, a skating rink, and boats to rent there. It's the go-to spot for enjoying the outdoors in Rennes.

Parc Oberthür, in central Rennes, is a 3-hectare park. It was once a private garden made for a local family. The park has old trees and a lovely pond. It's a peaceful place right in the city.

The city's many Rennes parks and gardens let visitors enjoy nature and outdoor fun. They are key in making Rennes unique and lovely.

Culinary Experiences

Rennes is a dream for those who love food. It has a deep food history and a lively Rennes food culture. The city’s famous dish is the galette-saucisse, a sausage inside a buckwheat crêpe. you’ll see this at the busy Marché des Lices market and from street food vendors. Also famous are its cider, salted butter, and Reinette apples. Rennes has a mix of restaurants, from old Breton places to new, worldwide influenced spots. This lets everyone explore the city’s food scene.

Restaurants and Cafés

Rennes is alive with many dining choices. Like Coquille on Rue Nantaise, where the chef mixes Breton ingredients with Asian flavors. The Café Breton is also famous, with a big menu of old and new French dishes. Fans love Pierre Restaurant de Copains. It’s led by a Top Chef star and always buzzing. Then there’s Chawp Shop Kphet, a true Thai gem. If you want something laid-back, the city's many cafés are perfect. Places like Bar Le Doujezu are great for trying Rennes local cuisine in a friendly setting.

Nightlife in Rennes

Rennes is known for its exciting Rennes nightlife. It has something for everyone, including different music styles. At Bar Le Doujezu, you'll find a mix of people enjoying its energetic rock vibes. The 1988 Live Club is a top spot for fans of Rennes music scene. It features DJs from all over Europe for an unforgettable night.

If you love live music, Rennes won't disappoint. The MeM stands out with its special tent setting for concerts. Rennes also boasts a lively scene of bars and clubs. Plus, the city is gaining fame for its music festivals. This makes it a perfect place for anyone looking for fun at night.

Accommodations in Rennes

Rennes offers a wide choice of places to stay, fitting various budgets and tastes. The Magic Hall hotel stands out, themed around music. It has soundproofed music rooms and unique guest rooms. Its location near top attractions and lively places makes it perfect for exploring the city's culture.

Besides the Magic Hall hotel, Rennes has many different hotels. You can find luxurious or budget-friendly options easily. This lets you pick the best place to stay for your Rennes trip.

Looking for a more homey feel? Consider vacation rentals in Rennes. These places let you enjoy Rennes like a local. They're in the city center, offering both comfort and a genuine experience.

With many Rennes hotels, Rennes lodging, and Rennes accommodation options, there's something for everyone. Travelers have a lot of choices when looking for a place to stay in Brittany.

Conclusion

Rennes is the lively capital of Brittany, full of things to do. It's known for its old buildings, museums, and beautiful parks. You can also find great markets and local food there.

This city is a mix of ancient and modern. Whether you love history, art, or just walking around, Rennes has it all. It's a perfect place to see the best of Brittany, with its history, culture, and nature ready to be explored.