Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or do

Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or do

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.




Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doThe 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.

Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doPlace 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.
Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doThe 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!


Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doMuseum 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!

Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doSaint-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!




Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doThabor 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.


Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or do 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.



Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doThe 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!

Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doThe 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!



Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or doThe 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!

add a comment of Our essentials in Rennes: 10 places to see or do
Comment sent successfully! We will review it in the next few hours.