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Rennes

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19 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.

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Tips

10 places on the map

Top 10

  1. 1

    17th-century parliament with gilded ceilings, Brittany's grandest building.

    • Tip: At night
    • Tip: Book ahead
    2 tips
    • Guided tours via the tourist office
    • Lit up beautifully at night
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  2. 2

    Splendid public park with French garden, rose garden and bandstand.

    3 tips
    • Free entry
    • Rose garden peaks in June
    • Aviary popular with kids
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  3. 3

    One of France's biggest Saturday markets around the Halles Martenot.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Try a galette-saucisse
    • Arrive before 10am
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  4. 4

    Neoclassical cathedral with a richly gilded interior.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Free entry
    • See the Flemish carved altarpiece
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  5. 5

    Cultural centre housing the Musée de Bretagne, library and science space.

    3 tips
    • Musée de Bretagne covers regional history
    • Planetarium shows need tickets
    • Top-floor terrace has views
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  6. 6

    Fine arts museum with works from Leonardo drawings to Picasso.

    • Must know: Closed Mondays
    2 tips
    • See La Tour's Newborn
    • Allow two hours
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  7. 7

    Square lined with colourful half-timbered houses and bars.

    • Tip: At night
    3 tips
    • Lively in the evening
    • Look at the Jacobins convent
    • Metro station on site
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  8. 8

    Charming street of timber-framed houses full of crêperies.

    • Tip: Go early
    2 tips
    • Great for crêpes and galettes
    • Leads to the Saint-Georges palace
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  9. 9

    Medieval fortified gate, the last remnant of the city walls.

    3 tips
    • Dukes of Brittany entered here
    • Free to walk through
    • Walk the rampart garden nearby
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  10. 10

    Elegant 18th-century town hall facing the Opéra.

    3 tips
    • Square hosts events and markets
    • See the clock tower
    • Opera across the square
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Before you go: Rennes tips

Transportation

  • Ride the STAR metro: Rennes has two automated metro lines, a and b, plus buses; load tickets onto a KorriGo card or use the STAR app.
  • Arrive by TGV: high-speed trains link Paris Montparnasse to Rennes in about ninety minutes, and the station connects directly to the metro.
  • Rent a STAR bike: the city bike-share system is handy for the flat centre and the canal paths along the Ille and Vilaine.

Security

  • Mind Rue Saint-Michel at night: nicknamed Rue de la Soif for its bars, it gets rowdy late on weekends; enjoy it but keep an eye on your belongings.
  • Watch for pickpockets: the train station area and the busy Saturday market are where bag thefts are most likely; keep bags closed and in front.
  • Validate your ticket: inspectors check metro and bus tickets regularly, and fines for not validating are steep.

Saving

  • Lunch on a formule: many bistros and crêperies offer a set lunch menu that is much cheaper than ordering à la carte at dinner.
  • Visit free sites: the Parc du Thabor gardens and the old town's half-timbered streets are free to explore, and the Parlement de Bretagne has tours.
  • Grab a galette saucisse: the iconic sausage wrapped in a buckwheat galette is a cheap, filling street snack, especially at markets and football matches.

Weather/Clothing

  • Expect drizzle: Rennes has a mild oceanic climate with frequent light rain; pack a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket year round.
  • Layer for summer: summers are pleasantly warm but rarely very hot, and evenings can be cool, so bring a light jumper.
  • Dress warm in winter: winters are mild but damp and grey; a warm coat, scarf and waterproof shoes keep you comfortable.

Cultural

  • Pair galettes with cider: in Brittany buckwheat galettes are savoury and crêpes sweet; drink local cidre from a ceramic bolée.
  • Greet with bonjour: always say bonjour when entering shops and cafés, and au revoir when leaving; it is expected politeness in France.
  • Catch a festival: Rennes is known for the Transmusicales music festival in December and Les Tombées de la Nuit arts festival in summer.

Local Hacks

  • Shop the Marché des Lices: on Saturday mornings this is one of France's biggest food markets; go early for the best produce and local specialities.
  • Try kouign-amann: this buttery, caramelised Breton pastry is best from a local boulangerie, ideally still warm.
  • Day trip by bus or train: direct buses run from Rennes to Mont-Saint-Michel, and TER trains reach Saint-Malo, making easy day trips.

1-day itineraries in Rennes

Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.

Day 1 of 2

Cathédrale Saint-Pierre and around

🕘 9:30–16:30📍 5 stops

  1. 1Cathédrale Saint-Pierre
  2. 2Portes Mordelaises
  3. 3Marché des Lices
  4. 4Place Sainte-Anne
  5. 5Parlement de Bretagne
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Day 2 of 2

Rue Saint-Georges and around

🕘 9:30–17:00📍 5 stops

  1. 1Rue Saint-Georges
  2. 2Halles Centrales
  3. 3Les Champs Libres
  4. 4Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes
  5. 5Parc du Thabor
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