Rennes

Travel Guide
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Michel Angot
Markets, museums, historical buildings and an interactive science center draw travelers to the center of this city in the serene Brittany countryside.

Rennes is the capital of the Brittany region in northwestern France. A large, spacious plaza in its center is surrounded by structures of great historical significance. Visit the many museums of art and history scattered around the city alongside parks, gardens and university buildings. The city hosts several annual music and film festivals.

Locate the Place des Lices in the town center. Due to its accessible and practical location, it is a popular meeting point for locals and travelers. Browse the market in the central square, which leads to Place Rallier-du-Baty. Majestic townhouses surround the plaza.

The Rennes Cathedral, which dates back to the sixth century, has a neoclassical design with two towers full of window displays and elegant decorations. Walk around the interior and gaze up at the elegant arched ceiling and columns on either side of the nave. It is also known as Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Rennes. 

Make your way to the 17th-century wonder, the Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, the last building to house Brittany’s old parliament. It now serves as the Courts of Appeal for the city of Rennes. The building’s grand design features a gray lower story, a white second floor and a roof decorated with gold spikes and statues.

Browse the vast archeological collection at the Musée de Bretagne from prehistoric to modern times. Discover the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a former army captain who was wrongly accused of a crime.

The museum shares a building with a grand library and the Espace des Sciences, a center that brings science to life with interactive exhibitions. Take the kids to Merlin’s Laboratory, where they can do their own experiments. 

Uncover the fascinating history of Rennes before enjoying the picturesque Brittany countryside.

Where to stay in Rennes

Place des Lices featuring a house

Rennes Centre

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Parliament of Brittany and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Rennes Centre. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Republique Station or Saint-Germain Station.

Rennes Centre
Capital of the Ille-et-Vilaine department and of the region of Brittany, Rennes is located 55km south of the English Channel.
An authentic student town, Rennes has maintained a significant medieval and classical heritage. In the historic centre, the Portes Mordelaises – a castle entrance gate which formed part of the town’s old fortifications – loom large. Among the 90 buildings classified as “historic monuments”, tourists can admire the Duchesne Tower, the Notre-Dame-en-Saint-Melaine church, the Place du Parlement-de-Bretagne, and the numerous impressive facades of buildings in the Old Town.
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Dinan - Saint-Malo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Dinan - Saint-Malo and surrounding area, you can visit Le Couvent des Jacobins and Place des Lices.

Dinan - Saint-Malo
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Italie

When in Italie and the surrounding area, you'll want to check out sights like Place de la Gare or Musee de Bretagne and hop on the metro to see more the city at Italie Station or Henri Freville Station.

Italie

Sud-Gare

While you're strolling through Sud-Gare, you may want to check out the restaurants and historic sites. If you want to see more of the area, hop on the metro at Clemenceau Station or Jacques Cartier Station.

Sud-Gare

Saint-Hélier

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You might enjoy the restaurants on your visit to Saint-Hélier. Visitors recommend a visit to Place de la Gare, and you can get around town on the metro at Gares Station.

Saint-Hélier
Thabor Botanic Gardens which includes flowers and a garden

Thabor - Saint-Hélier

Visitors to Thabor - Saint-Hélier like its bars and parks, and Thabor Botanic Gardens is a sight worth a stop.

Thabor - Saint-Hélier
Mama Shelter Rennes
Mama Shelter Rennes
4 out of 5
3 Place de la Trinite, Rennes, FRANCE
The price is CA $145 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $145
CA $165 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Place des Lices and Rennes Cathedral are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (107 reviews)
Great hotel - would stay again
"Great hotel. Lots of amenities such as restaurants, bars, pool, gym and karaoke. Lovely well decorated, clean rooms with comfortable beds. Great safe and central location. Only minor negative (not worth any stars as you can read the reviews and prepare in advance) is not providing toiletries in the ..."

Reviewed on Apr. 6, 2024

Mama Shelter Rennes
Le Nemours Rennes
Le Nemours Rennes
3 out of 5
5 rue de Nemours, Rennes
The price is CA $126 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $126
CA $143 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Popular attractions Halles Centrales and Rennes Opera House are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (480 reviews)
Charming double privilege room
"Loved the Juliet balcony, hotel character and central location. Staff is wonderful."

Reviewed on Apr. 30, 2024

Le Nemours Rennes
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
2 out of 5
35 rue d'Antrain, Rennes
The price is CA $91 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $91
CA $102 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (555 reviews)
"I like a simple, clean, affordable and accessible place to stay. Adagio Rennes is all of these things. I particularly liked the location."

Reviewed on Sep. 25, 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
2 out of 5
35 rue d'Antrain, Rennes
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (555 reviews)
"I like a simple, clean, affordable and accessible place to stay. Adagio Rennes is all of these things. I particularly liked the location."

Reviewed on Sep. 25, 2023

Aparthotel Adagio Access Rennes Centre
Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
3 out of 5
2, rue Lorgeril, Rennes
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (369 reviews)
"Clean room, good parking location, but small. Nice staff"

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2023

Odalys City Rennes Lorgeril
Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
1, Rue Aurelie Nemours, Rennes, Ille-et-Vilaine
Book a stay at this business-friendly residence in Rennes. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Le Couvent des ...
7.6/10 Good! (382 reviews)
"Friendly helpful staff. Upgraded to larger room . Enjoyed my stay. Thank you"

Reviewed on Mar. 27, 2023

Appart'City Classic Rennes Beauregard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Rennes

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 42.857142857142854%
4 - Good
4
" "4 - Good 57.142857142857146%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
Jul. 21, 2019

Great market. Good dining in the city at a very reasonable price

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jul. 2, 2019

Was there for the Womens world cup soccer game. I didnt do anything other than attend the game, sleep and head back to Paris the next day.

4/5 - Good

PA
Aug. 23, 2018

It is known as a ‘University’ City. Best to vacation when school isn’t in in September if you are interested in live music and perhaps more lively exhibits.

Cities near Rennes