What to do in Rennes

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic cathedral with two towers and a large central window.
A blue building with a glass door open, revealing people inside.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a well-maintained garden with various plants, and a clear blue sky.
A bustling European street with half-timbered buildings, outdoor cafes, and pedestrians.
A historic building with a sign for 'Auberge du Chaudron Medieval Restaurant'.

Rennes Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Rennes has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Rennes is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Rennes to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Rennes Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Rennes.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Rennes attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

GPS Audioguide application: From the Parliament of Brittany to the famous half-timbered houses

Rennes Audioguided Walking Tour 1h50 and 25 Audio Comments

CA $10
per traveller
Rennes Audioguided Walking Tour 1h50 and 25 Audio Comments
From Medieval Gates to Art Deco Waves: Audio Tour of Rennes

From Medieval Gates to Art Deco Waves: Audio Tour of Rennes

CA $14
per adult
From Medieval Gates to Art Deco Waves: Audio Tour of Rennes
Track game zombie apocalypse in Rennes

Escape game outdoor The Walking Dead in Rennes

CA $112
per traveller
Escape game outdoor The Walking Dead in Rennes
Rennes: Private Guided Walking Tour

Rennes: Private Guided Walking Tour

CA $508
per traveller
Rennes: Private Guided Walking Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Rennes Cathedral

Rennes Cathedral is an imposing structure that serves as a religious icon for the city. Its neoclassical décor and giant emblem of the Sun King make it one of the area’s most recognizable spots. Take a walk inside the spacious nave of the church to appreciate its serene ambiance.
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A historic building with large arched windows and ornate columns.

2. Thabor Botanic Gardens

Thabor Botanic Gardens is a central park with a French-style layout and colorful floral displays. Its 25 acres (10 hectares) of picturesque grounds contain statues, a bandstand, a playground and a large greenhouse where tropical plants flourish. Spend a relaxing afternoon sitting on a bench in these serene surroundings.
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A garden with flowering trees, a gravel path, and a building with a red roof.

3. Place des Lices

Place des Lices is a charming plaza with timbered houses and an old-fashioned market selling fruit, vegetables and all sorts of trinkets and gems. Visit the covered stalls at its center to purchase fish and fresh produce.
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A historic half-timbered building with a traditional street lamp.

4. Parliament of Brittany

The Palais du Parlement, in the heart of Rennes, is a regal structure and a symbol of the history of Brittany. Its past is entwined with lawmakers, political powers and royal Parisian architecture. The stately palace, which lies in the plaza of the same name, is among the city’s highlights. Take a guided tour of the mansion to learn about the story behind each of its many rooms.
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A historic building with classical architecture, featuring arched windows and detailed stonework.

5. Musée de Bretagne

The Musée de Bretagne is a modern museum that tells the story of Brittany. Its permanent displays use images and artifacts to show how the pleasant, green region developed over time. The museum is an essential part of the Champs Libres, a giant complex containing the Espace des Sciences and the City Library. Make your way through the various exhibits for a better understanding of Rennes and its place in the region.
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The exterior of the Musée de Bretagne with large glass windows reflecting the cityscape.

Recommended things to do in Rennes

Number of things to do
19
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Rennes Interactive City tour: CA $12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Rennes

Stay near popular Rennes attractions

A historic building with large arched windows and ornate columns.

Rennes Cathedral

8.8/10 (207 reviews)
Peruse the intriguing pictorial art and see rare marble from the Roman Forum in this Roman Catholic cathedral encompassing many styles.
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Where to stay in Rennes

Find the best Rennes areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Rennes
Learn more about Rennes
A historic half-timbered building with a traditional street lamp.

Rennes Centre

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.
A narrow street lined with historic half-timbered buildings.

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.
A garden with a variety of roses in full bloom, a gravel path, and a building with a red-tiled roof in the background.

Thabor - Saint-Hélier

Visitors to Thabor - Saint-Hélier like its bars and parks, and Thabor Botanic Gardens is a sight worth a stop.
A modern building with a curved glass facade and a dome structure. There are trees in front of the building, and people are walking around.

Colombier - Champ de Mars

You might enjoy the spas while in Colombier - Champ de Mars. Musée de Bretagne is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Charles de Gaulle Metro Station or Colombier Station to see more of the city.
A train station with multiple tracks and trains, surrounded by modern buildings.

Saint-Hélier

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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Rennes

A historic town with a prominent castle, narrow streets, and surrounding greenery.

Cesson-Sevigne

A narrow cobblestone street flanked by historic half-timbered buildings with visible timber framing and a bench in the foreground.

Chantepie

Frequently asked questions

Is Rennes worth visiting?
Whether you want to experience the cultural highlights and local charm or sample unique foods and venture into nature, there are plenty of things to do in Rennes.
How do I spend a day in Rennes?
Kick your day off with a visit to Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Foret Adrenaline Rennes. Then, explore other areas of Rennes for tasty eats and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Rennes?
Don't leave without checking out Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, rated the top tourist attraction in Rennes.
Is three days enough to stay in Rennes?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off the leading city sights, like Palais du Parlement de Bretagne, Place de la Gare and Thabor Botanic Gardens. The average stay in Rennes is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your adventure, Rennes Centre isn't far away.
Is Rennes a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to see and do in Rennes. Several top attractions, such as Palais du Parlement de Bretagne and Place de la Gare, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Rennes's best neighbourhoods, Colombier - Champ de Mars is 0.64 kilometres away from downtown, while Saint-Hélier is 2 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Rennes with kids?
If you're searching for sights and tours for all of your group, take a look at these excellent ideas for what to do in Rennes with kids.

What to do in Rennes for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Rennes for adults including Écomusée de la Bintinai and Irisa - Research Institute Computer And Systems Aléatoires.
Are there free things to do in Rennes?
From enjoying parks to wandering around exciting neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to find free things to do in Rennes. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. Place de la Gare is a great spot for anyone looking to save on their travelling adventures.

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